jvrab12

Hello All-
I would like input from expert Fodorite's on our nine night itinerary to Madrid and Andalucia from December 27-January 5. Please give me your honest feedback on what to ditch/keep!

Things to note-
1. We are in our mid 30's and like to linger at restaurants and have time for siesta's
2. We want to be in Seville for NYE. Also, I've arranged the itinerary so we are not transferring places on NYD just in case we are tired from NYE festivities.
3. Don't love the idea of heading somewhere right when we land in Madrid in case of delays, etc.
4. I do realize we are omitting Granada for this trip, forgive me

Saturday, Dec 27
Arrive Madrid 11:45am (from Detroit)
Overnight Madrid

Sunday, Dec 28
Mid-morning AVE Train from Madrid to Cordoba
Overnight in Cordoba

Monday, Dec 29
Train to Seville
Overnight Seville

Tuesday, Dec 30
Overnight Seville

Wednesday, Dec 31
Overnight Seville

Thurs, Jan 1
Overnight Seville

Fri, Jan 2
Train Seville to Toledo
Overnight Toledo

Sat, Jan 3
Train Toledo to Madrid
Overnight Madrid

Sun, Jan 4
Day Trip to Segovia (if we want or enjoy Madrid)
Overnight Madrid

Mon, Jan 5
Depart MAD 10:10am

kja

I must admit that this trip sounds WAY too rushed for my tastes. Given that Madrid is much easier to reach than anywhere else that you are planning to see, you might consider skipping it this trip -- or rather giving it only the night before your departure -- so that you can add in Granada (which really needs a minimum of 2 nights). You could add the time to Cordoba (which can easily keep one busy for 2 full days) or Sevilla or -- if any time remains -- Madrid or Toledo (which really deserves 2 days IMO) or Segovia.... BUT of course it really depends on what you want to see and do. I trust you know that your sightseeing time will be very limited because of the time of year (sunsets will be early), seasonal closures, etc. Whatever you decide, you'll see some wonderful things - enjoy!

Robert2533

To begin with, there is no train from Sevilla to Toledo. You will have to return to Madrid and then take the local commuter train down to Toledo.

Overall, traveling during one of the most important holidays in Spain, it just doesn't make sense to be making so many changes. With barely a week, I would split my time between Madrid and Sevilla, starting in Madrid, but since you are arriving and departing from Madrid, you may want to start in Sevilla (take the AVE from Madrid to Sevilla on your arrival date) and end your week in Madrid.

IMDonehere

Do not forget to get grapes on NYE. The tradition is stuff one in your mouth every time the clock strikes at midnight. It is supposed to be fun, not alimentary.

As noted above, far too many places for too few days.

nytraveler

Agree that you are bouncing around way too much given possible holiday closures and limited opening times due to time of year and shortened daylight hours (many places won;t have late openings as they do in summer when days are much longer).

lincasanova

Too many hotels for my taste. most of this can easily be done as day trips from Madrid or Sevilla.

jvrab12

This is why I love Fodor's-you guys just put it all into perspective and make it all better! I really appreciate the feedback and will amend our trip accordingly.
Thanks everyone!

Christina

This just doesn't make sense to me at all. Except for the Seville part. Why stay one night in MAdrid the first day, that is wasted time. ANd only half a day in Cordoba is okay, I guess, but I'd probably add one day there, even if taken from Seville. Espeically if going direct upon arrival (which is what I'd do).

One day in Toledo is adequate if you were there most of the day, doesn't sound like you will be.

Bedar

I'd forget Toledo and Segovia this trip. They're too easy to get to on another trip. While in Andalucia, you really, really should go to Granada and the Alhambra. It will be truly magnificent with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background.