Stacey

Hello,
I am planning a trip to Spain for 10 days and would like a suggestion. I am trying to decided between 2 itineraries: A) Madrid-Barcelona-SanSebastian/Bilboa or B) Madrid-Barcleona-Cordoba/Seville. Any suggestions would be warmly received. Thanks.

Randy

I just got back last night from 8 days in Spain. I was with my daughter that is in college in Florence that had a very limited time, so we had to keep moving. We flew into Barcelona and had 1 day. We needed at least 2 days. We took a night train to Madrid, and spent 1 day there. ( I think that was enough). We then took the AVE train to Seville for 2 days and did a couple of day trips, to Toledo ( great trip) and Cordoba ( was also a good trip). I think Seville is a great place to take day trips out of. We had a great time, as I'm sure you will. Make sure you spend at least 1/2 day on the La Rambla in Barcelona. A great place for lunch or a drink. Go into the outdoor market about 1/2 down and see all the food stuff.

ccc

I would recommend itinerary B.

but I would shuffle the order some

Fly into madrid
Take the AVE to Sevilla
Maybe rent a car there
Be sure you see Granada
And then, and this might surprise you, there are cheap nonstop flights from Sevilla to Barcelona.
Fly home from Barcelona.

10 days is barely enough.

but this is how i would do it.

YKWIA

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Stacey, I know I will get blasted for this comment, but Barcelona is the problem with most itineraries in Spain. It is a wonderful destination, but it does not fit with Spain. Catalonia is really a better fit with the south of France. The real Spain is really Andalusia and the more time you can spend there the better. Given 10 days I would fly into Madrid, see Toledo, and then head to Andalusia for the rest. That will push 10 days. Save the Basque country for a trip to Bordeaux and save Barcelona for a trip to Provence. Now all of the Spain experts can blast me.

StCirq

I don't know why Bob would get blasted - I think he's dead on when he says Barcelona belongs on a trip to France (unless you've really got lots and lots of time to spend in Spain). Its a different culture, different language, and a long way to go from most other Spanish destinations.
With only 10 days, I'd focus on all that Andalucia has to offer and save Barcelona for another trip, perhaps to include Collioure and the Cathar country.
Also, and I'm sure there are die-hard Spain lovers out there who will contradict me at best, I'd get out of Madrid pretty fast. I found it gritty, architecturally weak, and I never ever got used to the schedule and never got a decent night's sleep, even at a quiet hotel. Spain, in my opinion, is a high-maintenance country that really takes some devotion on the part of the traveler. Been there four times and my devotion is waning.

Stacey

I love the responses!! Thanks everyone and keep them coming! The more info, the better.