April_Wilson

I will be spending a month in Italy in September 2012 with family and would like to tack on a couple of weeks in Spain with friends. I have never been to Spain and am a bit overwhelmed with the options. Based on other people's post, I came up with this proposed itinerary. There will be 3-4 people ranging from age 30-52. A mix of activities, history, great food options. We aren't into clubs and lots of partying. Anything festivals or event in October would be great to know about. Please comment, advise etc......
I will be flying from Rome on October 12, 2012
10-12-12 Arrive Seville - 5 nights (need suggested day trips)
10-17-12 take train to Cordoba and stay 1 night
10-18-12 take train to Granada and stay 2 nights
10-20-12 fly to Barcelona - 4 Nights
10-24-12 fly to Madrid - 4 Nights
10-28-12 Fly home

Given the time of year would it make more sense to start north and work way south?

Revulgo

From Seville: consider a daytrip to Jerez (home of Sherry wine) and Cádiz.

CathyM

A month in Italy followed by 2 weeks in Spain - how wonderful you get to have this experience!

I think this looks good. Of course it would be nice to have more time in Barcelona so you oculd do a daytrip but I don't know where you'd take the day from (perhaps Sevilla)...it would be a hard choice. You could visit Cordoba as a daytrip from Sevilla if you wanted to avoid a 1-nighter. If you have a group of 3 adults you may find it hard to find hotel rooms with triples - often times they'll put an extra bed in a room but it makes space tight. I'd consider staying in apartments for the stays longer than 3 nights.

From Sevilla if you have 5 nights you could probably do 2 daytrips. Since you've already included a night Cordoba I'd consider Cadiz, Jerez, Sanlucar, Arcos or Ronda. You'll likely be able to do a daytrip from Madrid (maybe 2 depending on your travel style). I'd recommend Toledo and Segovia.

April_Wilson

I am looking at hotel only for Granada and Cordoba and apartments for the other cities.

Aramis

From Seville, with 5 days, I would definitely visit Ronda as day trip.

Do you know that Cordoba is an easy 50 minute train ride from Seville? You could turn Cordoba into a day trip and add an extra night to Seville, Madrid or Barcelona.

Madrid offers a couple of superb day trips; Toledo and Segovia.

Consider the bus to Granada. It takes about the same time as the train and may be more convenient depending on where you are staying and your schedule.

Given Spain's geography, and it's effect on climate (Madrid is situated on an elevated central plain and gets much cooler than either Barcelona and Andalucia outside of the summer) , it might make the most sense to visit Madrid first, then move to Andalucia and then Barcelona - presuming that you will ultimately depart Spain from Barcelona or Madrid out of conveniences or necessity. Would you have that flexibility with your return flight or do you need to return from Madrid?

kimhe

The Bienal de Flamenco takes place in Sevilla until October 6, the greatest and most prestigious flamenco festival. I highly recommend to see a performance, a wonderful art form (song, guitar, dance) light years away from what is usually presented for tourists. Could be a highlight of your trip and an experience to remember.
http://www.flamencotickets.com/festi...o-sevilla.html

If you are interested in history, I also suggest you go and see the ruins of the Roman city Itálica (founded in 206 BC) , just outside Sevilla. 10 mins and 20€ by taxi or frequent buses from the Plaza de las Armas bus station. The allegedly most successful and competent of all the Roman emperors, Trajan, was born here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italica

Here are great ideas for tapas bars/restaurants in Sevilla by district. Azahar lives there and knows what she's talking about. Take at least a closer look at Eslava, Bodega Dos de Mayo, Enrique Becerra and Rinconcillo from 1670 (the oldest existing tapas bar in Spain). http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eslava/

I think you definitely should stay at least one night in Córdoba. A day-trip would do no justice to this once most advanced city in the Western world, it will just allow you to scratch the surface of the most obvious sights together with other day-trippers.

Recently lived in modern Hotel Córdoba Centro, just excellent, some 300 meters north of the Mezquita, next door to the main Tendillas Plaza. http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/cord...?rid=702348143

The "other" Córdoba around Plaza de las Tendillas, the Plaza Mayor-like Plaza de la Corredera, the Roman ruins etc can be highly recommended. All very close to the main tourist attractions but a totally different and more local atmosphere. Bustling outdoor cafés long into the night.

Several fine bodegas/tabernas in this area. Here you'll find great local places on every corner. Taberna Salinas comes recommended in the Michelin guide, and we were perfectly happy after two raciones, a bottle of wine and a couple of brandys for some 35€. http://www.tabernasalinas.com/

Bar Santos in Calle Magistral González Francés, 3 along the eastern side of the Mezquita is a laid-back and small respite in this heavily touristy area. Wonderful Jamón Ibérico.

Felt immediately at home in Plaza de las Tendillas. Since 1961 the hours has been chimed in by recorded flamenco chords from the guitarist Juanito Serrano. Great atmospehere and good spirit well into the small hours, at least in the week-ends. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fexMbX4EsRE&NR=1

If you go to Córdoba, perhaps also visit the ruins of the 10th century palace city Madinat al-Zahra just outside town? http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...d4/madinat.htm