Planning Spain Itinerary
 

My daughter & I are in the process of planning a trip to Spain in June. We fly into Madrid early June 15th and depart back home from Barcelona the morning of June 27th. We will have 12 full days. How easy is it to rent a car and drive around the country? I am leaning towards relying on train and bus transportation. We would like to go up to Bilbao (want to see the Guggenheim museum) and we're also interested in seeing Toledo, as well as Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. I'm wondering if this is too much to see in 12 days (?) Any help anyone can give regarding how many days to spend in each place and the best way to get there would be greatly appreciated!!

12 days for Madrid, Toledo, Bilbao, Seville, Cordoba , Granada and Barcelona - covers seven cities ..

You have to make a few choices...
Madrid - 5 days (jet lag, 2 day trips )
fly to Bilbao - 3 days ( one in Bilbao, 2 in San Sebastian)
fly to Barcelona - 3(4) days.

That is WAY too much to see in the few day you have. We have done Andalusia twice - once for 10 days and once for 12 - and still have a lot we want to see. And Madrid - or anything north of that - would be on top of those days.

(And do you really have 12 days ont he ground - or only 10? You can;t count the day you arrive or the dayyou leave.)

You should pick an area of Spain and try to focus on that region. Seville to Bilbao is a two day drive. Don't forget Spain is a big country. I'd suggest a tour of the south if you really want to get out and about.

Try this instead.
Madrid - 3 days (fly in, visit Prado museum)
Seville - 3 days
drive to Cordoba for the day, head to Granada after - 1 day
Granada - 3 days
drive back to Madrid - 1 day

That still gives you an extra day for what ever you want to do, maybe visit Gibraltar, Malaga or somewhere else along the coast.

We didn't think Bilbao was worth the extra trip, especially after seeing the Prado in Madrid.

the OP is flying home from Barcelona... no reason to go to Madrid for last day
We stayed 3 nights in Granada, found it too long

I agree with Danon's plan. Or , if you prefer the South, substitute that instead of Bilbao/ North.

Another vote for Bilbao and San Sebastián, close to eachother and very different. There are reasons why the Spanish themselves flock up here in the summer months. Cooler temperatures, the best food in Spain if not all of Europe, scenic coastline with fabulous beaches and a thriving culture are some of them.

Way too much. Andalucia itself needs 10 days. It's easy to rent a car and drive around but I wouldn't do it. Public transport is too good and far more relaxing. I suggest Madrid, San Sebastian and Barcelona (only because you've already bought your tickets.)