SarahSRoberts

We're off to Spain! Family of 5 (16 son, 13 daughter, 11 daughter) adventuresome travelers and here is what we have planned:

June 22-26 Barcelona Feel Good Gracia Apartment
Fly to Seville, Rent Car
June 26-28 Seville Hotel Las Casas De Los Mercarderes
June 28-30 Jerez Hotel Itaca
Train to Madrid
July 1-4 Madrid Hotel Best Western Carlos V

Other than that, no plans. So obviously, I'm behind the 8 ball here. Would love to see Flamenco and hike in Andalucia Mountains (and yes, I know it's hot) Have enjoyed the hop on hop off bus in London and Paris as a way to get a city overview. Am from San Francisco and even learned new things about my fair city on the recent Bay Cruise with headphones! 16 year old son is competitive water polo player so extra bonus points for any info about that. (although I think spain is playing in the world cup when we're there.) All of us like to be active and are really looking forward to some cultural experiences. Average spanish speakers.

Thank you for any input or advice. I love fodors.com and will definitely post a trip report when we return!

Robert2533

Okay, what do you plan to do with the car while you're in Sevilla and Jerez?

SarahSRoberts

Regarding the car, we were thinking to go into the Andalucia Mountains. Seems like a lot of cute small villages worth going to see. Thanks for asking...and can easily cancel if that seems excessive.

Also, we LOVED Fat Tire Bike Tour in Paris, will do that in Barcelona unless anyone says no, and also enjoy walking tours of cities so any info there would be appreciated.

Robert2533

If you have a car, you'll have to pay to park it, and I don't recommend trying to drive in Sevilla. Jerez isn't so bad, but it too has a number of one-way streets and pop-up street barriers in the old city, the casco antiguo.

SarahSRoberts

Great advice. Thanks. Sounds like you have a lot of knowledge about Sevilla/Jerez. Any advice for us?

amsdon

Sara your hotel In Madrid is right in the thick of things and it will be easy to go back to it to drop off purchases or jackets or just a quick sieat or refresher. I have never stayed there but saw they had balconies? I hope you get one.

We passed the Carlos V several times and you can walk to alot of places from there.

You shold consider Casa Patas and Cardamomo for flamenco there is quite a bit here on this forum about that.

iris1745

Hi; Good information for 'download', on www.maribelsguides.com Richard

CathyM

If you are interested in the White villages I'd consider staying in Ronda versus Jerez. Otherwise, a car will be a burden.

I'd also consider spending the time in Cadiz versus Jerez. It's an easy 2 hour bus/train ride from Sevilla and you could even visit Arcos or Medina Sidona by bus from Cadiz if you want a taste of the white villages. This way you could not have to rent a car.

rede440

Sarah, the on off bus in BCN is wonderful as long as the weather is good. Barcelona is fairly spread out so you can get off and explore the water front and the head out to the Gaudi Cathedral. I didn't think we would be as interested in Gaudi as we were! He's amazing! I'm jealous have aball!

kimhe

The one month Suma Flamenca festival in Madrid finishes off the 2nd of July with legendary singer José Menese and up and coming dancer Belén López. 8pm at Centro Cultural Paco Rabal in Vallecas in South-Eastern Madrid. 10-15€ with taxi from Puerta del Sol/Plaza Mayor area. Tickets are only 6€ as they are subsidised by local authorities. A great opportunity to see two excellent artists and cutting edge flamenco together with a local crowd:
http://www.flamenco-world.com/notici...0.htm#programa

José Menese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVOYpXNVzRs
Belén López: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1aHoufqeBw

In Sevilla I would recommend intimate Casa de la Memória in C/Ximenez de Enciso, 28 in the Santa Cruz district. Young, dedicated, up and coming artists. Some of the very best perform here.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalusia.html

Revulgo

What to do in Madrid on early July? Some ideas.

Musical: Chicago
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarBus...al=1838&tipo=6

Exhibition: Fascinated by the Orient.
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarBus...al=1266&tipo=1

Exhibition: Traveling Through Fabrics and Clothes. Design and Color in the Garment Museum.
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarBus...al=1239&tipo=9

Exhibition: The Royal Armory of the Royal Palace
http://www.travelinginspain.com/palace2.html

Real Madrid Stadium Tour. The tour takes visitors to all the key spots of the Real Madrid's home stadium.
http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satelli...3040472497.htm

kimhe

You might want to consider hiking in the spectacular El Torcal Park Nature Reserve. Some 90 min drive from Sevilla:
http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm
http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...ed3/torcal.htm

The nearby wolf park might also be fun/interesting: http://www.lobopark.com/en

alexislovesspain

Sarah

I agree with rede440. The hop on hop off bus in BCN is great. We were in BCN for 2.5 days and purchased the 2 day pass directly on the bus.(you will need cash for this) (I would avoid buying it online, in advance)

We were there in November, so the buses were not croweded, but if we did miss one, the next one was only 10-15 wait .... sometimes we even walked to the next stop. Enjoy. I have been to all those cities, except Jerez.

kimhe

Sevilla and Madrid are both perfect for walking and seeing neighborhoods/barrios - each with a distinctive character as if different small villages - in a relaxed pace. Great restaurants, tapas bars, magnificent museums and sights.

Sevilla districts/barrios: http://www.whatsevilla.com/city-guide.html
Madrid districts/barrios: http://www.ailmadrid.com/madrid/barrios

BigRuss

Go to Plaza d'Espana in Seville, look at the 50+ mosaics representing (primarily of great Spanish battles resulting in victories) and think to yourself: did the Spanish really win 50 battles in all their history?

Egbert

Going all the way to Andalucia and missing Granada and the Alhambra would be a shame. It deserves 2 nights but you can get by with one. I would take off a night or two from Barcelona. You do not need a car in Seville, it's a major hassle. with only 3 days in Seville you don't have any time to explore the country. Seville is an amazing city and 3 days will go by quick, I would enjoy it and absorb the fantastic culture. Casa de Memoria is great for a formal flamenco show. La Carboneria for a more informal time, no cover charge. I also would go to Cadiz over Jerez but they're both great.

WTnow

The heat will be a problem in Andalusia, so keep that in mind. Do your active things EARLY. It will likely be over 100 every day, so get on Spanish time and learn to nap during the day like they do mid day and spend lots of time in the pool or sea. There big meal is at 2, so keep that in mind so you will be in sync with the culture and when restaurants and stores are opened ( seems often to be a problem with American visitors).Even Barcelona will be hot and crowded then ( we are in Barcelona now and it's already hot).

I agree that Flamenco is great in Seville:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...co-in-sev.html

Unless you are planning to see the horse show in Jerez or are sherry lovers,

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...-and-sher.html

I'd probably pick Ronda too:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...-to-ronda.html

It's more intimate, smaller, gorgeous views and the bull ring is the oldest in Spain & should interest the kids:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...-oldest-b.html

Don't miss the tapas in Seville:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/03/tapas.html

DON"T miss the Mesquita in nearby Cordoba ( fast train day trip from Seville)

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/03/la-mezquita.html

You might also want to check out gems in nearby costa brava while in Barcelona:

http://soultravelers3.com/2009/07/to...ems-spain.html

Don't miss Gaudi as it is our fave part of Barcelona ( and this is our 9th visit here and we usually stay a month each time!)

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...audi-wond.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...s-sagrada.html

I do think the countryside and white villages are the very best of Andalusia, so don't miss! :

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2010/0...phy-.html#more


You might also consider a horseback ride on the beach or in the mountains as the Andalusian horses are gorgeous and it's a great way to see the land and cheap!

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...hors.html#more

Check to see what festivals are going on ( always something in Andalusia) as the Spaniards REALLY know how to put on a festival and it's a big window into their culture. Too bad you will miss the horse fair which is spectacular, but hopefully you will find something special:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...f-the-roa.html

Many small villages have bull runnings etc in summer or some kinds of procession about their favorite saint.

This is a fun ( and experiential education for kids) and I think they have one in Seville too ( they do for sure in Granada and it is a shame for you to miss the Alhambra):

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2010/0...ter-roman.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/03/la-alhambra.html

http://www.soultravelers3.com/2007/0...t-princes.html

We've spent the last 4 years traveling Europe and based in Spain, so there is lots more on our website that might help you. Have a great time!

CathyM

Egbert- you're so right, I just noticed Granada was totally skipped. I'd definately forego Jerez and visit Granada.

If I'm following correctly the itinerary is:

Barcelona - 4 nights
Sevilla - 2 nights
Jerez - 3 nights
Madrid - 3 nights

If this is the case, I'd eliminate Jerez, add a night to Sevilla and spend 2 nights in Granada. No need to rent a car. Take the bus or train from Sevilla to Granada and fly to Madrid from Granada. I don't think there's really any time to visit the white villages area particularly with 3 teenagers and the heat factor. 12 nights to visit Barcelona, Madrid and Andalucia is pushing it slightly. You definately don't want to be too rushed.

Egbert

While the white villages are quaint and picturesque, there is no place on earth like the small cities of Sevilla and Granada.

SarahSRoberts

WOW! You area all so helpful. Thank you, thank you, GRACIAS!

Sarah