My wife and I are faced with a common working couple issue. Trying to use the minimum amount of allowed work vacation time for a trip. The most logical time to go, given that contraint, is during the Christmas/New Years holiday season. Does anyone have suggestions for a good 10-12 day itinerary in Spain for that time of year. We're not opposed to cold weather, but would like to limit it, if possible. Any thoughts ?<BR>John S.

Why not take a Globus Tour of Spain? My wife and I did that last November and loved it. We also had a couple of days in Portugal that were included in the tour. December should be quite lovely with the Christmas celebrations.

I would recommend a week in Madrid with day trips to Toledo and Salamanca.

Took 13 day Madrid and Barcelona trip at Xmas. We also included Lisbon, but please don't do it, as it will disappoint after the first 2.<BR>It will be cold, though not as bad as rest of Europe. We even had a bit of snow on 22nd arriving in Madrid. But still very walkable in layered clothes with a lined coat.<BR>This was second trip to Madrid, first to Barcelona. They are incredible, especially if you are a museum goer. Barcelona has so many charming and interesting museums and the restaurants are outstanding. Your days will be filled, so splitting time between the 2 is easy and an hour flight. <BR>Be aware that Europeans take holidays seriously, and museums can be closed for 2-3 days around Xmas. This is frustrating when you want to sightsee and everything is closed. But there is so much fun, like drinking in the lobby of the Palace Hotel in Madrid and watching Spanish dressed to the nines arriving for Xmas eve dinner.<BR>Prices at hotels were a bargain. Stayed at the Palace (second only to the Ritz for about $220 or Villa Real for about $170. In Barcelona, the Majestic was only 168 euros.

Aleta:<BR>What specifically were you disappointed in --you went on the describe what sounded like an enjoyable trip.<BR><BR>Also, does can anyone answer John's question regarding what the weather was like at that time?

After the beauty and long list of things to do in Madrid and Barcelona, Lison was a let down. It's a much less attractive city, fewer sites, only 1 worthwhile museum. Art is my first priority on a trip. We ran out of things to do in Lisbon. Sites and history not nearly as interesting.<BR>Yes it was cold In Spain. It was supposed to be in the 50s(F), but it was in the low 30s, I believe. On one gauge, we saw 0(C) degrees one day! Walking around it felt pretty cold, but it didn't keep us from walking around. I was thankful to have my heavy coat with me, though my husband had rolled his eyes at my carrying it.<BR>The sad thing about holiday schedule was that many museums were closed. We arrived in Madrid knowing we had a couple of hours at the Prado and then it would close for 2 days. In Barcelona on the 25th 26th every site except the Gaudi Cathedral was closed. Then again on the 1st, as you would expect.

After the beauty and long list of things to do in Madrid and Barcelona, Lison was a let down. It's a much less attractive city, fewer sites, only 1 worthwhile museum. Art is my first priority on a trip. We ran out of things to do in Lisbon. Sites and history not nearly as interesting.<BR>Yes it was cold In Spain. It was supposed to be in the 50s(F), but it was in the low 30s, I believe. On one gauge, we saw 0(C) degrees one day! Walking around it felt pretty cold, but it didn't keep us from walking around. I was thankful to have my heavy coat with me, though my husband had rolled his eyes at my carrying it.<BR>The sad thing about holiday schedule was that many museums were closed. We arrived in Madrid knowing we had a couple of hours at the Prado and then it would close for 2 days. In Barcelona on the 25th 26th every site except the Gaudi Cathedral was closed. Then again on the 1st, as you would expect.