Month in Spain and then to Portugal for 2 weeks
Feb 10th, 2019 | 08:41 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Month in Spain and then to Portugal for 2 weeks
We are traveling to Spain in mid March/April 2020 for a month and then to Portugal for 2 weeks. My first attempt of an itinerary is this:
Barcelona - 7 nights
Madrid - 7 nights
Toledo- 3 nights
Granada - 3 nights
Rent car after Granada
Ronda - 3 nights as a home base to visit white hill towns Arcos, Jerez, Zahara, Grazalema)
Get rid of car in Seville
Seville -7 nights (day trip to Cordoba)
Bus/train to Faro or Lagos -3 nights
Lisbon - 7 nights with day trips
Porto- 4 nights
Should I be including Malaga and Cordoba to spend a few days?
Barcelona - 7 nights
Madrid - 7 nights
Toledo- 3 nights
Granada - 3 nights
Rent car after Granada
Ronda - 3 nights as a home base to visit white hill towns Arcos, Jerez, Zahara, Grazalema)
Get rid of car in Seville
Seville -7 nights (day trip to Cordoba)
Bus/train to Faro or Lagos -3 nights
Lisbon - 7 nights with day trips
Porto- 4 nights
Should I be including Malaga and Cordoba to spend a few days?
Feb 10th, 2019 | 09:08 AM
#3
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16,304
Likes: 0
I would rather spend 3 nights in gorgeous Salamanca ( 1:40 min. train ride )
than Toledo (which is an easy day trip from Madrid.)
From Madrid one can also reach beautiful Valencia in 1:40 min or Zaragoza.
Many here adore nights in Toledo, not me.
We liked Malaga...a lovely Andalusian town by the sea.
than Toledo (which is an easy day trip from Madrid.)
From Madrid one can also reach beautiful Valencia in 1:40 min or Zaragoza.
Many here adore nights in Toledo, not me.
We liked Malaga...a lovely Andalusian town by the sea.
Feb 10th, 2019 | 09:19 AM
#4
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
While I would spend time in both Salamanca and Toledo (although more in Salamanca) and cut time in Madrid.
For Salamanca see:
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ely-salamanca/
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...rky-salamanca/
For Salamanca see:
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ely-salamanca/
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...rky-salamanca/
Feb 10th, 2019 | 09:36 AM
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
[QUOTE=Michael;16871192]I would spend two nights in Cordoba to see the Mezquita and walk around the old town and the gardens:
Can you take a direct bus or train to Cordoba from Madrid? So maybe change Madrid to 5 days, Cordoba 2 or 3 days and then on to Granada? Is there a train from Cordoba to Gtanada?
Can you take a direct bus or train to Cordoba from Madrid? So maybe change Madrid to 5 days, Cordoba 2 or 3 days and then on to Granada? Is there a train from Cordoba to Gtanada?
Feb 10th, 2019 | 10:14 AM
#6
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,757
Likes: 0
Should be wonderful!
I agree with those suggesting that you consider adding Salamanca – perhaps 3 nights. I think you could cut Toledo to 2 nights, but I think there’s too much there to be a good day trip destination. You could, I think, cut Madrid a bit if you need to to fit Salamanca into your itinerary.
And I also agree that Cordoba easily merits at least 2 nights.
Hope that helps!
I agree with those suggesting that you consider adding Salamanca – perhaps 3 nights. I think you could cut Toledo to 2 nights, but I think there’s too much there to be a good day trip destination. You could, I think, cut Madrid a bit if you need to to fit Salamanca into your itinerary.
And I also agree that Cordoba easily merits at least 2 nights.
Hope that helps!
Feb 10th, 2019 | 10:15 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
7 days in Lisbon could be cut and yes put in Codoba, one of neatest old towns in Europe I've seen. Book trains far in advance for sweet discounted tickets - Renfe you can book your own - pc.pt for Portuguese trains - talking about long-distance trains not locals. www.seat61.com has loads on doing that yourselves online - general info BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com.
Trending Topics
Feb 10th, 2019 | 10:38 AM
#8
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Great suggestions....my worry is that I’m packing/unpacking and moving around too much.
Spain
Arrive in Barcelona- 6 nights
Train to Madrid - 4 or 5 nights
Train to Salamanca -3 nights ( day trip to Segovia?)
Train to Toledo- 2 nights
Train to Cordoba- 3 nights
Train to Granada - 3 nights
Rent car from Granada
Ronda - 3 nights ( day trips to White Hill towns)
Seville - 5 nights
Spain
Arrive in Barcelona- 6 nights
Train to Madrid - 4 or 5 nights
Train to Salamanca -3 nights ( day trip to Segovia?)
Train to Toledo- 2 nights
Train to Cordoba- 3 nights
Train to Granada - 3 nights
Rent car from Granada
Ronda - 3 nights ( day trips to White Hill towns)
Seville - 5 nights
Feb 10th, 2019 | 10:45 AM
#9
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 25,757
Likes: 0
IMO, much better! 
Segovia is delightful and is, I believe, much more easily seen from Madrid rather than from Salamanca.
Because you can't go directly from Toledo to Cordoba, you might check whether the timing makes sense for you to go from Barcelona through Toledo (with a change in Madrid) and then go back to Madrid from there. It really depends, I think, on how the connections fit.
I didn't write a trip report on my time in central or southern Spain, but you might find some ideas for your time in Barcelona in this trip report:
Four Awesome Weeks in the North of Spain and Catalunya
Segovia is delightful and is, I believe, much more easily seen from Madrid rather than from Salamanca.
Because you can't go directly from Toledo to Cordoba, you might check whether the timing makes sense for you to go from Barcelona through Toledo (with a change in Madrid) and then go back to Madrid from there. It really depends, I think, on how the connections fit.
I didn't write a trip report on my time in central or southern Spain, but you might find some ideas for your time in Barcelona in this trip report:
Four Awesome Weeks in the North of Spain and Catalunya
Feb 10th, 2019 | 11:10 AM
#11
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
IMO, much better!
Segovia is delightful and is, I believe, much more easily seen from Madrid rather than from Salamanca.
Because you can't go directly from Toledo to Cordoba, you might check whether the timing makes sense for you to go from Barcelona through Toledo (with a change in Madrid) and then go back to Madrid from there. It really depends, I think, on how the connections fit.
I didn't write a trip report on my time in central or southern Spain, but you might find some ideas for your time in Barcelona in this trip report:
Four Awesome Weeks in the North of Spain and Catalunya
Segovia is delightful and is, I believe, much more easily seen from Madrid rather than from Salamanca.
Because you can't go directly from Toledo to Cordoba, you might check whether the timing makes sense for you to go from Barcelona through Toledo (with a change in Madrid) and then go back to Madrid from there. It really depends, I think, on how the connections fit.
I didn't write a trip report on my time in central or southern Spain, but you might find some ideas for your time in Barcelona in this trip report:
Four Awesome Weeks in the North of Spain and Catalunya
So....
Barcelona -6 nights
Toledo -2 nights
Madrid - 5 nights (day trip to Segovia)
Salamanca - 3 nights ( is late March/early April a good time to be on Salamanca?)
Return to Madrid and on to Cordoba - 3 nights
Granada 3 nights
Ronda -3 nights
Seville - 5 nights
Feb 10th, 2019 | 11:12 AM
#12
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Feb 10th, 2019 | 11:27 AM
#14
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16,304
Likes: 0
The weather in Salamanca is similar to Madrid.
Mid March/ April can be cool/ rainy in some parts of Spain.
There are many trains from Madrid to Salamanca but only a few a day are fast trains ( they all stop in Segovia.)
also, coming from Barcelona ( or any other place) you will have to change trains in Madrid to go to Toledo.
Mid March/ April can be cool/ rainy in some parts of Spain.
There are many trains from Madrid to Salamanca but only a few a day are fast trains ( they all stop in Segovia.)
also, coming from Barcelona ( or any other place) you will have to change trains in Madrid to go to Toledo.
Feb 10th, 2019 | 12:25 PM
#15
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
The weather in Salamanca is similar to Madrid.
Mid March/ April can be cool/ rainy in some parts of Spain.
There are many trains from Madrid to Salamanca but only a few a day are fast trains ( they all stop in Segovia.)
also, coming from Barcelona ( or any other place) you will have to change trains in Madrid to go to Toledo.
Mid March/ April can be cool/ rainy in some parts of Spain.
There are many trains from Madrid to Salamanca but only a few a day are fast trains ( they all stop in Segovia.)
also, coming from Barcelona ( or any other place) you will have to change trains in Madrid to go to Toledo.
Rather than Barcelona- Toledo-Madrid -Salamanca - Cordoba - Granada
Feb 10th, 2019 | 01:16 PM
#16
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16,304
Likes: 0
Madrid has 2 train stations..Atocha ( central) and Chamartin in the north.
trains for Salamanca and Segovia depart from Ch. , train to ( from) Barcelona, Toledo,Córdoba
from Atocha.
Spanish train system is excellent and reliable.
If you wish to go from Barcelona to Toledo , the train change is not a ptoblrm ( just make sure
you have the tickets)..it is the same station.
If you wish to go from Salamanca to Córdoba, you take comuter train between two stations which is more complicated but durable. Or take a taxi.
I would go from Barcelona to Madrid..stay several days as you planned, make a day trip
to Toledo to avoid changing hotels. Same with Seville / Córdoba.
Yes, one could stay in Toledo and Córdoba longer, but we did both as day trips without regret.
Salamanca is a bit out of the loop so you would have to return to Madrid to continue by train
I am not sure if train line Madrid - Granada is operating now or one still has to change to a bus
half way .
If you google Renfe for train information, you will have some idea.
trains for Salamanca and Segovia depart from Ch. , train to ( from) Barcelona, Toledo,Córdoba
from Atocha.
Spanish train system is excellent and reliable.
If you wish to go from Barcelona to Toledo , the train change is not a ptoblrm ( just make sure
you have the tickets)..it is the same station.
If you wish to go from Salamanca to Córdoba, you take comuter train between two stations which is more complicated but durable. Or take a taxi.
I would go from Barcelona to Madrid..stay several days as you planned, make a day trip
to Toledo to avoid changing hotels. Same with Seville / Córdoba.
Yes, one could stay in Toledo and Córdoba longer, but we did both as day trips without regret.
Salamanca is a bit out of the loop so you would have to return to Madrid to continue by train
I am not sure if train line Madrid - Granada is operating now or one still has to change to a bus
half way .
If you google Renfe for train information, you will have some idea.
Feb 10th, 2019 | 01:45 PM
#18
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Madrid has 2 train stations..Atocha ( central) and Chamartin in the north.
trains for Salamanca and Segovia depart from Ch. , train to ( from) Barcelona, Toledo,Córdoba
from Atocha.
Spanish train system is excellent and reliable.
If you wish to go from Barcelona to Toledo , the train change is not a ptoblrm ( just make sure
you have the tickets)..it is the same station.
If you wish to go from Salamanca to Córdoba, you take comuter train between two stations which is more complicated but durable. Or take a taxi.
I would go from Barcelona to Madrid..stay several days as you planned, make a day trip
to Toledo to avoid changing hotels. Same with Seville / Córdoba.
Yes, one could stay in Toledo and Córdoba longer, but we did both as day trips without regret.
Salamanca is a bit out of the loop so you would have to return to Madrid to continue by train
I am not sure if train line Madrid - Granada is operating now or one still has to change to a bus
half way .
If you google Renfe for train information, you will have some idea.
trains for Salamanca and Segovia depart from Ch. , train to ( from) Barcelona, Toledo,Córdoba
from Atocha.
Spanish train system is excellent and reliable.
If you wish to go from Barcelona to Toledo , the train change is not a ptoblrm ( just make sure
you have the tickets)..it is the same station.
If you wish to go from Salamanca to Córdoba, you take comuter train between two stations which is more complicated but durable. Or take a taxi.
I would go from Barcelona to Madrid..stay several days as you planned, make a day trip
to Toledo to avoid changing hotels. Same with Seville / Córdoba.
Yes, one could stay in Toledo and Córdoba longer, but we did both as day trips without regret.
Salamanca is a bit out of the loop so you would have to return to Madrid to continue by train
I am not sure if train line Madrid - Granada is operating now or one still has to change to a bus
half way .
If you google Renfe for train information, you will have some idea.
Feb 10th, 2019 | 01:59 PM
#20
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 0
What are your interests? Architecture? Museums? Walking around Old Towns? Nature? Food and wine?
If you plan on making several day trips from Barcelona, I would stick to your original plan of 7 days for this city's attractions and day trips. Montserrat? Girona? Figueres (Dali Museum)? To name a few.
I'd' stick with 7 days in Lisbon, too.
Will you visit Jerez while in Seville? (sherry, Andalusian Equestrian School)
Depending on your interests, I would say you'd probably enjoy Malaga (if you could find the time for it). Its old town is charming.
If you plan on making several day trips from Barcelona, I would stick to your original plan of 7 days for this city's attractions and day trips. Montserrat? Girona? Figueres (Dali Museum)? To name a few.
I'd' stick with 7 days in Lisbon, too.
Will you visit Jerez while in Seville? (sherry, Andalusian Equestrian School)
Depending on your interests, I would say you'd probably enjoy Malaga (if you could find the time for it). Its old town is charming.
