Spain itinerary and railway advise
 

HI all.

Our first time in Spain, a long waited trip... 3 adults and a 4 year old who has traveled with us in all our trips. The age is a bit difficult but we find it manageable as we divide the day between her activities and ours.

So here is the plan we fly in to madrid and out from Barcelona and we have about 13 nights End of june.

Day 1: madrid arrive around noon.
Day 2: madrid
Day 3: madrid
Day 4: take train to seville
Day 5: seville
Day 6: seville
Day 7: train to cordoba
Day 8: day trip to Grenada to see Alhambra
Day 9:cordoba
Day 10: train to barcelona
Day 11: barcelona
Day 12: barcelona
Day 13: barcelona
Day 14: fly back home from Barcelona

I need your advice regarding the plan if it is doable and sounds reasonable, my concerns are regarding the train lines in Spain ( if someone can suggest a website to find the best fare).

Is the day trip to granada from cordoba possible, and through which form of transportation?

I was torn between Andalusian cities and finally had to rule out malaga and granada because the other two seemed more appealing and offered more things to do and see, but if there is any suggestion of something I have missed it will be appreciated.

Thank you in advance

I suggest going to The Man in Seat 61 who has lots of advice about Spain. He is particularly useful about buying tickets since the Spanish national rail website purchases can be something of a challenge. www.seat61.com

I, personally, wouldn't try to do a day-trip to Granada from Cordoba for purposes of seeing the Alhambra. It's theoretically doable, but why? Just spend the night in Granada.

You indicate that you've dropped Malaga and Granada for time in Seville and Cordoba. I, personally, wouldn't have included Barcelona on this trip and would have instead focused on Andalucía--with a few days in Madrid at either end of the trip, but if you've already booked airfare, then I suppose it's too late to cut Barcelona out of it.

My somewhat random thoughts. I would not stay in both Seville and Cordoba - either or, pretty close to each other, easy 45 minute train ride. Then you could add either Malaga or Granada. I know there are guided tours to the Alhambra from Malaga - it is closer to Granada than Cordoba or Seville.

Now my very personal opinion that many do not agree with is, if you see the Alcazar in Seville, it is not necessary to see the Alhambra. Both are excellent examples of the Moorish architecture - true, the gardens at the Alhambra are more extensive but again, I really don't think you need to do both on a limited trip.

You might want to do Madrid, Cordoba (or Seville), Malaga - will be nice to be by the water in June! and then Barcelona. Have a nice trip!

Thank you for your suggestions... Though I am now confused again.

If I skip cordoba and go to granada from seville, spend the night and go to malaga or vice versa malaga then granada... Then wouldn't it be more difficult to get to barcelona( which i don't want to leave Out)from there?.
For us there is no such thing as no need �� but I guess we won't know until we have done it. We are interested in architecture as we are in the design and construction field, our other interests are food and culture. Which is why we want to get a different experience between the cities to understand a bit more the contrast.

I could however skip seville for this trip and do as you suggested.. Madrid, Cordoba and malaga then barcelona. I will give it a thought, even though the things I read about seville is more appealing than malaga.

Trains - www.renfe.com - Spanish Railways official site to book own tickets - far in advance to get limited number of discounted tickets - yes www.seat61.com will be of big help in booking as tghe renfe.com site can be a real flummoxing one for novice encounterers to get to work-general info www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Seville to me is really nice -I'd cut Granada if anything - besides Alhambra a so-so IMO big city. I'd do Cordoba maybe as a day trip from Seville.

If anything, I'd cut Malaga. Stick with Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Then go to BCN by train or fly.

Bedar >>> how do you suggest to cover the 3 in 6 nights? train From madrid and then to barcelona.
what would be an adequate time to spend in each is what's difficult, on the one hand I want to go to all 3, on the other, not very comfortable with a 2 nights stay idea as too much traveling we are not going to be able to settle.
I have looked at trains but still did not decide which is the best way to arrange the trip.

Seville, Cordoba, and Granada>

that is the order of time needed IME - Granada one day - Cordoba could be a day trip from Seville and 3 days in Seville - Granada takes 4-5 hours each way from Cordoba I believe.

Hi Newbee86
Our experience booking Renfe tickets is this: we downloaded their app to ipad and linked it to paypal for payment, we are in Australia and have been travelling regularly to Spain. We book tickets as far out,timewise, as we can, for the best price.The most important to book ahead is Cordoba to Barcelona, you will go back via Madrid for this. Your Itinerary looks good, as it is and is certainly doable.
I also suggest you book your tickets to Alhumbra asap. We took our elderly parents last year, and booked a personal guide: parents are a hard of hearing and like to take their time; it cost alot but we made the most of the day and they loved it.We drove to Granada from Malaga, parked in the Alhumbra carpark and were met by the guide. They already had the tickets. We timed our visit to finish at lunchtime, 2.30pm,the tour company picked us up in a car and took us to a small restaurant overlooking Alhumbra, and then drove us back to our car. It was a highlight of our trip.With a little one in tow this might be an option for you.I would look at driving to Granada, or bus.
For trains such as Seville to Cordoba you can buy your tickets at the station.

fly to Barcelona from any f the southern cities.. even granada. Do NOT day trip wit a 4 yr old to Alhambra. As mentioned, not sure I would even do granada w a 4 yr old if you are doing the Alcazar. Be sure to get tickets ahead of time for EVERYWHERE you want to visit.

For trains such as Seville to Cordoba you can buy your tickets at the station.>

These are for the slower regional trains but if taking the high-speed AVE can't you get a discount on that trajectory? I have no idea so asking the experts-just curious???

I kept an eye on fares for Sevilla-Córdoba in the months before our trip this past March. I never found discounted fares on high speed routes. There are a couple of cheaper options depending on time of day, but I never saw the deep discounts that I saw on other routes.

The ALSA bus is a good option between Cordoba and Granada.

"never found discounted fares on high speed routes. "

Same here..
When we visited Córdoba from Seville the only discounted tickets were at
inconvenient hours.
Actually, there are fewer discounts on AVE for many destination than
5-6 years ago.

Are there not non-AVE trains serving that route -Seville to Cordoba too with cheaper fares? Or only AVE? Thanks.

Yes, there are other train..a bit less.
still, I see no discounts.

Google Renfe.

I just ran a search for a day in late June. There are some cheaper media distance and Avant trains with cheaper fares and a handful of promo fares for Ave trains (at not particularly convenient times). It may depend on how flexible he OP is as to the timing of the train.

Thank you for your advice. I guess I will stick to my itinerary and try to go to granada by bus from seville then cordoba,it will be safer than driving. In regards to the tickets From what I read at the www.seat61.com I can use the trainline.eu for Spain train bookings, the prices are definitely not discounted, but still ok the major one being from cordoba to barcelona.

Any particular website to book our attractions tickets? Alhambra in particular. And are they refundable in case of emergency? This is the first time I travel and have to book tickets in advance, wouldn't it be possible to book it a night or two before the visit?

cordoba to barcelona.>

flying could be cheaper?

If no discounts then maybe look at the Spain Railpass -could be a good deal if not discounts -you still have to pay for the seat reservation but otherwise can take any train anytime -of course reserve seats in advance to guarantee space but if you miss the train or want to change you only lose the seat reservation fee.

flights from Sevilla to Barcelona should be cheaper than the train. You must order your alhambra tickets ASAP at their official website ( careful.. lots of third party websites) as they sell out quickly.. probably grabbed by groups.

Or... you will have to pay for a guided tour to get in.

Do check flights to Barcelona.. usually very inexpensive/ Sevilla-BCN or Granada-BCN.

We did a similar trip in the fall all by train (part by bus to Granada). It was "easy-going" because of my partner's health concerns so it would also be fine for adults with a child!
Madrid- 2 nights (but we had been in Madrid before)
Cordoba - 2 nights (There were many recommendations on Fodor's to stay overnight and we were glad that
we did.)
Granada - 3 nights
Sevilla - 5 nights
Madrid - 1 night before the flight.

Granada isn't really a day trip. If the direct train still isn't up and running, you have to travel part of the way by train and the rest by a bus provided by the train company. The train/bus doesn't stop in the center of the town. You'll have to take a bus/taxi to that part.

By the way, I agree with suec1 about the Alcazar in Seville. It is very impressive and shares many features with the Alhambra. Granada is much more than the Alhambra and IMO, it's quite an effort to go to Granada to only see that. Seville is much better for a family with a small child - lots of parks and places where both adults and a child can enjoy.
I also agree with the posters that suggested flying from Seville to Barcelona. If you go from Madrid to Cordoba and then to Seville, it would probably be easier. I've read that posters have gone from Madrid to Cordoba (short train ride), toured Cordoba and then continued on to Seville. I'm sure that luggage can be left at the train station. That would probably be more doable.
By the way, there are wonderful, easy day trips from Madrid - Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial that could be done instead of Granada. You could consider adding an extra day to Madrid for one of these day trips instead of Granada.
Whatever you do, you'll certainly enjoy yourself. I love Andalusia!

Thank you for your replies.. a lot of useful information.

I feel much better about dropping granada and keeping it for another time I am certain that I would want to spend a few nights and maybe visit Alhambra during the night as well.

Will stick to cordoba and seville and give adequate time to enjoy both cities, taking the train to barcelona because it's easier and less stressful with a child,center to center connection and would take about the same time with the amount of time traveling to and from the airport.

That way we get extra time in Madrid which we will do the day trips you recommend, maybe Toledo.

Toledo is very close to Madrid but posters recommended buying tickets in advance (which I did through Renfre) because it's a commuter train and fills up.

Look at first-class tickets for that long train trip - sometimes not much more than 2nd and a bit roomier -with a young kid may be worth it. (Depends how much extra it will cost however.) Too bad overnight trains have seemingly disappeared from Spain otherwise you could have taken a night train as I did long ago.

You probably have to change in Madrid Atocha -may put an hour or so between trains and let the kid and you walk around -maybe have lunch, etc.

But you're right 5.75 hours city center to city (well Barcelona Sants ain't in the town center but commuter trains will take you there from the main Sants station) and you see the lay of the land as well- kind of boring but still and you speed along at nearly 200mph.

Bring any food or drink aboard. Stuff sold on trains is pricey.

PalenQ >>> unfortunately few days ago the first class ticket was 1€ more than the 2nd class. I missed it.

but am I missing something here? The trip is approx 4:45 hours. The 5:75 is to the center?

Are Spanish trains as punctual as German trains?
We did have a family cart in all our Germany travels which was very convenient, is this also available in Spanish trains?

Spanish trains are punctual , the system is excellent.
You can buy seats for four with a table in the middle.
Barcelona Saints is only several metro stops to the very center of Barcelona,
( depending where you are staying, taxi about 10 -15 euros to most hotels)
From Córdoba you have to go to Madrid 1:40 min, change trains to Barcelona
(2:30 - 3:00 hours depending on the train. ) - probably will not have to wait long in Madrid
You would do well to check Renfe page ( in English) ....


,

Sants...

Here is our 2015 Spain report (some of the cities you are visiting) with photos. Hopefully this link can give you some ideas.

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/spain-2015/</B>

((H))

Maitaitom. What a lovely comprehensive report with a nice sense of humor, I have not finished reading it yet.but it is so detailed and very helpful. Thank you very much

The trip is approx 4:45 hours.>

Not on schedules I looked at (www.bahn.de/en) -one odd hour early train was 5:10 but others all about 5 3/4 hr all told including layover time in Madrid changing trains. Where di you get 4:45? Oh well just an hour or so longer if bahn.de/en is right as they usually are - German Railways schedule site for all European trains - easiest to use for schedules I've seen but can't book Spanish trains.

I've booked on trainline.eu several trips take longer but this one says 4.45 hours and direct. I hope it is on schedule.

Ah my mistake -I put in Seville rather than Cordoba and that makes sense - about an hour to Cordoba from Seville.

Sorry about mistake.

can I ask how much you paid?

Thanks!

The cost was 90€ pp for promo+

Sounds like a good deal for such a long trip.

Hi newbee86 I'm responding to your comment on my trip report. To answer your question, I'll post my actual itinerary and what I'd change looking back. Hopefully this will help you make your plans.

Basically I'd take time away from Madrid for a day trip to Toledo and briefly shorten my time in Cordoba and Granada. I'd probably add that time to Barcelona, but I could have easily enjoyed extra time in Sevilla as well.

Actual itinerary
Day 1- Arrive in Madrid mid-day
Day 2 - Madrid
Day 3 - Madrid, late afternoon train to Cordoba
Day 4 - Cordoba
Day 5 - Cordoba, evening train to Sevilla
Day 6 - Sevilla
Day 7 - Sevilla
Day 8 - Sevilla, evening bus to Granada
Day 9 - Granada
Day 10 - Granada
Day 11 - Granada, evening flight to Barcelona
Day 12 - Barcelona
Day 13 - Barcelona
Day 14 - Barcelona
Day 15 - Barcelona
Day 16 - Morning flight home

Revised Itinerary
Day 1- Arrive in Madrid mid-day
Day 2 - Madrid, mid-day trip to Toledo
Day 3 - Madrid, mid-day train to Cordoba
Day 4 - Cordoba, late train to Sevilla or...
Day 5 - Morning train to Sevilla
Day 6 - Sevilla
Day 7 - Sevilla
Day 8 - Sevilla, evening bus to Granada
Day 9 - Granada
Day 10 - Granada
Day 11 - Morning flight to Barcelona
Day 12 - Barcelona
Day 13 - Barcelona
Day 14 - Barcelona
Day 15 - Barcelona
Day 16 - Morning flight home

In your comment you said you were concerned about only giving 1.5 days to each city. I'd say you could probably get away with 1.5 days in Cordoba and Granada (you may leave wanting more, but I think you can hit the highlights in that time), but you'll definitely want more time in Sevilla.

Looks great but not much time in Madrid itself -a city many here like as much as Barcelona -or some here like.

Thank you for your reply, I see you have given 4 days to seville. Maybe I should consider a mid day train from seville to cordoba and have 1.5 day in cordoba or less. That will probably fix it

Day 1: madrid arrive around noon.
Day 2: madrid(3rd person joins so want to give him his time in Madrid)
Day 3: madrid with day trip to Toledo
Day 4: madrid
Day 5: seville arrive at noon
Day 6: seville
Day 7: seville
Day 8: seville and midday train to cordoba
Day 9:cordoba
Day 10: train to barcelona
Day 11: barcelona
Day 12: barcelona
Day 13: barcelona
Day 14: fly back home from Barcelona

I would like the extra time in Madrid to see all the landmarks, and art museums. When the city is big I like to take my time to discover it.plus SHOPPING ��

Hi, we took the train to Malaga from Madrid last summer (we did not have reservations but walked to TrioCiclo if you can get a reservation was fun and casual first night in Madrid) and stopped off in Cordoba. We had luggage (there is a SMALL locker in the bus station which is right across the street from the bus station ours did not fit!). We had to scramble but found a hotel ( I BELIEVE It was the Eurostars Conquistadors where we could check our luggage...was very busy they assumed we were checking in later). Had a great tour of the Mosque/Jewish area and lunch at Taverna luque, again no reservation, save yourself time and make a reservation, well worth it, husband and wife and great food! We were able to walk around after and catch a train..I do not believe we pre booked the train from Coroba to Malaga, we did have a (fairly)leisurely day with plenty of time to get to our next destination.