Micrae

BigRuss - We will likely cut a night off Granada as you suggest. Madrid is no longer 7 nights but remains at 6 mostly because of day trips to Toledo and Segovia, so we'll really only have 3 full days in Madrid. Our desire to see Ronda is a little hard to quantify. It's partly from comments on forums, partly guidebooks and partly a reaction to some of the beautiful pictures we've seen. Not to mention, positive feedback on this thread and, most important of all, it's been big on my wife's list thus far. And thanks for the apartment suggestion. We've never done that before, but have often thought about it. We're soccer fans and would love to see a European match live. We'll check that out for sure.

kimhe and yorkshire - we've been checking out information on the patio festival in Cordoba and are considering tucking that night we carved off Granada there, so thanks.

And now lincasanova comes along and tells me I can get to Valencia from Seville on a high speed train in under 4 hours. Valencia was a hard cut for me when we were putting together an itinerary before we posted, so I'm thinking that over too and appreciate the post. Still looks doubtful as we're stretched thin as is.

So we started off being uncertain about the middle part of this trip and it remains a work in progress, although Seville feels solid like Madrid and Barcelona. But we've learned a lot and looked into a lot of cool stuff thanks to everyone's input. We're going to hibernate for a few days and then see if we can reach a consensus on what's in and what's out.

Much appreciated!

kja

> kimhe and yorkshire - we've been checking out information on the patio festival in Cordoba and are considering tucking that night we carved off Granada there, so thanks.

That really is a great idea. I'm glad to hear that you are considering it.

lincasanova

I like to stir things up a little. Sorry.

kimhe

Glad to hear that you consider Córdoba for the patio festival, could be a great experience!

During the patio festival, there are outdoor concerts almost every night at about 10pm. Takes place in either majestic Plaza de la Corredera, the beautiful gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos or in the Patio de las Campanas. Some of the finest flamenco and copla artists come to Córdoba for the event.
The Alcázar gardens: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/alcazar.htm
Plaza de la Corredera: http://www.google.no/search?q=plaza+...w=1600&bih=719

For lunch/dinner I suggest you go a little north of the old town (2-300 meters) - to the central area around Plaza de las Tendillas and Plaza de la Corredera - to find lots of local atmosphere, affordable and traditional tabernas. Had excellent meals in some of them last summer. At night, we used to pay some 30-35€ included a bottle of wine and a couple of brandys. Taberna Salinas is one of the more famous, recommended by the Michelin guide: http://www.tabernasalinas.com/

I loved Taberna El Gallo in C/Mária Cristina, 6, two minutes from Plaza de las Tendillas, close to the Roman ruins. Great wines - try the dry Amargoso - and excellent tapas. In one word: Genuine!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html
http://cordobapedia.wikanda.es/wiki/Taberna_El_Gallo

Here's a list of more tabernas in Córdoba. http://www.cordoba24.info/tavernen/h...vernen_en.html

And remember to try the local Montilla-Moriles wines, somewhat like sherry (Jeréz). The dry (fino) is excellent and is had with tapas in every bar.

Nice bars and cafés with outdoor terraces in and around central Plaza de las Tendillas long into the night.