I am trying to plan a tour of Spain. The one we have decided on is 12 days on the Costa Del Sol and Madrid. Am I missing alot by leaving Barcelona out? Here is itinerary - Day 1 - flying in from states Day 2 arrive in Malaga Day 3- tour Malaga including Malaga's cathedral day 4 - excursion to Gibraltar day 5 - free day (thinking about Ronda and would love some input) day 6 - tour Marbella, day 7 - tour Seville, day 8 - tour alhambra in Granada, day 9 fly to Madrid; day 10 - tour Madrid, day 11 - tour Toledo. The trip is for May 17 - 29,2001. What changes would make this trip better and how should the weather be during this time of year? The hotels are Hotel Cervantes in Malaga and Hotel Florida Norte in Madrid. I would appreciate any advise. Cordoba is not included in this tour. Should I try to work it in. Thanks in advance for your help.

Dear Sheila: <BR> <BR>Sounds like a busy trip! I went to Spain in April, visiting Madrid, Sevilla, Ronda, Granada and Barcelona. I loved Sevilla and Barcelona --- and I think that you would be missing a lot if you neglected to see Barcelona. It's definitely the most cosmopolitan city in Spain, less typically "Spanish," I think, than Sevilla or other parts of Andalucia. I also encourage you to see Ronda --- very beautiful. However, you can pretty much see the whole city in a long afternoon: perhaps it's best to stop on your way to Sevilla or Granada. My favorite city, however, is Sevilla; I visited for two days, and I still was unable to "see it all." Have a great time!

We were in Spain last October and had 18 days of pure magic. If you follow our itinerary, you will enjoy every last minute. We stayed at the Hotel Opera inexpensive with wonderful coffee/tapas. which is right around the corner from The Palace and down the street from "the Caves"..Plaza Mayor. You must spend more than 1 day in Seville. We stayed in a beautiful apartment (Apartmentos de Santa Cruz)located in the heart of bario de Santa Cruz. Unbelievable. Inexpensive with full apartment accommodations. Ronda was a wonderful 1 day trip take your camera. We stayed in Nerja on the Costa del Sol, it's still a sleepy coastal town in comparison to most of the Costal del Sol. <BR> <BR>If you want any further info on accommodations, please let me know. <BR> <BR>Bon Voyage.

Thanks for the advise and I would love to hear more about your trips. This is my first trip to Spain and would like any help that I can get to make it a great trip. What do tourist wear in Spain? Are short acceptable or should I stick with mostly slacks? Also would love any input on great things to buy in Spain as I always love to shop on vacation. Should I include Cordoba? Thanks again.

Although I love Barcelona, with 12 days I think its best to stick with one region of the country and save Barcelona for another trip. We did a similar 12 day trip (independent package that included hotel, train, and 1/2 day sightseeing) a couple of years ago, using mostly trains, the connection between Seville and Madrid was 2 1/2 hours, between Seville and Cordoba maybe 30 minutes. We rented a car once we got to the Costa del Sol in order to see Ronda and Gibraltar. <BR> <BR>I think you might be shortchanging Seville, however, we didn't visit either Malaga or Marbella so I can't say if I would swap one of those days. Ronda is definitely worth the visit, the drive there from the Costa del Sol was beautiful. You can do a day trip from Seville to Cordoba, although it sounds like you are basing yourself in Malaga. You might consider instead a couple of days in Seville and then taking the train to Madrid instead of flying. <BR> <BR>Definitely find time to find the Alhambra in Granada, Toledo is also worth a visit. Take a bus from Madrid to Toledo, quicker and cheaper than the train, takes about an hour to get there. <BR> <BR>As far as shopping goes, there is some beautiful gold and black jewelry that is from Toledo, silver filigree jewelry (from Cordoba I think) and also Lladro porcelain which is about 40% less than what you pay in the US after you receive the VAT refund. <BR> <BR>If I can be of more help, please feel free to email me.

Barcelona is way out of your way.If you go think seriously about security. <BR>Either spend another day in Seville or add Cadiz. <BR>I'd skip Gibraltar.If you do go,you will wait hours to get your car across the border, whats on the other side is a bit tacky.You can see the Rock without going there.Better to visit Tarifa (nearest point to Africa) then off to Cadiz.(IMO!) <BR> <BR>

just got back from a 14 day tour...heres what we liked from best to worst. toledo; segovia; barcelona; torremelinos; madrid; sevilla; granada. the weather during our stay was VERY hot. no one in spain wears shorts or tennis shoes but i did....who cares. also stayed at hotel cervantes in torremelinos.....they haven't changed the decor since 1968...but it was comfortable. however, its a good walk to get to the beach. if you plan to visit the alahambra in granda research the tickets...they were sold out when we got there.

We will be staying in the Hotel Cervantes in Torremolinos also. We are going with goahead tours so all of the travel has been arranged but we can change our day trips around if we would like. We will be staying 7 nights in the Costa del Sol before flying to Madrid. One day is devoted to going to the colony of Gilbraltar to see the rock and apes? Should I change this day and go to Cordoba which is not included or spend two days at Seville? Is Barcelona more dangerous (as far as pickpockets) than Costa Del Sol and Madrid or are they about the same? Thanks everyone for your advise so far. I have booked this trip but I have a year to plan around it to get the most for my money and appreciate any advise.

Sheila; agree with Kristin, skip Barcelona this time. You'll be planning a return trip to Spain (guaranteed!), and then you could cover Barcelona. Spend at a minimum two days in Seville. Sheila & Cecil, you do not need a full day for Gibraltar. This is a draft: <BR> <BR>DAY 1 Arrival. Malaga sightseeing. (Try not to go to bed inmediately; it will not help fight the jet lag). <BR> <BR>DAY 2 AM Gibraltar PM Ronda <BR> <BR>DAY 3 Granada <BR> <BR>DAY 4 Seville <BR> <BR>DAY 5 Seville <BR> <BR>DAY 6 AM Marbella PM Pueblos Blancos (read & choose) <BR> <BR>DAY 7 Fly (?) to Madrid <BR> <BR>DAY 8 Madrid <BR> <BR>DAY 9 Madrid <BR> <BR>DAY 10 Toledo <BR> <BR>DAY 11 El Escorial- Avila <BR> <BR>DAY 12 DEPARTURE <BR> <BR>This may be a little ambitious, but you won't regret having the chance to experience these wonderful cities. BTW, Sheila & Cecil, what is your transportation? What month are you going?

Maira's got a pretty good itinerary for you. If you're doing Ronda and Gibraltar on the same day, get an early start as the road to Ronda is winding and steep and probably not well lit. Make sure if you go you're planning on driving in daylight hours. If you drive to Gibraltar, don't try to drive into Gibraltar. Park on the Spanish side in La Linea and walk over, I've heard lots of stories of delays getting in and out. I think you can book day trips from the Costa del Sol to Gibraltar and Ronda, definitely to Granada. Since you're not staying there over night, make sure you have tickets to see the Alhambra ahead of time or go on an organized tour where you're sure to get in. <BR> <BR>I thought Gibraltar was fun for a 1/2 day trip, don't go on Sunday as everything's closed, also closed Saturday afternoon. You can take the cable car up the rock, see the Barbary apes and caves, have some fish and chips. If you end up with any Gibraltar money, exchange it before you leave, they won't exchange it back in Spain. <BR> <BR>I've been reading a lot lately on this board about crime in Barcelona. We were just there in late May and didn't personally see or experience any crime nor did we see any last year when we visited. Doesn't mean it's not there, of course, I just think if you exercise caution, that you're likely to be OK whichever cities you choose in Spain.

Sheila, we went to Spain last summer. My daughters (21,21 & 12) wore casual light skirts and tee tops or modest sundresses every day. Lots cooler than slacks and it fit in more with what the Spanish wear than shorts. I am very uncomfortable visiting other peoples' religious sites, such as cathedrals, in shorts or similar clothing.

Sheila <BR> <BR>I just got back a week ago from a 12 day trip to Spain(my first visit to the country). We flew into Barcelona and out of Madrid. <BR> <BR>We spent the first two nights in Barcelona and flew to Seville late on the third day. Barcalona was one of the highlights of the trip. It is a very unique city with the Gaudi architecture, medievil churches, water front and shopping. <BR> <BR>We flew to Seville because of the time it would take to travel by train. It was cheaper then the trin also. We rented a car in Seville. We found driving very easy in southern and central Spain, the highways are good and the reststops are frequent - (it is easy to find gas). We had very little trouble finding our hotels in the town centers, but we had directions to most before we left home. <BR> <BR>We spent 2 nights in Seville, 1 1/2 days. It is a beautiful city, we did not see it all but we were able to see the highlights without problem. I recommend staying in the Santa Cruz area. <BR> <BR>We drove to Granada Spent 2 nights and one full day. Granada is a college town as well as the home of the Alahmbra. It is the most casual city we visited in Spain - shorts and jeans were worn by the students and locals. <BR>Make sure you buy your tickets in advance or get to the Alahmbra at 8AM to buy tickets. The tickets sold out at 10AM the day we were there. <BR> <BR>We drove from Granada to Toledo. Spent 2 nights in Toledo. We stayed at the hotel Cardinal. I would highly recommend it for dinner (great roast pork)and hotel. Great shopping town - time to expand the luggage. <BR>We drove from Toledo to El Escorial - saw the palace and had lunch - then drove to Segovia and spent one night. We drove to Madrid the next morning and spent 2 nights and had 1 1/2 days to see the sights. <BR> <BR>The cities we liked best (3 women) were Barcelona, Toledo and Segovia, but we did enjoy them all. Be careful about planning Sundays. Mosts shops are closed on Sunday and museums are open half days. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

It's me again - <BR> <BR>If you need any recommendations on Hotels - we stayed a good 3* in all the cities. <BR> <BR>Good luck. The Spanish people are friendly but reserved, I am sure you will have a great time. <BR> <BR>Aileen

Just got back into town and wanted to thank everyone for their ideas so far. We did book the Costa Del Sol and Madrid tour with Goahead Vacations. We will not be going to Barcelona. To Maira - the trip is in May of 2001. We will have booked day tours for Gibraltar, Ronda, Marbella, Seville, Granada and sightseeing of Malaga. Also a tour of Toledo is included as an excursion from Madrid. I assume we will be using a charter bus for the day excursions. We did Italy last year with them and it was a great tour. We can change our schedule around and we don't have to do everything or we can do extra. I know I have a long time to plan but I am very excited already. Thanks again for all advise and welcome any.

My friend wants to see a bullfight. Are there any where the bull does not get killed? I am against the violence but was wondering if maybe there is a bullfight that is less violent in the Costa Del Sol or Madrid area? Would appreciate any ideas on this subject. Thanks

Sheila, May is a wonderful month to visit Spain. Your plans sound lovely! You are doing the right thing by planning ahead of time. Do not forget to contact the Spain Ofice of Tourism and ask them for tourism info on the cities you are planning to visit. They usually send really great brochures and maps (free!!). <BR> <BR>As far as the bullfights, I believe in Portugal the bull is not killed, don't know where in Spain would that be the norm as well.

A clarification on Portugese bullfights - The bull isn't killed in the ring in front of spectators, but it is killed for food after the match. <BR> <BR>I'm planning a trip in September of this year, flying in and out of Madrid. My itinerary is: 6 days in Madrid, inc. day trips to Toledo and Segovia and a visit to the ruins at Italica (sp?). Night train to Lisbon and spend 5 days there. Day trip to Sintra. Night train back to Madrid, change to the AVE and spend an afternoon in Cordoba before heading to Seville that evening. Six days in Sevlle, inc. day trip to Jerez and Cadiz. <BR> <BR>I plan to use the train and bus, not a car. I like visiting fewer places but spending more time in each area. I'll report back in October.

Sheila, <BR>You have more than enough to do without Cordoba. I lived in Spain for four years. I took my husband there for the first time,two years ago. Here are my suggestions. <BR> 1. Costa del Sol is like an overgrown beach resort with tall buildings. It has never attracted me though i spent my first honeymoon there. It has some history, it would have to considering where it is, but the really special places are Sevilla, Toledo, Granada, Madrid, Barcelona. <BR> 2. Gibraltar is like a big shopping area, at least it was some years ago. It is interesting but not amazing. <BR> 3. We spent 3 days in Sevilla and i felt we could have used much more. It is VERY old and lovely. Don't forget to see the flamenco. Sevilla is the birthplace of flamenco. <BR> 4. Barcelona is simply great! The buildings by Gaudi are architectural fantasies. There are many wonderful art museums, etc. <BR> 5. Madrid is a beautiful city! It is home to the exquisite Prado Museum, one of the top few museums world; fabulous buildings, fabulous cafe con leche (coffe with steamed milk), fabulous deserts with "nata" (whipped cream), actually, fabulous everything. <BR> 6. Granada is a wonderful old city and the Alhambra is very interesting. <BR> 7. Toledo has the most fascinating old cathedral and a great abundance of my favorite painter, El Greco, who lived and worked in that beautiful little town. <BR> <BR>If you need rest and relaxation, then hang out on the Costa del Sol and choose one or two of the cities to explore. <BR> <BR>My main suggestions would be as above and i would choose to spend two or three days at least in Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, with Toledo and Granada thrown in for a day each. <BR> <BR>Good luck, no matter what you do, get out with the people, they are the best. But please be aware that pickpocketing has gotten a bit out of hand there. <BR> <BR>If you want any further information bout my suggestions or how to outsmart a pickpocket, let me know. I'll be away for a few days but will get back to you when i return.

Hello Sheila -- looks like you are planning a wonderful to Spain next May. We were last there in May as well..quite warm in Madrid, Sevilla, etc. and snow still on the ground crossing the Pyrenees into Franch! Be sure to see the Royal Palace in Madrid; just beautiful. <BR>1. Please don't wear shorts except at the beaches in Spain. Yes, you will see people wearing them; it doesn't make it the right thing to do. You will be far more comfortable and in more appropriate dress in a loose, lightweight flowing skirt or long pants. <BR>2. I strongly suggest you let your friend attend the bullfights alone. Feeling as you already do, you will be highly upset and perhaps physically sickened. <BR>Have a great time. <BR>P.S. I just posted 4 websites all dealing with Travel In Spain today. I hope they will be helpful to you.

To Charley: Thanks for the advice, unfortunately, I cannot go to Barcelona this trip. I will have to return for that city. I do have Sunday free and I am trying to decide between Cordoba or Gibraltar but I am leaning toward Cordoba. I would love outsmarting tips for pickpockets. I do always wear a money belt and usually just keep water, film and maps in my travel bag. <BR>To Happy: Thanks for the advice. I usually wear loose slacks and skirts in Europe. Where are the other websites that you post? Does Madrid and Seville get cool at night in May?