You have a valid point, Ann. I have visited the Alhambra twice. My point was that Mom doesn't have a lot of time and not going to Granada would give her family more time for Madrid which at this time is being short changed IMO.

I've been to Tangier but Fez, Marrakech and Essaouira have been on my bucket list for years!

We were going to combine all those cities with Andalucia on our trip but kept extending our stay in Spain! So, only did a day trip to Tangier.

I think most people expect Morocco to be exotic, that's why they are going there. I must disagree that I have certainly heard people say they would like to go back to Morocco, but never based on a day trip. I wouldn't do that myself given all the other things to do, but with 5 nights in Marbella, they might want a break and it would be a real change and somethign different to see.

I've never heard anyone talk about going to Gibraltar, actually.

I guess I (and the ex) are the only people on the planet that enjoyed Gibraltar.

Joan, maybe so! :D

I see I wrote and punctuated that rather poorly. I meant to say that Fes, Marrakech and Essaouira are worth a visit of two or three days apiece.

Judi - I agree about no need to go to the Alhambra if you are going to Seville - I thought the Alcazar in Seville had many of the same examples of the moorish architecture and craftmanship, and easier to visit.

But I did enjoy Gibraltar - mostly for the apes!

We have visited both....the Alhambra de Granada is magnificent!! But the sheer number of people at the Nasrid Palaces, even with timed entry, makes it less enjoyable than the Alcazar in Seville, IMO. There is serenity in Seville and you can really appreciate the Moorish architecture, which we did not at the Alhambra. People were posing and constantly taking pictures, and sometimes you bump into tour groups so you can't really enter the rooms.

We did enjoy the Generalife and the Alcazaba, though. It is so huge, that you can find a spot to admire its beauty.

It is tempting to do a daytrip to Morocco, but really there is a lot to see in the Andalucian region.

But the sheer number of people at the Nasrid Palaces, even with timed entry, makes it less enjoyable than the Alcazar in Seville, IMO. There is serenity in Seville and you can really appreciate the Moorish architecture, which we did not at the Alhambra. >>

perhaps my view is coloured by the fact that we went to Granada in November, though to my mind, the Nasrid Palaces were still pretty crowded, certainly in the day time. but the night-time trip was a revelation because there were far fewer people.

This is all great! Thank you so much!

We watched Rick Steve's Spain videos last night.. Rick is certainly an interesting guy... Wish I had his job :)

Will be planning & processing all of this!

Rick's Spain videos can be interesting but he says and does some stupid things. For example, he gets in a conversation with a "gypsy". Don't do that!

Joy, that is the reason I suggested an early entry to the Alhambra. Tour groups can really gom up the place!

Seriously Judi... My husband said "please don't make me ever watch another Rick Steve's video" ;)

It is a good way to get some overview & get the family a little exposure

Momddtravel, I described my apt rental in Seville last month on my thread about parking in Granada. We rented through Sevilla5 and we loved the apt. although it's a bit noisy in the area.

Glad to see you're staying 4 nights. We loved Seville, and after staying 7 nights there, still felt like I could stay longer...

For the Alhmabra in Granada, we booked a tour through Viatour. I wished we'd just gone on our own though. The Alhambra was so crowded and busy, it was hard to hear the tour guide even with our headsets. Yes, do try and get there in the morning before the tour groups! Our tour didn't start until 11 am, and that's when it seemed most of them were starting...

I see you said your daughter was pescatarian. She'll do fine.
Just say, "Por favor, sin carne, sin jamon". I'm vegan actually, and I fared better than I thought I would - I did end up with cheese-smothered dishes a couple of times, and once the "sin carne" was ignored - but the ham is placed on top as a garnish, and easily removed and put to the side of your plate (unless you're a real purist about this kind of thing, in which case you'll go very hungry!)
Sounds like a great trip you have planned, and I'm in awe of - and jealous of - your airfare!!!! Hope you enjoy Andalucia as much as we did.

Oh and I agree the Alcazar is on par with the Alhambra and a much more peaceful visit! I am glad we went to both though.

I forgot to mention, I would not spoil a perfect trip to Andalucia by doing a daytrip to Morocco. Marrakesh and Essouira are interesting but much too far for a daytrip. Tangier, and even Fez just aren't that nice although like a different planet for someone from the U.S. I don't know how anyone could say the Alhambra is on par with the Alcazar.

Hello
I think you could visit Cordoba the festival of patios the second week of may

Also the mosque was unique Cordoba was on 7 century the capital of Occidental Califato.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk

You can found a description of history by the guardian newspaper of this city here
https://www.facebook.com/Apartamento...77489275611081

nice Trip

Thank you all SO much... I know I have said it s a few times - but we are SO excited. We have not been back to Europe since Christmas/NewYears 2008/2009 and it is time :).

I really am not keen on going to Morocco but will cave to the family. As I said, I am the planner, I can only share the information...and go from there... I think my 16 year old just thinks it will be "cool".

Bumble I am glad you did okay as far as the food is concerned and thank you for the tips!

We decided to stay in Granada for two nights and are using Marriott points for 2 rooms so going to pass on the apartment there.

My husband travels over 50-60 percent of the time and it wears thin on our family in many ways but a huge perk is the travel points we get to keep... we would not be able to swing this trip without the airfare and majority of the hotels being covered by points. I don't over look what a blessing that is!

Does anyone have any information on any horseback riding in the area? Any part of the trip would be fine... my daughter and I both love to ride.

Near Madrid...

http://www.la-colina.es/