Gemini21, thank you for your compliments!
Adelaidean, are you doing a similar trip this June or July? I seem to remember your planning posts.

Great trip report, and highly useful for me--we are doing a very similar itinerary this October (arriving in Madrid October 6). Hopefully, the temperatures will be a little bit cooler. Thanks for sharing.

I am glad you find my report helpful. I think you will have perfect weather as far as temperatures go.

Just saw this.
Thanks for this wonderful TR, KarenWoo. I’m always happy to read about people who love art and I agree about the Prado being more manageable than the Louvre (although seeing more of the L justifies many return visits to Paris!). Yes, “Guernica” has to add to one’s appreciation of Picasso. I had to stop at the end of Madrid but will return later for the rest. Choosing between Barca and Madrid is difficult indeed! I lean toward Madrid because of the art; Barca’s Guadi works pull almost as much.