Madrid/Sevilla/Barcelona March trip - Advice please
 

We are a family of 5 (3 teenagers) traveling to Spain for 8 days. We are flying into Madrid on 3/20 and out of Barcelona on 3/28. My 16-year old spent 3 weeks in Sevilla last summer, but it's first time to Spain for the rest of us. I'd like to book hotels very soon and am looking for advice. I have scanned other posts, but have specific questions. I apologize if questions have been asked before. Thanks for much for your help.

Specific questions:
Number of days to spend in each city and sites not to miss.
Hotel recommendations for each city (best location is top priority as we don't spend much time in hotels).
Best mode of transportation (and how to book) from Madrid to Sevilla and Sevilla to Barcelona.
Do we need tickets in advance (Alhambra, etc.?).
Again, thanks for your time.

You have 8 days and a large group .
Both Madrid and Barcelona are cities one can easily spend a week in.
Alhambra is in Granada - 3 hours by bus from Seville.
Seville is just under 3 hours by train from Madrid.
With transfers, packing and unpacking ,checking in and out of hotels, getting to train/bus stations
etc. you have even less time in each city.
I would stay 4 days in Madrid ( it takes a day to get over the jet-lag and find your way around the big city ), maybe a visit to Toledo. Fly to wonderful Barcelona for the rest of the time.

kathyv
The Alhambra is in Granada. This will take a big chunk out of your schedule if you plan to visit Alhambra.

Currently you'll have to spend about two days for travelling. Madrid to Sevilla with AVE and then maybe take a flight to Barcelona. To putting Granada into your planning, you might spend too much of your vacation just travelling.

I would give you an idea. Take a three days. Next, take the AVE to Sevilla and spend two days (I hate to cut the time in Sevilla since it's my fav of these three). Then jump onto a flight to Barcelona and spend your balance.

I'm not including day-trips anywhere on this trip. Madrid is a beautiful city and it's full of important things not missing. Sevilla is my heart, so all I can say, spend back for another vacation later. Barcelona is another special city, so don't spending time visiting day-trips.

Try to spend a bit of time to see Spaniards how they live. Go to some good restaurants in all places and find ones with the Spanish Ambiance. This will remember Spain forsure.

Blackduff

<i>I would give you an idea.<b> Take a three days.</b> Next, take the AVE to Sevilla </i>

This should say &quot;Take three days in Madrid&quot;

It will make more sense.

Blackduff

Not been to Barcelona yet, but Madrid, Toledo, and Sevilla, yes. Madrid is beautiful, but 2-3 full days should do it. Sevilla is spectacular - but saw most everything (touristy) in one day. Toledo is beautiful - one day. Barcelona (going in May), I'm told, is at least two days. Not enough time for Alhambra/Granada, IMO.

As for places to stay, and exact things to do, I defer to others. I did the family-style hotel thing, and self-guided tours. I had more time on my vacation.

Good luck, and hope this helps!

Also, I believe your trip falls during Semana Santa (Holy Week). You MUST buy AVE tickets in advance (I did not), or you'll not get passage to important places. Make sure the pilots are not en huelga (on strike - keep an eye on this). With my relaxed attitude, I missed out on Barcelona, as there were no tickets left, and no flights in the country at the time. Perhaps times have changed with airlines, but strikes are not uncommon in Spain.

You absolutely have to see the procession of the hermandades in whichever city you find yourself on Good Friday (the 21st). It was on the most spectacular displays of faith I've ever witnessed. Wear black to the procession out of respect to the other mourners. The procession, as I recall, was in the afternoon or early evening.

Note that Madrid will be pretty cold in March while Seville and Barcelona will be warmer.

For me 3 days is a minimum (+1 for Toledo) and that may not include time to visit the royal palace to the North.

Seville is great as is cordoba but I would drop out the South from this visit.

Barcelona needs at least 3 days for the city centre. Not sure of your budget but I suggest the hotel Windsor in Barcelona (very tradtional, good postion just north of the ramblas and the use of the metro makes it all easy to reach. Now don't just go with my suggestion as it not at all the international style but it is interesting.

Lots of good advise on this website, but I have to add--I have the new Fodor's Spain guide and it is FABULOUS!

And yes, make sure you get reservations on the train--we didn't have them when we were there one year during Santa Semana and it was a problem.

Also, yes, get reservations for Alhambra on the Internet.

What is your price range for hotels?

We just stayed in a suite in Hotel Banys Orientals and loved it.