Headed to Spain in 2 weeks with husband and kids in tow. We are landing in Madrid and wanted to spend 1 day there and 1 day in Segovia and Avila. We're then headed to Barcelona (via plane) where we'll spend 5 days in the area total. We are planning side trips to Monteseratt and possibly Figueres. Leavine from Barcelona.<BR> Questions: Is this too aggressive with kids in tow? If you can only choose 2, which would you choose: Monteseratt, Figueres or Stiges? How hard is it to get a Parador in Avila or Cardona in less than 2 weeks? Thinking of Hotel Europa in Madrid and Citadines on La Rambla in Barcelona. HELP!!!!!!

For paradores, you can check out the site www.paradores.es -- I believe you can make reservations through the site. <BR><BR>Also, you might want to call Spain's Department of Tourism in NYC for brochures. They are excellent.

Sorry Leslie: <BR>The url for paradores is :<BR>www.parador.es (not paradores.es)<BR>There are many other options to make reservations by web. Try a search in google.com (key words may be 'parador' and the name of the one you are going)

I am e-mailing you some notes whch may help. The cities folder includes Avila and Segovia but I should put Toledo top of your list for visits from Madrid.

Thanks to all. There is a fair in March and I'm having a hard time finding a hotel or apartment in Barcelona. Any ideas?