Travelling to Madrid on 2/17/03 and have decided to go on to Seville. Will return to USA on the 21st. My thought was to take the AVE train rountrip to Seville and spend 3 nights or could go to Cordoba for one night then on to Seville. Could Cordoba be a day trip with Seville as a base? Travelling with parents in mid seventies but very lively. Hotel suggestions? This will be their only trip to spain so I'd like it to be special. We are touring Galacia prior to Madrid. Thanks in advance for any help.

HI Vic,<BR>I just spend two weeks in Seville last month and loved it. Cordoba is definately a day trip from Seville and a must see because of the Mesquita. No need to spend the night in Cordoba because there just isn't that much to see outside the Mesquita and Alcazar. Also consider that travel will get you tired and hotel changes take alot of energy. <BR>Also, make sure to book the high-speed train to and from Madrid well in advance (3-4 days). The seats book up quickly. Your hotel in Madrid should be able to make the calls. <BR><BR>Highly recommend Hotel Simon or Hotel Maria Christina. I'm a stickler for a good hotel and price so I checked out over 12 hotels in Seville to see what deals I could get and view the rooms. Both Simon and Maria Christina had great locations, nice lobbys without the high price tag. Maria Christing will give you a 10-15% off season discount which makes it well worth the stay and the rooms are a bit nicer than Simon. But both are great. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip!!!!! Definately go to the Alcazar and see the 2nd floor Palace (it's extra $$ but worth it).

I have exactly the same question, but with another twist. Our plane arrives in Madrid at 8:15 am. Our plan was to take the AVE to Cordoba and spend the night there and then take the leg to Seville the next day. Now I am starting to wonder if we should just make an afternoon stop and then move on to Seville the same day. I haven't checked train schedules, but I can't imagine we could possibly arrive in Cordoba before one at the earliest. Discounting the jet lag issue which is a whole nother topic, what would you do? Go straight to Seville and then back to Cordoba another day even though this seems like a waste of time and money? Spend the night in Cordoba? Stop in Cordoba until early evening and then go to Seville? Our original thought was to spend 1 night in Cordoba and then 3 in Seville.

Julies--I would for sure stop in Cordoba on the way to Seville rather than double back on a day trip. As for staying in Cordoba, we did and enjoyed it. Stayed right across the street from the Mesquita at the Corrigedor or Conquistador or something similar. Nice hotel. Other nice places in same area. Would probably help with the jetlag a bit to get a meal and early bedtime after a nice dinner. Doesn't need to be a lot to do in a city to handle those needs. You'll be better able to handle the rest of the train trip, etc. to Seville in the morning after a good night's sleep in Cordoba. <BR><BR>For Vic and Julies, check out the Casas de Juderia in Seville. It's near the Santa Cruz area and is extremely charming. We found it the quintessential Spanish hotel experience. Lots of other recs for the place on this site. Enjoy.

tough question julies. if your only going to cordoba and seville on your trip, a one night stay in cordoba on your way down to seville isn't such a bad idea. just keep in mind that cordoba is small with only the mesquita, jewish quarter, and alcazar for tourist attractions. these attractions can be done in an afternoon. keep in mind that i was with a buddie not a romantic partner so we would have gone nutz if we stayed in cordoba for a night. we just felt like there was nothing going on in the town. for a romantic trip it may be different.<BR><BR>also, casa juderia in seville is very romantic and nice. if your with a buddie, i'd stay closer to the cathedral and shopping area. <BR><BR>have a great trip!!

I agree with JMVickmanis by all means stay in Cordoba over night , I find Cordoba a charming place, great food too, considering you must be tired, eat at El Caballo Rojo, and visit the MEzquita. Fascinating...

Thanks to everyone for the great advice.Will update everyone upon our return.