Madrid 9 days
Aug 12th, 2014, 07:24 PM
#1
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Madrid 9 days
Hi;
My wife and I will be spending 9 days in Spain (excluding flying to and from U.S.)
and will be arriving in Madrid.
We figure we can take in most of Madrid's sites in 4 to 5 days.
With the remaining 4 to 5 days, should we take day trips to cities like Toledo, Segovia, Valencia or would it be worth the 6 hour train ride (1 way) to San Sabastian and stay there for 3 days. We already have the return flight booked from Madrid so we would have to make the 6 hour return train from SS. We don't want to take a plane to and from SS. I'm thinking the day trips are the better way to go and avoid the long train rides. But I've heard so many good things about SS ! Can't decide, please share your thoughts.
Thanks,
Tony
My wife and I will be spending 9 days in Spain (excluding flying to and from U.S.)
and will be arriving in Madrid.
We figure we can take in most of Madrid's sites in 4 to 5 days.
With the remaining 4 to 5 days, should we take day trips to cities like Toledo, Segovia, Valencia or would it be worth the 6 hour train ride (1 way) to San Sabastian and stay there for 3 days. We already have the return flight booked from Madrid so we would have to make the 6 hour return train from SS. We don't want to take a plane to and from SS. I'm thinking the day trips are the better way to go and avoid the long train rides. But I've heard so many good things about SS ! Can't decide, please share your thoughts.
Thanks,
Tony
Aug 12th, 2014, 07:47 PM
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You can use Madrid as base to take day trips to Toledo and Segovia.
From Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia and back in a day is not advised let alone on a 9 day trip. Staying there is well worth it.
From Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia and back in a day is not advised let alone on a 9 day trip. Staying there is well worth it.
Aug 12th, 2014, 09:45 PM
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Although it all depends on your interests, I think 4 or 5 days is quite reasonable for Madrid itself.
FWIW, I strongly recommend an overnight in Toledo: I thought Toledo worth two days and found it much more evocative after daytrippers left.
Segovia is IMO a worthy day trip from Madrid, and depending on your interests and the timing, you might even be able to combine it with Avila.
Another possible destination is glorious Salamanca, but that city truly deserves at least two full days and is far enough that a day trip is really not a good option at all IMO.
Enjoy!
FWIW, I strongly recommend an overnight in Toledo: I thought Toledo worth two days and found it much more evocative after daytrippers left.
Segovia is IMO a worthy day trip from Madrid, and depending on your interests and the timing, you might even be able to combine it with Avila.
Another possible destination is glorious Salamanca, but that city truly deserves at least two full days and is far enough that a day trip is really not a good option at all IMO.
Enjoy!
Aug 13th, 2014, 04:04 AM
#4
Be aware that if you are unable to stay overnight in Toledo the train only takes 33 minutes from Madrid and they run throughout the day. You could easily spend a very long day in the city if you wish.
Aug 13th, 2014, 07:24 AM
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Use Madrid as a base and visit Toledo,Segovia & La Granja,El Escorial,Avila, Salamanca! All can be done as Day trips.Get an early start and be back to explore Madrid.Visit the torist office in the Plaza Mayor and get the times for trains and do go on their tours of Madrid-loads to choose from!
On this trip I wouldn't leave Madrid!
On this trip I wouldn't leave Madrid!
Aug 15th, 2014, 06:10 AM
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As Chapla says, Madrid and surroundings are very much worth nine days.
But San Sebastian is of course a brilliant city, and something completely different. Belle Epoque food heaven, and so beautiful it can make your eyes bleed. http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/
2016 European Capital of Culture, the last minute gives you the big overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2zTb7Eg9Lk
But San Sebastian is of course a brilliant city, and something completely different. Belle Epoque food heaven, and so beautiful it can make your eyes bleed. http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/
2016 European Capital of Culture, the last minute gives you the big overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2zTb7Eg9Lk
Aug 15th, 2014, 04:06 PM
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I took the train to/from San Sebastian-all I can say ,very boring, nothing in the way of scenery!.On the way back, it arrived at Chamartin station almost at midnight-what a wasted day.
I stand by my suggestion,use Madrid as a hub and take your trips out of the city early in the day so you can enjoy your evenings in Madrid.
Google Cuenca,it's not overrun w/tourists as yet.I loved the hanging houses.I took the bus but the train station is right next to the bus station. Once outside, Icrossed the street and caught the local bus to the historic part-it's all uphill! Not bad walking back into town.
I stand by my suggestion,use Madrid as a hub and take your trips out of the city early in the day so you can enjoy your evenings in Madrid.
Google Cuenca,it's not overrun w/tourists as yet.I loved the hanging houses.I took the bus but the train station is right next to the bus station. Once outside, Icrossed the street and caught the local bus to the historic part-it's all uphill! Not bad walking back into town.
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