socaltraveler

I have been reading the excellent advice here for various trips in European countries and thought I might try and pick some Fodor brains about Spain, a new country for us. I do plan to do my own research, and yes, I have looked at a map, but I am curious to hear what some of you might advise.

We have an opportunity to spend a week with friends in northern Spain (Rioja area) in early June (2011). We would probably use our AA FF miles if possible, or some combination of such, and from CA, mostly likely fly in and out of Madrid. After our week in the north, I think we would be returning to Madrid, and could have 7-10 days left for traveling elsewhere. Keeping in mind that we would probably need to fly out of Madrid (with AA codeshare partners open-jaw may not be an option), I could use some itinerary suggestions.

We are open to fly, drive, train at this point.

socaltraveler

Ignore "Rioja", I am not quite sure where we are meeting up.

Aduchamp1

Stay in the north. To the east is San Sebastian with its Belle Epoque trimmings and the best food in Spain and to the west Santiago de Compostela a historic pilgrimage city. And there many worthwhile stops in between.

Michael

Do your sightseeing before you meet your friends and drive around southern Spain.

A truncated version of what these pictures represent would be feasible in 10 days:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622975757180/

CathyM

You will never get everyone on a forum to agree to a first-timers 2 week trip to Spain! We all have out opinions of the best of Spain for this sampling. My first advice would be to not try to cram too much into 2 weeks - err on the side of being able to relax versus rushing around too much.

Honestly I'd focus on no more than 2 regions. Which 2 to choose would be up to your own personal interests (read a general guidebook or 2 to get an idea of what best suits you).

Personally I wouldn't skip Andalucia for a first trip - specifically 4 nights in Sevilla and 2 in Granada at a minimim. Even better 2 more nights in Ronda (or another Pueblos Blancos base) to explore the area in between (with a rental car). That would take up 8 of your nights. The remaining 6 I'd probably choose either Madrid or Barcelona.

socaltraveler

Thank you. I know I will not get a consensus, but I truly enjoy reading what different people think. This trip is still so not formed that all ideas are interesting.

zeppole

I feel that both the Alhambra, the Mosque in Cordoba and Toledo are three of the most enlightening, rewarding and beautiful sights in all of travel -- not just Europe or Spain -- but travel, and if there was ever a time to suck it up and be a tourist, these sights justify it. Fortunately, by taking time to visit the Alhambra at night (as well as visiting its garden in the morning), and by taking a bit of care in the timing in how you visit Cordoba and Toledo, you can avoid a tourist crush.

Many of the paintings on the Prado are among the most important paintings in European art and culture.

For a pure holiday -- since I've already seen the places and museum I just mentioned -- San Sebastian is purely marvelous for eating, and just sublime if the weather is nice. I could live there.

But if you have never seen the sights I mentioned and you care at all about culture, I wouldn't go through life without seeing those sights if at all possible. San Sebastian can wait if it can't be fit into this trip.

Michael

To stay in the same area after you leave your friends present a slight problem: how much are you going to plan with them so that you can plan the rest of the stay? By going to a completely different area, that problem does not occur.

Revulgo

I'd do Madrid with a daytrip to Segovia or Toledo.
http://maribelsguides.com/mg_madrid-06-09.pdf

Then, San Sebastian. Daytrips to Bilbao and coastal villages: Guetaria, Zarautz.
http://maribelsguides.com/mg_pais_vasco.pdf

Finally, Barcelona. Daytrip to Montserrat
http://maribelsguides.com/mg_barcelona-03-09.pdf

Fly home from Barcelona (if possible) or Madrid.

CathyM

I agree with Zeppole - as much as I love San Sebastian for a first trip to Spain I'd focus on the highlights - Andalucia (Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba) and Madrid (w/Toledo) or Barcelona.

Egbert

I really agree with Cathy and zeppole. If you want the quintessential "spanish experience" for a first time trip I would go to Madrid 3-4 nights, Toledo, Seville 3-4 nights, Cordoba, Granada 2 nights, Ronda 1 night and then choose between a night in Malaga or Cadiz. I happen to think San Sebastian is one of the most fantastic places on the planet in the summer. I would plan that for a second trip, maybe combine it with Barcelona. More importantly in Spain you should relax and enjoy the great culture and not worry about seeing a bunch of must sees (with the exception of the Prado, the mosque in Cordoba, Alcazar in Sevilla and Alhambra in Granada.)

LSky

There’s a reason why the itinerary that zeppole, Cathy and Egbert suggests is a standard. It’s perfect.

I would only add that for an art lover, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a must see.

Egbert

I agree that for art lovers the Thyssen and Reina sofia are must sees. Madrid is my favorite art museum city!

screen_name_taken

My 2 cents? - I completely agree with zeppole.

My husband and I spent 10 days driving through Spain last year and I am very glad we went to Cordoba (the old section), the Alhambra, and Toledo. Especially the Mosque in Cordoba - breathtaking, amazing, unforgettable(sp?).
In Madrid we stayed in the Santa Ana area, and we both would return in a heartbeat.
But my heart is in Cordoba, contrary to what most people say!

Wherever you go, Spain is sure to stay in your soul.