I am planning a trip to Spain this fall leaving 11/7 for 10 days. We are going to start in Seville where we are visiting our son in school there. We plan 4 or 5 days in Seville and want 2 nights (one full day) in Toledo and then 2 or 3 days in Madrid.<BR><BR>My question is: it would take 3 days to visit Granada: one day traveling there from Seville (train 3-4 hours), one day there to see the Alhambra etc., and then a 7-8 hours train trip to Toledo via Madrid. Would it be worth it. How great is it (the Alhambra). Is it a not to be missed or a see another time given our short time and it basicall costing us 3 day&gt;<BR><BR>

For me it is worth it. However I think this is a personal choice, for me although Toledo is beautiful I rather visit Granada which is unique and fascinating, the Alhambra I mean.<BR>Spain is a land of many , many fascinating destinations, it is imposible to see them all in a few days. If I were you I would make a choice and stick to it leaving for the future other areas.You can certainly visit Sevilla, then go South visit Granada and then Toledo . It would be better I think if you consider driving on your way back.

"How great is it (the Alhambra)." Let see.... remember that collection of stories "Arabian Nights"? Well, it is believed that Spain's The Alahambra and its gardens (El Generalife) inspired the actual palace and gardens described in the story. It is that spectacular. Don't miss Granada. The Cathedral (Burial Pantheon of Ferdinand and Isabella) is another sight worth a stop. <BR><BR>Regarding the logistics, I don't quite get scratching a whole day due to a train ride from Seville (can you travel the night before?) Neither do I get the train to Toledo via Madrid (isn't it the other way around if you are traveling from Andalucia?). Could you see Alhambra early and travel to Toledo after 2-3pm? It's interesting how ther are people who post on how they plan to see Seville and Granada in the morning and Toledo in the afternoon and here you are stretching three days what, if well planned, could be done in 1.5 days.

Thanks for the reply Maira and Graziella! I would consider driving if I had to but would rather stick to a train between Cities if I'm not just roaming around the countryside.<BR><BR>Can anyone suggest how I can leave Seville and see the Alhambra in Granada and get to Toledo quicker? I guess I could leave Seville early-see the Alhambra in the afternoon (reserve ahead) and then take a train at 7:55 to Madrid and another to Toledo. I'd get to Toledo about 1600 or 1700. Any suggestions. How long would it take to drive?

Granada should be a very easyand enjoyable day trip during your 4/5 day stay in Sevilla.Thenyou should take the Ave train directly to Madrid. Once again ,Toledo is about an hour train ride from Madrid.Take the morning train into Toledo,spend the day and sleep in Madrid, not necessary to spend 2 nights in Toled.This plan really does make more economical use of your time and you'll actually have time to visit Segovia or El Escorial or just relax and enjoy Madrid!

Just saw the few additions to your question. I don´t understand the train to Alhambra and Granada. Busses are wonderful, cool and pleasant. I´d take the bus before the train here, and you have a number of options to Granada. Don´t miss the Alhambra if you can help it. It will be worth it, but buy your tickets in advance on the web (two to three days). Even the day of tickets will sell out by noon. Most people who get there after 0830 will not get in in August, and after 0900 in September it is a risk. Good luck.

Another option is companies in Seville offer one day guided tours of Alhambra you could try them.<BR><BR>Definitely worth it.

Yes, I would see the Alhambra. It's personal because I like this kind of architecture, Moorish. To me, it's beautiful. If you are on a tight schedule, I would recommend book the tickets to the Alhambra in advance by phone and pick them up by the entrace to the Alhambra. I saw people queuing up very early in the morning to get tickets becasue they only allow a certain number of people in per day. The Alhambra has their official website: www.alhambra.org (you can get the phone number to call from the site, I think); and www.granadainfo.com also offers some info.<BR>Toleodo is very close to Madrid and there are many trains running between the two cities in a day. May be the schedules in the RENFE site www.renfe.es can offer some help in your planning.