Pedro, I have read your responses to others having travel questions about Andalucia. You seem to have a wealth of knowledge. I was hoping you could help us. <BR> <BR>My wife and I are planning a trip to Madrid and Andalucia between Dec 26 and Jan 6. We purchased the tickets and then noticed we were leaving on the Epiphany. Now we are very concerned that this is a blunder. Can you shed any light on this matter? Do you forsee any huge effort/problems to get to the airport in Madrid on January 6? <BR> <BR>Secondly, since New Year's Day is on Tuesday this year, would most museums and shops also be closed on Monday (New Year's Eve)? <BR> <BR>We were thinking also of planning a road trip from Seville to Ronda and on to Granada on New Year's Day. Any thoughts? Is that not such a good idea for reasons I am unaware? <BR> <BR>You thoughts are appreciated! Best!

First of all, thanks for your enquiry. I like to post here although my English is not as good as I liked to be. You will probably love Ronda/Granada area in Christmas since the mountains are so gorgeous there... but you could find closed some monuments during New Year´s Eve ( and probably almost all the shops ). On the other hand I do not think you will have problems with your flights/transportation issues on Epiphany in Madrid. Metro, taxis and buses will be operating that date. <BR>The Alhambra with the background of snowy Sierra Nevada from S. Nicolas church terrace is really beautiful. The other must-see view is The majestic Alhambra you see from Carrera del Darro Street, especially at dusk. On the way to Granada from Ronda, there is one place that gets especially mystical during this time of the year, hiking in El Torcal Natural Park ( 12 kms from Antequera ) is something I did some years ago and still remember. You won´t find either many tourists in Christmas. <BR>

Pedro, Don't deride your English--though not totally impeccable, it comes darn close. Wish all Americans wrote English as well as you do! When I read it, I only find a hint of "accent" here and there. <BR> <BR>Besides, we value your advice!

Pedro, <BR>Don't degrade your English. I've never had any trouble understanding your great advice!!!

Pedro, <BR>You provided us with wonderful information, and your English is fine. My husband and I are also planning a trip to Spain during the New Year's Eve period. We will also leave December 26, but we will come back January 9. <BR>We are definitely going to spend some days in Madrid, but we have not decided whether to spend the rest of our trip in Barcelona or Andalucia. I must admit Granada on New Year's day sounds great. <BR> <BR>Walter, <BR>I hope you have a great time in Spain. May I ask what airline you are using to go to Spain, and what hotel are you staying in Madrid We has some problems trying to find hotels in Madrid. <BR> <BR>Natalie <BR>

Thanks Natalie for your nice feedback. I really like Barcelona but in winter my vote would go for Sevilla/Cordoba/Granada(adding maybe Alpujarras area or Sierra Nevada)/Ronda. If you decide finally for Barcelona, the Cadi range area, not too much far from it is quite beautiful for a nature break.

Pedro~ <BR> <BR>Many, many thanks. Your thoughtful, humble advice is appreciated. Thank you Thank you Thank you! You have confirmed what we believed to be a nice time of year to visit Andalucia. I am glad to hear that the crowds won't be very large during our visit. I never considered a hike, but now I will. My wife and I are runners. I wonder if there are good places to run in these towns we plan to visit? <BR> <BR>Natalie~ <BR>We chose a non-stop Delta flight to Madrid. All others have connections in New York. Given possible delays due to common snowy weather that time of year and being loyal Delta customers, we were not flexible on the flight. There may be other airlines you would consider. One thing is for sure, if you can avoid New England, your chances of avoiding delays increases. <BR> <BR>Natalie, from what I had read and heard from other travelers in Spain you simply must spend some time in Saville. Everyone I have heard from says they felt that they UNDERbudgeted time in Saville. Be sure to go, I believe you won't regret it. <BR> <BR>Thanks again Pedro. You're a gem! <BR>