Spain in 18days -finalizing itinerary and a special bday celebration!
Mar 6th, 2014, 10:40 PM
#42
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would avoid Nerja especially with children.
Post about sewage problem
http://www.nerjanow.com/NerjaForum/p...bea479d13a80fe
News that the treatment plant may start to be built form this year. It will take time to be completed.
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/...oblem%E2%80%99
It is said to have blue flags but these flags are regulated by the local authorities thus the monitoring is useless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XosuWWRXUUI
Post about sewage problem
http://www.nerjanow.com/NerjaForum/p...bea479d13a80fe
News that the treatment plant may start to be built form this year. It will take time to be completed.
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/...oblem%E2%80%99
It is said to have blue flags but these flags are regulated by the local authorities thus the monitoring is useless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XosuWWRXUUI
Mar 7th, 2014, 03:11 PM
#43
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm coming in a little late but I would keep the 5 days in Sevilla especially since most attractions will be shut down on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. Be sure to arrive in town during the day before the processionals start - take the morning flight on Vueling. You don't want to have to go through a crowd of people with luggage trying to arrive to your hotel. It may also be a bit overwhelming to arrive on Thursday night, the crowdest time of all during Semana Santa in Sevilla. I'm not sure what you decided to do about Hotel Alminar but it is a wonderful hotel and the location cannot be beat! The service is very personal and inviting.
For the birthday dinner I'd choose Enrique Becerra (the restaurant upstairs, not downstairs tapas). I love Eslava and Azotea but the old word atmosphere of the dining room in Enrique Becerra and the food is excellent. Definately try Eslava and Azotea too - if you can get in during Semana Santa! I'd highly suggest reservations for the birthday dinner.
For the birthday dinner I'd choose Enrique Becerra (the restaurant upstairs, not downstairs tapas). I love Eslava and Azotea but the old word atmosphere of the dining room in Enrique Becerra and the food is excellent. Definately try Eslava and Azotea too - if you can get in during Semana Santa! I'd highly suggest reservations for the birthday dinner.
Mar 7th, 2014, 05:37 PM
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thnx so much CathyM for the reply, we actually managed to get Amadeus at a cheaper rate, so that's where we will be staying.
And really appreciate the direct comparison between the restaurants...I knew the food would be good in all 3 places..but couldn't really find any restaurant pics to figure out the atmosphere..so Enrique Becerra it will be
I didn't realize that Seville attractions will be closed on Thursday avo/Friday..so Friday will be pretty much roam around the streets I suppose..Would attractions be open by Saturday morning?
And re Nerja, will keep the kids out of the water, and use it more of a relaxation stop..or I guess we could always explore the Alpujarras from there.
We have decided against Pradolanno thinking that the road there and the resorts there might be too busy for a short time of snow fun... Will have to compensate by finding some other kids activities during the trip..
And really appreciate the direct comparison between the restaurants...I knew the food would be good in all 3 places..but couldn't really find any restaurant pics to figure out the atmosphere..so Enrique Becerra it will be
I didn't realize that Seville attractions will be closed on Thursday avo/Friday..so Friday will be pretty much roam around the streets I suppose..Would attractions be open by Saturday morning?
And re Nerja, will keep the kids out of the water, and use it more of a relaxation stop..or I guess we could always explore the Alpujarras from there.
We have decided against Pradolanno thinking that the road there and the resorts there might be too busy for a short time of snow fun... Will have to compensate by finding some other kids activities during the trip..
Mar 7th, 2014, 06:11 PM
#45
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Everything is pretty much back to normal on Saturday morning. However, there will be long lines during Semana Santa for most major attractions.
I found a timetable from my 2010 visit to Sevilla during Semana Santa and have noted for you the attractions open after 2pm on Thursday and on Friday:
Thursday (open after lunchtime in 2010):
Alcazar (but closed all day Friday)
Casa Pilatos
Plaza de Toros
Hospital de los Venerables
Friday (openings in 2010)
Catedral and Giralda 10:30-14:00
Iglesia Salvador 9:00-14:00
Casa Pilatos 9:00-18:30
Museo de Bellas Artes 9:00-14:30
Museo arqueologico 9:00-14:30
Museo artes y costumb. popul. 9:00-14:30
Museum of Contemporary art 10:00-15:00
Carmona necropolis 8:30-15:30
Carmona - alcazar 10:00-15:00
Carmona: city museum 11:00-14:00
I hope this helps. Although there are closings there is alot to do. The more touristy shops will be open and people watching is incredible during Semana Santa in Sevilla. Restaurants and tapas bars are generally open the entire week during normal hours.
If you need anything else just let me know.
I found a timetable from my 2010 visit to Sevilla during Semana Santa and have noted for you the attractions open after 2pm on Thursday and on Friday:
Thursday (open after lunchtime in 2010):
Alcazar (but closed all day Friday)
Casa Pilatos
Plaza de Toros
Hospital de los Venerables
Friday (openings in 2010)
Catedral and Giralda 10:30-14:00
Iglesia Salvador 9:00-14:00
Casa Pilatos 9:00-18:30
Museo de Bellas Artes 9:00-14:30
Museo arqueologico 9:00-14:30
Museo artes y costumb. popul. 9:00-14:30
Museum of Contemporary art 10:00-15:00
Carmona necropolis 8:30-15:30
Carmona - alcazar 10:00-15:00
Carmona: city museum 11:00-14:00
I hope this helps. Although there are closings there is alot to do. The more touristy shops will be open and people watching is incredible during Semana Santa in Sevilla. Restaurants and tapas bars are generally open the entire week during normal hours.
If you need anything else just let me know.
Mar 7th, 2014, 08:29 PM
#46
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thnx CathyM..So will plan for people and hopefully procession watching on Friday. Did you have any luck with that from the streets?
I am a bit worried about the crowds and whether we will actually get to see any procession at all with the kids in tow. wondering whether its actually worth flying to Seville to catch the Semana Santa instead of flying to Granada and finishing in Seville.
Saturday We hope to do a day trip to Cordoba. And may be on Sunday and Monday to focus on the Cathedral/Giralda and Alcazar.
I am a bit worried about the crowds and whether we will actually get to see any procession at all with the kids in tow. wondering whether its actually worth flying to Seville to catch the Semana Santa instead of flying to Granada and finishing in Seville.
Saturday We hope to do a day trip to Cordoba. And may be on Sunday and Monday to focus on the Cathedral/Giralda and Alcazar.
Mar 8th, 2014, 08:53 AM
#47
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't worry - you'll be able to see processions. It seems to be most crowded around the Cathdral. I like to get out closer to the home neighborhoods of the brotherhoods. You can pick up an itinerary of the processions at the tourist office or your hotel may have one.
Mar 8th, 2014, 12:34 PM
#48
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Perhaps see the start of the Gran Poder at 1 after midnight on Friday. And definitely see the coming home of La Macarena the next day at about 2pm. It's most of all about taking part of it together with the proud people of Sevilla. Watch the "saeta" from 4min 50 sec: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6iGTZ_pf0s
Mar 10th, 2014, 07:13 PM
#50
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
need more advise pls!
We arrive in Granada on 24th,Thursday late morning(driving)and as we have somewhat given up the idea of venturing out of Granada for a day trip, I am thinking that it may be best to limit Granada to 2 nights and leave to Madrid on the Sunday morning train.
this would give us 3 1/2 days (4N)in Madrid and we are not big city people..so considering day trips to Segovia and or Toledo to get away from the large city.
What are your thoughts? is it better to stay one more day longer in Granada or add an extra day (which is Sunday)to Madrid for a day trip?
Also,except booking the granada -madrid train ticket in advance, we plan to buy the day trip train tkts after arriving in the city. Would this be fine during Easter hols?
We arrive in Granada on 24th,Thursday late morning(driving)and as we have somewhat given up the idea of venturing out of Granada for a day trip, I am thinking that it may be best to limit Granada to 2 nights and leave to Madrid on the Sunday morning train.
this would give us 3 1/2 days (4N)in Madrid and we are not big city people..so considering day trips to Segovia and or Toledo to get away from the large city.
What are your thoughts? is it better to stay one more day longer in Granada or add an extra day (which is Sunday)to Madrid for a day trip?
Also,except booking the granada -madrid train ticket in advance, we plan to buy the day trip train tkts after arriving in the city. Would this be fine during Easter hols?
Mar 11th, 2014, 03:58 PM
#51
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would be tempted to stay one more day in Granada since I think you will have enough moving around based on what you have said above. But honestly you are the one who knows your family the best and what kind of trips you enjoy.
Granada is great, but so are Madrid and Toledo and Segovia, so I am hard pressed to give you an opinion.
Granada is great, but so are Madrid and Toledo and Segovia, so I am hard pressed to give you an opinion.
Mar 11th, 2014, 08:07 PM
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
13th April - Barcelona - 4 nights.
flight to Seville.
5N seville
car rental to drive afterwards.
2N Ronda
1N Nerja
drive in the morning to Granada and return car.
2N granada
9am train to Madrid.
4N in Madrid
flight to Seville.
5N seville
car rental to drive afterwards.
2N Ronda
1N Nerja
drive in the morning to Granada and return car.
2N granada
9am train to Madrid.
4N in Madrid
Mar 11th, 2014, 08:20 PM
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We do not mind changing hotels..and like to see as much as possible during our limited time.The kids have been very good travelers so far..and are looking forward to the trip.
DH booked the train tkts last night; for the 27th morning, Sunday, thinking that being a holiday in Granada,it might be a good day to travel to Madrid!
I guess we could still explore Sierra Nevada on the way from nerja to Granada..that's not in the plan at the moment though..but we have the car for the whole day.
would we have to book the trains in advance for day trips to Cordoba and toledo OR segovia (not decided which yet! ). can we do that when we get to each city?
DH booked the train tkts last night; for the 27th morning, Sunday, thinking that being a holiday in Granada,it might be a good day to travel to Madrid!
I guess we could still explore Sierra Nevada on the way from nerja to Granada..that's not in the plan at the moment though..but we have the car for the whole day.
would we have to book the trains in advance for day trips to Cordoba and toledo OR segovia (not decided which yet
! ). can we do that when we get to each city?
Mar 12th, 2014, 09:36 AM
#56
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd agree with keeping 2 nights in Granada and 4 in Madrid. I like to book my train tickets in advance just to make sure I have the time I want. But you do loose the flexibility. You should probably be OK not reserving in advance given it's not high season. But I have heard people not being able to get tickets on the Madrid/Toledo train. With 2 kids I'd probably opt to purchase in advance but that's just me. BTW - I love both Segovia and Toledo but if I could only visit one it would be Toledo.
Mar 15th, 2014, 04:46 AM
#57
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thnx Cathy M, may be we will book the tkts a bit closer to the date..and I am glad we sort of made our madrid time longer than previously planned..
now to plan the detailed itinerary..Off to read some more trip reports and guide books
now to plan the detailed itinerary..Off to read some more trip reports and guide books
Mar 31st, 2014, 05:24 AM
#58
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To get into the Sevilla Semana Santa mood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0P662dIpdA
Apr 2nd, 2014, 05:59 PM
#59
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
days to leave for barcelona..
a few more questions..weather wise, would some light cardigans suffice?
should we pre book tkts for sagrada familiar and other Gaudi sights?
if we decide to do the Montserrat trip for the different scenery, whats the best way to do it in term of transportation?
a few more questions..weather wise, would some light cardigans suffice?
should we pre book tkts for sagrada familiar and other Gaudi sights?
if we decide to do the Montserrat trip for the different scenery, whats the best way to do it in term of transportation?
Apr 2nd, 2014, 06:30 PM
#60
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd visit Girona in a heartbeat over Montserrat. Others love it but wasn't my cup of tea. However, with only 4 nights in Barcelona and overcoming jetlag I honestly don't think you'll have time for a daytrip.
