spain itinerary
 

Hi, <BR>We are a family of five planning a trip to Spain from 6/19 to about 7/5 this summer. Could I get feedback on a possible itinerary?<BR>1) arrive Madrid, take Ave train to Seville where we spend 3-4 days possibly renting a car.<BR>2) return to Madrid, either by Ave or drive --spend 4-5 days in Madrid and surrounding area.<BR>3) Fly by EurAir pass<BR>to Barcelona spend 3-4 days<BR><BR>4) Fly to Bilbao by EurAir pass and spend 4-5 days in Northern Spain -- must visit Santander to visit relatives. will rent car<BR><BR>5) Fly back to Madrid by EurAir pass and depart for USA<BR><BR>I know it sounds ambitious, but I think it hits most of the highlights of a very big country. I'd really appreciate comments. Thanks.

It sounds excellent. I would love a trip based on an itinerary like this.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Sounds great! <BR><BR>Take time to visit Toledo (Take a whole day) while in Madrid and to go up to the Coasta Bravo (Tossa de Mar was fun!) while in Barcelona (AND DON'T MISS THE PICASSO MUSEUM). <BR><BR>Bilbo was a bit of a disapointment, But I would definently go to San Sabastion. Also you will be in Northern spain around the time of the Running of the BUlls in Pampolona A MUST!!! It will probebly be too late for a hotel there but you could stay in San Sabastion and drive over for a morning running (the arena is a great place to watch the people and bulls come in if you decide not to run and you can get tickets the day of outside the doors). <BR><BR>Have fun!<BR>JB

Ah, Spain. Only one thought. Why not do your Madrid touring when you arrive there on 6/19 and then AVE to Sevilla? This will give you a chance to acclimate.Then fly from Malaga to Barcelona,etc. It might be more fluid.

You've got a well planned trip with not alot of excess jumping around and 1-nighters. I'd also consider "r's" suggestion of beginning in Madrid then heading to Sevilla and flying from Sevilla to Barcelona. It saves a leg of the journey. In my opinion, I would spent a MAX of 3 nights in Madrid (2 is enough) and instead of doing day trips to Toledo and/or Segovia spend the night there. They are lovely cities, both are "musts" and transportation via bus and train is frequent and reliable from Madrid. You could possibly throw in Salamanca, another World Heritage City (same as Toledo and Segovia), but that may be pushing it. If for some reason you have to go to Sevilla first and then return to Madrid I would definately take the AVE and not drive. The AVE is great and much quicker. I don't think there's much to see on the drive either. I would also suggest that you get off the AVE on the way to Sevilla and do a day trip to Cordoba. It's a beautiful city and easy to see in a day if you leave Madrid by mid-morning. If you plan on staying in Sevilla proper for the entire 3-4 days you won't need to rent a car but if you plan on exploring nearby areas it would be the way to go. The route of the Pueblo Blancos is incredible. We visited the towns of Arcos and Ronda and it was like a fairy tale. It's too bad you can't hit Granada. <BR><BR>Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps. Keep us posted and have a great time.

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Look into flying open jaw out of different Spanish cities. We flew into Barcelona and out of Madrid. It cost the same as if we did RT from Madrid. Is there any compelling reason to use EurAir passes? I found flying in the middle of vacation takes a better part of the day even though it maybe a 1 hour flight. Consider taking the train. Ave is just excellent, and overnight train Granada to to Madrid in a 2 person compartment was also good, and this save a lot of time. You can stop by in Cordoba on your route between Seville and Madrid since on the same line.