I am looking for advice on Spain. I am travelling there this summer to study abroad for 6 weeks (in Valladolid), and I would like to know some good places to visit while I am there. I already know that I want to visit places like the Alhambra, el Museo del Prado, and some others, but I am looking for some really good expert advice. <BR> <BR>I also plan to travel through France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy for 2 weeks following my studies. Any advice about those countries as well? I plan on travelling via Eurail, possibly sleeping on the train (if that's a good idea?). <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for any help!

Scott, <BR> <BR>Suggest you post your interests for those that may want to help. <BR> <BR>You may also want to consider that two weeks is a very short period of time to take in the four countries you mentioned. <BR> <BR>Your interests might help in both circumstances.

Thanks, John...I didn't want to be too long winded at first, but now I will elaborate. <BR> <BR>This could be the only chance I get to visit Europe, but I still have to operate on a slim budget. I would be extremely happy if I just get to play American Tourist and take the silly pictures in front of the Eiffle Tower, the Coloseum, and the other sites! For now, a whirlwind tour will do...I thought about taking a weekend to go to Paris, and then covering the other countries during that 2 week period. <BR> <BR>As for Spain, I would really like to take in the scenery...you know, like the influences from the Moors on the architecture and culture present in Spain. Art is kind of cool...I enjoy the works of Velazquez, so I know I want to go to the Prado. Visiting Barcelona might be cool too. <BR> <BR>I would appreciate any other advice for other cities/regions/ places to visit, as well as general traveling tips. I've only been to Mexico, so this venture seems a little bit more intimidating to me... <BR> <BR>Thanks for the help!!

Hi Scott! You are posting a monumental question here! I suggest you post different messages that focus on 1 topic each. One message can be getting more information on day-trips and weeknd trips from Valladolid to Galicia. Another might be sights not be missed in Spain. Yet another might be an itinerary to follow for 2-weeks to France, and/or German and/or Italy and/or Switzerland by train. <BR> <BR>Spain has a lot of attractions to see. If you will be studying in Valladolid for 6 weeks, does that mean that you will only be able to travel during the weekends? Or will you have some additional time to travel exclusively through Spain? This is an important question, because you will be able to visit from Valladolid the towns in Galicia (Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO city). There is a fodorite called Maribel that can provide you with much information on Northern Spain. (Again, I suggest that you post a separate message asking for information specifically to this area.) <BR> <BR>From Valladolid, you will not be far from Salamanca, Avila, and Segovia which are 3 cities that should not be missed. They have much late Medieval - early Renaissance architecture and are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. <BR> <BR>You should also plan on spending at least 1 weekend in Madrid. ItBesides the Prado and the Reina Sofia museums, make sure to leave enough time to just enjoy your time in Madrid - eat tapas, go to El Retiro park... <BR> <BR>Going South to visit sites laden with beautiful Moorish architecture (like the Alcazar in Sevilla and the Alhambra in Granada) may not be as feasible to do it over a weekend. You can go from Valladolid to Madrid and take the AVE from Madrid to Sevilla (the AVE is about 2.5 hours). It will be a bit rushed, but doable. However, getting to Granada will take longer. <BR> <BR>Regarding visiting Barcelona - it can be your first destination as you head over to France in the last 2 weeks of your trip. <BR> <BR>I recommend that you invest $20 and get a Let's Go Europe. It is filled with low-budget recommendations, and they include valuable information on trains (length of rides, frequency, etc.) to help you plan your trip. I think sleeping on a train is OK for 1-2 nights (if you invest the additional $20 to get a couchette, that sleeps 6 people in it), but in general, you may not be able to sleep very well, and there is a good chance you might be tired when you get to your destination. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

topping

Scott, as Maria Rosa said, since there are heaps of wonderful places to see and the distances are sometimes big, it would be nice to know how long are you planning to spend visiting those places you want to see, full weeks?, weekends?, day trips?.

hi scott, <BR> <BR>I have been to Europe a few times and will try and answer part of your question <BR> <BR>I think your idea of going to paris for a long weekend is a good one. If it's the only place in france you want to visit then go for it! paris can be expensive so make it a short but busy trip. You won't regret it. <BR> <BR>As for sleeping on the train you'll have to weight 2 things.....seeing the countryside vs. enjoying your destinations. <BR> <BR>You mention that you want to see the landscape and the country - night trains mean you might miss some really interesting stuff and Europe has some amazing landscapes [Spanish mountains, the south of france, Tuscany...i could go on]. That being said, I don't think you want to spend your days on a train either - you'll still see lots as the sun sets and rises from your little window. <BR>So, i would suggest you sleep as much on the train as you can [also reduces your cost/need for hostels]. You shouldn't have a problem with safety - I was a solo female traveler in 1995 and had no difficulties. But, be smart about it. sleep WITH your pack, try to meet travel buddies you trust for the train rides and all that kind of stuff. <BR> <BR>Take a travel guide book for a few reasons. 1. keep yourself informed 2. place to keep notes 3. helps you meet other travelers. <BR> <BR>You'll be amazed at how easy it is to meet people in europe. have the time of your life!! <BR> <BR>JP