Madrid to Granada in 2.5 days
 

Six of us are flying to Madrid on 29th of March. For some it's a business trip but we have 2.5 days free.(Saturday afternoon to Monday evening).
We would like to go to Granada via Cordoba.We are going to rent a mini van.
Do you think it can be done? What places should we stop at and where to stay on Saturday and Sunday?
We prefer apts.
Any suggestions please?

It is certainly doable, you may even want to make a day trip out of Seville, it would be a shame to be so close to such a gorgeous city and not visit. At the end of March they should be getting ready for the Feria de Abril (8-13 April) so they will be a good buzz. If I were you guys, I would take the AVE train Madrid-Seville, stay in Seville, day trip to Granada and Cordova. Rent the minivan at Estacion Santa Justa in Seville when you are ready to move on to Granada. A nice day trip from Seville is Ronda, which often people do on their way to Granada. No need to drive in Seville. Train to Granada/Cordova is also an option and rent the van accordingly. Would you be departing from Madrid on Tuesday morning?

Try holiday-rentals.com and vrbo.com for apt rental.

Well I think Katbou's idea of Granada via Cordoba would work. As wonderful as Seville is I certainly wouldn't try to do that also (perhaps instead...). If Granada is your primary interest then it would certainly be worth it to drive there from Madrid if there are 6 of you to share the minivan. I think one night in Cordoba since you'd only be getting there mid day would be worthwhile, then leave early the next morning for Granada. It would be a very quick visit but better than nothing.

I rather doubt that an apartment (for 6 peope) for one night in each of two places would be worth the hassel if it were even possible. There are plenty of decent inexpensive hotels right in the historic centers of both cities.

thanks for the input.
We are leaving from Madrid next Sunday 6th April but during weekdays we have to be in Madrid.
Also we were thinking of a minivan instead of train travel in order to carry our luggage. And I think it's also cheaper.
Going to Cordoba is not a "must" we are just trying to find interesting places to see in 2.5 days

Katbou-- that is why I suggested SEVILLE!! You asked for suggestions and anybody going to Andalucia for the first time and having only 2.5 days needs to get to Seville. That said, it is unclear why the statement of going to Granada via Cordova. Any particular, unavoidable reason? Again, I have traveled to that region many, many times and I would not miss neither three cities mentioned, with Seville at the top. That said, Granada is not a bad choice and certainly doable from Madrid. It is kind of a boring drive, last time I did it was in 2004 and I am sure it has not changed much...By the way, you can drive back straight to Barajas Airport the night before and drop the van. The Hotel High Tech Madrid Aeropuerto has a van that will pick you up at the airport and then drop you back the next morning. There is a kiosk inside the airport where they'll make hotel reservations for you.

A word of advice: La Feria de Abril starts the 8th; that weekend will be rough to get lodging anywhere down South as Spaniards from all over Spain head down for the festivities (kind of their Spring Break). I would strongly, strongly suggest that whatever you choose to do you need to secure lodging ASAP. While I agree that hotels are your best bet, the websites I provided you have listing for apts with daily/weekly rates.

Viajero2
You talked me into visiting Seville! Can you suggest the most interesting itinerary from Madrid?

I am glad you are willing to try Sevilla!! The most effective way to get to Seville from Madrid is possibly by train (AVE = Alta Velocidad or High Speed Train) from Estacion Atocha or by bus ($16/person, about 4 hours) from Estacion Sur (also known as Estacion Sur or Estacion de Mendez Alvaro). If you still prefer to drive, then pick up the minivan and head South. Toledo is a good place to stop on your way down to Seville. That said, driving in Seville is a pain and I would encourage you that, for a trip this short, you use the established train routes. Again, this weekend marks the start of La Feria de Abril starts, so Seville will be in a party mood and crowded. Secure lodging ASAP. From experience I recommend La Taverna del Alabardero and Hosteria del Laurel.

El Alcazar, La Giralda, and the Cathedral in Seville are MUST SEE sights. Luckily, they are grouped together and in the center of town. El Archivo de las Indias is also next to the Cathedral. This houses a museum with great displays about the exploration and conquest of the Americas, including the journals kept by Christopher Columbus during his first and second voyages. These sights will definitely fill more than a day or two.

I hope you have a great time. It will feel rushed, but then again, you are in Spain during a wonderful time of the year. Have fun!!

your suggestions are invaluable. Thanks alot.