I have a couple of Spain travel questions. I want to fly into Madrid and use it as a base for 3 or 4 nights then train to Valencia and stay 1 or 2 nights and then finally train to Barcelona for 2 or 3 nights. First question is are these an adequate number of nights for each of these towns. I have been to both Madrid and Barcelona a couple of times but have never seen surrounding areas. Where do I go when using Madrid and Barcelona as a base? Are there any other (better) recommendations, suggestions or changes regarding to this itinery and use of time? I will be cruising from Barcelona, so I am felixible as to number of nights before the cruise. Thanks for the help!

Madrid has a lovely old town and three good external visits available by public/coach transport. Your time there is very limited but yes you have enought to do

Barcelona is a relatively modern city with enough for 4 5 days. Good wine visits (Torres and Freixenet) are available by train and local beaches exist

Try searching this site on each of the city names should give you loads of other ideas

Yes, I have been to both cities; Madrid twice and Barcelona three times. I am more interested as to day trips outside of these two cities preferable utilizing trains if available. I have never been to Valencia, so that stay will be entirely in the city. Thoughts?

In Valencia two nights for sure.

Why not go straight to Segovia, Toledo or Avila when you arrive in Madrid and do day trips from THERE unless there is a lot you still want to do in Madrid.

Toledo
Segovia
Avila
Alcalá de Henares are four places that come to mind.

Seeing that BCN is fixed you should consider going to one of the following and then fly to BCN for your cruise-
The Basque country.
The Northern coast of Asturias.
Galicia.
The cities of Andalusia.
You can get a train to any one of these and then fly off to meet the ship.

The weather will be much nicer up north than where I suggested.

Hi there,

I would recommend 3 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in valencia and 4 nights in Barcelona.

In regards to day trips using Madrid and barcelona as your base, then i would recommend:
For Madrid - Toledo only about an hour away by bus and there are buses going everyday. This is a gorgeous little town and they have great restaurants. I went to a small restaurant there and they had amazing meats and even better juices that were all natural for a very cheap price.

For Barcelona - In summer, then I would definelty say both north to Costa Brava and go to some of the beaches there which have crystal clear water. Also south to Sitges which a beautiful city 45 mins by train. This city has a great vibe, shopping and nightlife.

Also one other city I would recommend, only if you have time and its convenient is Zaragoza which is located in between Barcelona and Madrid and so perhaps if your making your way you could do a stop of here. It is 3 and a half hours from Barcelona by bus.

Hope this helps.

OHcharlotte

(Oh-holidays)

Thanks for all of the help. I will update as our planning continues. Hopefully will get one last input from all! Many thanks.

You might start a new thread with the subject "Need Daytrip Ideas from Madrid and Barcelona" so experts in those areas will be sure to see your question. Be sure to explain you've been to both cities in the subject area.