Spain itinerary for June
Feb 3rd, 2010 | 01:57 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2005
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Spain itinerary for June
My husband and I have purchased tickets to go to Spain for our first time in June. We will fly into Barcelona and home from Madrid. I am trying to finalize our itinerary, and this is what I am thinking:
Barcelona: 4 nights
Fly to Granada: 2 nights in Granada
Train to Sevilla: 4 nights in Sevilla
Train to Madrid: 5 nights in Madrid
We would possibly do daytrips to Toledo and/or Segovia from Madrid and to Cordoba and/or white hill towns from Sevilla. I am looking for feedback on how doable this itinerary is in the 16 days we have in Spain.
Barcelona: 4 nights
Fly to Granada: 2 nights in Granada
Train to Sevilla: 4 nights in Sevilla
Train to Madrid: 5 nights in Madrid
We would possibly do daytrips to Toledo and/or Segovia from Madrid and to Cordoba and/or white hill towns from Sevilla. I am looking for feedback on how doable this itinerary is in the 16 days we have in Spain.
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Feb 6th, 2010 | 07:18 AM
#11
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 451
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I agree with just27 - five nights in Madrid is a lot and Toledo is just magical at night when the daytrippers leave. Another vote for Ronda. When you are in Sevilla, catch a local bus out to Sanlucar de Barrameda for some manzanilla - I go every time.
Feb 7th, 2010 | 12:20 PM
#13
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Hope you are planning to visit the Alhambra at night. It's great.
I also think Cadaques is way too far for a day trip. If you want a white town on the sea, try Calella da Palaufrugell.
But I highly recommend that you not steal time from Sevilla for Barcelona if it means failing to go to Cordoba as a day trip. There is nothing in Barcelona to compare with the Mosque in Cordoba. It's one of the world's beautiies, and great to see if you have no plans to visit Islamic countries. Unique.
I also think Cadaques is way too far for a day trip. If you want a white town on the sea, try Calella da Palaufrugell.
But I highly recommend that you not steal time from Sevilla for Barcelona if it means failing to go to Cordoba as a day trip. There is nothing in Barcelona to compare with the Mosque in Cordoba. It's one of the world's beautiies, and great to see if you have no plans to visit Islamic countries. Unique.
Feb 7th, 2010 | 12:26 PM
#14
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16,295
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" There is nothing in Barcelona to compare with the Mosque in Cordoba. "
There is nothing in Cordoba ( except the Mosque - worth an hour visit ) to compare to the art, architecture, history, food, museum , culture, and beauty of Barcelona.
There is nothing in Cordoba ( except the Mosque - worth an hour visit ) to compare to the art, architecture, history, food, museum , culture, and beauty of Barcelona.
Feb 7th, 2010 | 12:50 PM
#15
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 57,091
Likes: 5
i love andalucia, but this seems like a lot of moving around at a time that can be very warm and when it would take a lot to drag me away from the coast!
you could have a lovely time spending most of it in and around Barcelona, with a few days in Madrid. IMHO you should leave andalucia to another trip.
you could have a lovely time spending most of it in and around Barcelona, with a few days in Madrid. IMHO you should leave andalucia to another trip.
Feb 10th, 2010 | 03:28 PM
#16
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 2
Good downloads for some of the cities you will be visiting. Richard www.maribelsguides.com
Feb 10th, 2010 | 03:35 PM
#17
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 2
P.S. Outstanding tour of the White Towns with Paul McGrath. www.theotherspain.galeon.com
Feb 21st, 2010 | 06:26 PM
#18
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
We did a similar trip in Sept. and then continued on to Costa Brava and Barcelona. This may help if it is not too boring. We LOVED Ronda and the Ronda Hotel was excellent. I also cannot praise Paul for an excellent White Villages tour.
Trip narrative ( Hope it’s not too boring. )
Sept. 14th
Arrived in Madrid at 7:30 AM. Made our way to the Metro. At our metro stop, we made a wrong turn and walked in a circle but made it to the Hotel Prado. We left our bags and set off to the Prado Museum. I was a little tired and I bought just tickets for the Prado which actually turned out fine because there was no special exhibit and we got the senior rate at the other museums. The Prado was overwhelming but we followed Maribel’s advice as to where to start. Thank goodness I bought a splitter for the audio guides. It worked every place except the bull ring in Ronda. I am always losing my husband but in the states we have our cell phone to locate each other. The splitter worked out perfectly. We only paid for one audio, we didn’t get separated, and we actually discussed the art more – a real bonding experience. After the Prado, we went to lunch at a place recommended by Maribel- La Platiera. It was a lovely day and we ate outside. We had the meal of the day- my husband had mixed vegetables and I had veal.
Then it was off to the Thyssen which had a Matisse exhibit. The woman at the desk actually asked if we were seniors and gave us a reduced rate. At the end of our visit, I was almost asleep on my feet. We went back to the hotel and slept till it was time for dinner. We walked C/ Huertos which in the evening is a pedestrian only street. Our first stop was Bar Miranda. We have our first two tapas- a salmon creamy soup and a baccala tostado. Then we went to Taberina Maceiras recommended by Maribel. We had to wait before we could enter because a waiter was in the middle of the place with a big ceramic bowl in flames. By the time we could enter all that wine had been distributed. He told us later that it was called Queimada – a heated grappa with a coffee bean and sugar root. We had white wine served in chilled white ceramic bowls and our first of many fried peppers, octopus and cockerels. We then just walked around the street. I was in love with Madrid.
September 16
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we set out to the Renfe train station (just walking distance).We arrived in Toledo with ease. We were a little disappointed that almost all of El Greco’s paintings except for The Burial of the Count of Oragaz, had been moved. Went to the Sephardic Museum, Santa Maria del Blanca, Mezquita de Cristo del la Luz and the Cathedral. Lunch was at Cason de Los Lopez and was excellent. We then visited the Victorio Macho Museum – lovely gardens and sculpture especially of his mother. Back to Madrid for siesta before setting out for dinner. Went to Bar Cervantes – good tapas. Then we walked and had sangria and complimentary tapas at a bar – La Fragua de Vulcano.
September 17
Another wonderful breakfast. The day was rainy, damp and cold. A good day to be in the Reina Sofia – a really beautiful museum. Lunch at a little place near the museum, Prado 42. Then we took the metro to visit the home of Sorella and walked to a water tower that had a photography exhibit. Back for siesta then to dinner and a flamenco show at Casa Patas. We had a wonderful waiter who made great suggestions. We had made reservations from the US and we were treated royally – really great seats for a fantastic show.
September 18
After breakfast off to the CMartin train station for our trip to Segovia. Then a very crowded bus to the old area of Segovia. We went to the cathedral but were disappointed that the Museum of Contemporary Arts was closed. We then went to the Alcazar- beautiful views. For lunch we went to Restaurant Duque where we had suckling pig, a tripe dish and a traditional Segovian dessert. We went to a ceramic museum and then we were going to find some Rick Steves suggested churches but it was so damp and cold, we decided to take an earlier train back to Madrid. There was no problem changing out tickets at the Renfe station. Siesta became good night. We were so tired and we had had such a big lunch that we didn’t even go out that night.
September 19
Hated to leave because there was so much more we wanted to do. Off to the train station to go to Cordoba. The weather in Cordoba was absolutely beautiful. We made our way from the train station to the bus and then to our hotel ( Santa Ana Hostal). It was a lovely little hotel right near the Mezquita. The staff was helpful and they served a lovely breakfast. Our first visit was to the gardens of the Alcazar. These were the most beautiful gardens I had ever seen. All the recommended restaurants were packed. We went to Café Pepe but couldn’t get in so we made reservations for the next day. Then we went to La Churasco and ate at the bar. It was fun. We walked around the Jewish section and visited an art deco bar recommended by Rick (Café Gloria.) That night we went to a flamenco concert in the gardens of the Alcazar. It was beautiful. On the way home we found a great tapas bar called Gula. It was the best tapas so far.
September 20
This was a GREAT experience. I am catholic and love good church music. We went to mass at the Mezquita. The all male choir was wonderful and the mass was beautiful. After mass we went to an art exhibit at the Belle Arts Center – Julio Romero de Torres. We went to another exhibit and then lunch at Casa Pepe. I know people love this place but I was not too impressed. After a rest, we went to dinner at Caballo Rojo. The food was very good- white gazpacho, ox tails and partridge.
September 21
Off to the train station to go to Sevilla. We dropped our bags at the hotel and then went off to the Real Alcazar. Lovely place but not easy to maneuver. We had lunch at Modesto –black clams with wild mushrooms, fried sardines and a blackened tile fish. The off to Casa Pilates – very beautiful. Then home for a rest before setting out for a flamenco show at Casa de Memoria. What a great show! On the way home we stopped for tapas but it was not a good experience.
September 22
Went out to breakfast because it was not included in our hotel. It was a fun experience and the breakfast special was only 2.40E. Then we set off by bus to find the Basilica de la Macarena. Beautiful statue and church. Back on the bus to town and across the bridge to Triana. Had a fabulous lunch in a place recommended by Rick – La Chorritos. We had sardines and prawns.
We then found our way to the Golden Toro where we would meet Paul McGrath the next day for our tour of the White Villages.Walking back home, we passed the bull ring. We then had to find an internet café. Note well if you are flying Ryan Air – you must print your boarding passes before arriving at the airport or pay a hefty fee. I did not realize you could do it 15 days ahead of time or else I would have done it at home. After this, we thought we were going to the Cathedral but did not realize that entrance closes an hour before closing time. I was really disappointed. Went to Bar Estrella recommended by Mirabel – wonderful. We had avocado with shrimp and hake, ham, ratouille with egg, and another dish.
September 23
On our way to meet Paul McGrath for our tour I saw a man go into the Cathedral so we went too. He was going to Mass but we were able to roam the whole place so I did not leave Sevilla disappointed. We then met Paul. It turned out that another couple joined us so we visited three villages together and then Paul brought us to Ronda. The other couple did another village and then returned to Sevilla. I cannot praise Paul enough. He really showed us the villages. We went to an olive oil refinery, a castle, had lunch one village and coffee in another. We visited Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema,and Setenil de las Bodegas. He let the other couple spend some time in Stenil while he took us to our hotel in Ronda. After a little rest we went to the new bridge to see the view of the gorge and then walked around and found a great tapas bar Bodega El Socrro. We had snail soup, asparagus with a tasty rice, pork spareribs and a wonderful dessert.
September 24
Hotel Ronda was the best place we stayed in during our entire trip. It is more like a bed and breakfast. A beautiful woman owns it and is always there to help you in any way she can. In the morning she prepares coffee, fruit and cookies. The place is newly renovated and the internet is wonderful. We bought the pass for 14E for 8 venues but several of them I could have done without. The ones we did enjoy were the bull ring, the Peinado Museum and the baths. Don Bosco’s house is lovely but is not on the pass. We had a meal of the day at a little place near the wine museum (which I could have lived without.)
After a rest we strolled around but could not find a place with energy so we went back to Bodega El Socrro. Another wonderful experience – scrambled eggs with asparagus and prawns, Iberian ham fed with acorn and sheep cheese with raisins.
September 25
We got up early to make the 8:15 train to Granada. Our gracious host got up early to make us coffee and call us a cab. The ride from Ronda to Granada is a slower train and the scenery is beautiful. In Granada , we took two buses to get to our hotel, Guadeloupe, which is just across the road from the Alhambra. After getting settled, we too bus #32 to town. We had lunch because everything was closed between 2-4. We ate at a place recommended by Rick,Seville. This was our first paella. Then we went to the Cathedral, Capella Royal, Museo Jose Guerroa . Then we walked around the Abacine. It was very hot and not my favorite experience. Back on #32 to freshen up before going to our night visit of the Alhambra. It was magnificent. You have to see it twice to really appreciate it.
September 26
Breakfast at the Guadeloupe was excellent. Then we were off to our 9:30 time at the palace. We then continued our tour of the gardens, Charles V Museums and the Alcazar. After a little rest, we went to lunch at Yedra Real. We had the meal of the day – gazpacho, roasted peppers, trout, lamb chops made with prunes, raisins and pine nuts, rice pudding and truffles with whipped cream. We found a path by the Alhambra Place that led to town. We tried to go to the Fundacione Museum but it was closed. Downtown Granada had so much going on – a wedding, a chocolate festival, street dancing and a bubble blower. We walked around, enjoyed it all and had some tapas and then back to the hotel to get ready for Ryan Air the next morning.
September 27
We had to take a cab to the airport because it was Sunday and the bus started running too late. Actually, we had no problem with Ryan air. We travel light so we did not check baggage and our backpacks just made the weight restrictions (10kg). In Girona, we rented our car from Avis and we were off to Costa Brava. It was such a beautiful day we decided not to go into Girona. In retrospect, we should have. The rise to Cadaques was beautiful and my GPS worked find although the roads are marked so well, we really didn’t need it. Found the Hotel Rocamar with no problem. It was great to just go down by the beach and soak in the sun and relax.
Trip narrative ( Hope it’s not too boring. )
Sept. 14th
Arrived in Madrid at 7:30 AM. Made our way to the Metro. At our metro stop, we made a wrong turn and walked in a circle but made it to the Hotel Prado. We left our bags and set off to the Prado Museum. I was a little tired and I bought just tickets for the Prado which actually turned out fine because there was no special exhibit and we got the senior rate at the other museums. The Prado was overwhelming but we followed Maribel’s advice as to where to start. Thank goodness I bought a splitter for the audio guides. It worked every place except the bull ring in Ronda. I am always losing my husband but in the states we have our cell phone to locate each other. The splitter worked out perfectly. We only paid for one audio, we didn’t get separated, and we actually discussed the art more – a real bonding experience. After the Prado, we went to lunch at a place recommended by Maribel- La Platiera. It was a lovely day and we ate outside. We had the meal of the day- my husband had mixed vegetables and I had veal.
Then it was off to the Thyssen which had a Matisse exhibit. The woman at the desk actually asked if we were seniors and gave us a reduced rate. At the end of our visit, I was almost asleep on my feet. We went back to the hotel and slept till it was time for dinner. We walked C/ Huertos which in the evening is a pedestrian only street. Our first stop was Bar Miranda. We have our first two tapas- a salmon creamy soup and a baccala tostado. Then we went to Taberina Maceiras recommended by Maribel. We had to wait before we could enter because a waiter was in the middle of the place with a big ceramic bowl in flames. By the time we could enter all that wine had been distributed. He told us later that it was called Queimada – a heated grappa with a coffee bean and sugar root. We had white wine served in chilled white ceramic bowls and our first of many fried peppers, octopus and cockerels. We then just walked around the street. I was in love with Madrid.
September 16
After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we set out to the Renfe train station (just walking distance).We arrived in Toledo with ease. We were a little disappointed that almost all of El Greco’s paintings except for The Burial of the Count of Oragaz, had been moved. Went to the Sephardic Museum, Santa Maria del Blanca, Mezquita de Cristo del la Luz and the Cathedral. Lunch was at Cason de Los Lopez and was excellent. We then visited the Victorio Macho Museum – lovely gardens and sculpture especially of his mother. Back to Madrid for siesta before setting out for dinner. Went to Bar Cervantes – good tapas. Then we walked and had sangria and complimentary tapas at a bar – La Fragua de Vulcano.
September 17
Another wonderful breakfast. The day was rainy, damp and cold. A good day to be in the Reina Sofia – a really beautiful museum. Lunch at a little place near the museum, Prado 42. Then we took the metro to visit the home of Sorella and walked to a water tower that had a photography exhibit. Back for siesta then to dinner and a flamenco show at Casa Patas. We had a wonderful waiter who made great suggestions. We had made reservations from the US and we were treated royally – really great seats for a fantastic show.
September 18
After breakfast off to the CMartin train station for our trip to Segovia. Then a very crowded bus to the old area of Segovia. We went to the cathedral but were disappointed that the Museum of Contemporary Arts was closed. We then went to the Alcazar- beautiful views. For lunch we went to Restaurant Duque where we had suckling pig, a tripe dish and a traditional Segovian dessert. We went to a ceramic museum and then we were going to find some Rick Steves suggested churches but it was so damp and cold, we decided to take an earlier train back to Madrid. There was no problem changing out tickets at the Renfe station. Siesta became good night. We were so tired and we had had such a big lunch that we didn’t even go out that night.
September 19
Hated to leave because there was so much more we wanted to do. Off to the train station to go to Cordoba. The weather in Cordoba was absolutely beautiful. We made our way from the train station to the bus and then to our hotel ( Santa Ana Hostal). It was a lovely little hotel right near the Mezquita. The staff was helpful and they served a lovely breakfast. Our first visit was to the gardens of the Alcazar. These were the most beautiful gardens I had ever seen. All the recommended restaurants were packed. We went to Café Pepe but couldn’t get in so we made reservations for the next day. Then we went to La Churasco and ate at the bar. It was fun. We walked around the Jewish section and visited an art deco bar recommended by Rick (Café Gloria.) That night we went to a flamenco concert in the gardens of the Alcazar. It was beautiful. On the way home we found a great tapas bar called Gula. It was the best tapas so far.
September 20
This was a GREAT experience. I am catholic and love good church music. We went to mass at the Mezquita. The all male choir was wonderful and the mass was beautiful. After mass we went to an art exhibit at the Belle Arts Center – Julio Romero de Torres. We went to another exhibit and then lunch at Casa Pepe. I know people love this place but I was not too impressed. After a rest, we went to dinner at Caballo Rojo. The food was very good- white gazpacho, ox tails and partridge.
September 21
Off to the train station to go to Sevilla. We dropped our bags at the hotel and then went off to the Real Alcazar. Lovely place but not easy to maneuver. We had lunch at Modesto –black clams with wild mushrooms, fried sardines and a blackened tile fish. The off to Casa Pilates – very beautiful. Then home for a rest before setting out for a flamenco show at Casa de Memoria. What a great show! On the way home we stopped for tapas but it was not a good experience.
September 22
Went out to breakfast because it was not included in our hotel. It was a fun experience and the breakfast special was only 2.40E. Then we set off by bus to find the Basilica de la Macarena. Beautiful statue and church. Back on the bus to town and across the bridge to Triana. Had a fabulous lunch in a place recommended by Rick – La Chorritos. We had sardines and prawns.
We then found our way to the Golden Toro where we would meet Paul McGrath the next day for our tour of the White Villages.Walking back home, we passed the bull ring. We then had to find an internet café. Note well if you are flying Ryan Air – you must print your boarding passes before arriving at the airport or pay a hefty fee. I did not realize you could do it 15 days ahead of time or else I would have done it at home. After this, we thought we were going to the Cathedral but did not realize that entrance closes an hour before closing time. I was really disappointed. Went to Bar Estrella recommended by Mirabel – wonderful. We had avocado with shrimp and hake, ham, ratouille with egg, and another dish.
September 23
On our way to meet Paul McGrath for our tour I saw a man go into the Cathedral so we went too. He was going to Mass but we were able to roam the whole place so I did not leave Sevilla disappointed. We then met Paul. It turned out that another couple joined us so we visited three villages together and then Paul brought us to Ronda. The other couple did another village and then returned to Sevilla. I cannot praise Paul enough. He really showed us the villages. We went to an olive oil refinery, a castle, had lunch one village and coffee in another. We visited Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema,and Setenil de las Bodegas. He let the other couple spend some time in Stenil while he took us to our hotel in Ronda. After a little rest we went to the new bridge to see the view of the gorge and then walked around and found a great tapas bar Bodega El Socrro. We had snail soup, asparagus with a tasty rice, pork spareribs and a wonderful dessert.
September 24
Hotel Ronda was the best place we stayed in during our entire trip. It is more like a bed and breakfast. A beautiful woman owns it and is always there to help you in any way she can. In the morning she prepares coffee, fruit and cookies. The place is newly renovated and the internet is wonderful. We bought the pass for 14E for 8 venues but several of them I could have done without. The ones we did enjoy were the bull ring, the Peinado Museum and the baths. Don Bosco’s house is lovely but is not on the pass. We had a meal of the day at a little place near the wine museum (which I could have lived without.)
After a rest we strolled around but could not find a place with energy so we went back to Bodega El Socrro. Another wonderful experience – scrambled eggs with asparagus and prawns, Iberian ham fed with acorn and sheep cheese with raisins.
September 25
We got up early to make the 8:15 train to Granada. Our gracious host got up early to make us coffee and call us a cab. The ride from Ronda to Granada is a slower train and the scenery is beautiful. In Granada , we took two buses to get to our hotel, Guadeloupe, which is just across the road from the Alhambra. After getting settled, we too bus #32 to town. We had lunch because everything was closed between 2-4. We ate at a place recommended by Rick,Seville. This was our first paella. Then we went to the Cathedral, Capella Royal, Museo Jose Guerroa . Then we walked around the Abacine. It was very hot and not my favorite experience. Back on #32 to freshen up before going to our night visit of the Alhambra. It was magnificent. You have to see it twice to really appreciate it.
September 26
Breakfast at the Guadeloupe was excellent. Then we were off to our 9:30 time at the palace. We then continued our tour of the gardens, Charles V Museums and the Alcazar. After a little rest, we went to lunch at Yedra Real. We had the meal of the day – gazpacho, roasted peppers, trout, lamb chops made with prunes, raisins and pine nuts, rice pudding and truffles with whipped cream. We found a path by the Alhambra Place that led to town. We tried to go to the Fundacione Museum but it was closed. Downtown Granada had so much going on – a wedding, a chocolate festival, street dancing and a bubble blower. We walked around, enjoyed it all and had some tapas and then back to the hotel to get ready for Ryan Air the next morning.
September 27
We had to take a cab to the airport because it was Sunday and the bus started running too late. Actually, we had no problem with Ryan air. We travel light so we did not check baggage and our backpacks just made the weight restrictions (10kg). In Girona, we rented our car from Avis and we were off to Costa Brava. It was such a beautiful day we decided not to go into Girona. In retrospect, we should have. The rise to Cadaques was beautiful and my GPS worked find although the roads are marked so well, we really didn’t need it. Found the Hotel Rocamar with no problem. It was great to just go down by the beach and soak in the sun and relax.
Feb 24th, 2010 | 11:29 AM
#20
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 57,091
Likes: 5
hi milliebest,
great report - I'm so glad that you liked the guadelupe too, AND did the night and day tours at the alhambra. it looks as if we have the same tastes - I'll be sure to follow your hotel and restaurant recommmendations when [if?] we go back to andalucia!
thanks for reporting back,
regards, ann
great report - I'm so glad that you liked the guadelupe too, AND did the night and day tours at the alhambra. it looks as if we have the same tastes - I'll be sure to follow your hotel and restaurant recommmendations when [if?] we go back to andalucia!
thanks for reporting back,
regards, ann
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