Trip to Madrid Spain
 

I would love to hear from people who have been to Madrid about things to see and do, how to get around Madrid, etc. Should I book tours with ViaTor? Or go it alone? Really want to take a side trip to Avila and Segovia, should I use a tour company such as listed above or take train?

Any help, suggestions would be most welcome.

Thanks

Hi Dianne,

well you're most likely to get ideas here for DIY travel, though a few posters may comeup with tour suggestions.

as for Madrid, it's not that big so if you stay somewhere central, you won't be able to walk to most of it, plus there's a metro for longer hops.

for a great overview plus ideas of where to stay, have a look at www.maribelsguides.com.

Hi Ann,

My itinerary is as follows: May 25th arrive Madrid early morning. Staying at Best Western Arosa until May 29th. Want to see Avila and Segovia while in Madrid. Leave on AVE the 29th for Malaga - staying at Club Delta Mar. Doing day trips to Ronda, Granada, Gibraltar and Morocco. Take AVE to Toledo on June 5th - staying overnight and then to Hotel near air port on the 6th and flying home on the 7th. Any tips on what to see, where to eat, etc. would be most helpful. Thanks

there are EIGHT different locations you have mentioned;
it is a bit difficult to give info. without knowing your interest, budget , taste..etc
try the " search" function for more input, I am sure the posters will be glad to answer your specific questions.

Your missing Seville, the best city in Spain. Daytrips to Morroco is something I never want to do again (I have done 3).

Agree with egbert. do not miss sevilla.. especially over tangiers or someplace similar.

Frankly, I would skip Gibraltar and Morocco.

Hi Dianne,

I agree with egbert, lin and cruisluv. forget about Gib and Morocco, and go for Granada, SEville and Ronda.

Have you looked at Maribel yet for restaurant and sight seeing ideas? alternatively a guide to spain or andalucia would help; your local library may have one.

you can also do a search for trip reports here. there are many good ones to read on Madrid, Sevilla, Toledo and other cities as well. comfyshoes posted a really great one. and indiancouple is another I read and got some more ideas.

enjoy your trip! I too will be in spain at the end of May, cannot wait!!!

To the point about going for tapas in Madrid: http://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/

Not yet confirmed, but rumours will have it that the flamenco dance genious Rocío Molina will premiere her new show in Madrid May 27-30.
Reviews from two of her latest US performances:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/ar...llow.html?_r=1
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dadc5198-1...44feab49a.html

This site is great about wonderful Sevilla:
http://www.exploreseville.com/

Full info about Madrid
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do

Your hotel is centrally located just off Gran Vía, one of the city's most famous streets. Apart from the world class museums, great shopping, eating etc, you should know that modernistic Gran Via is turning a century this year. Celebrations, guided tours and lots of activity:
http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do...&TR=C&IDR=1431

Thanks everyone for your input. I am now having a big problem, you may be able to help with. I need to get from Malaga to Toledo on Saturday, June 5th. I have checked renfe.es for train info and only find train going to Madrid at 2 p.m. arriving at 5 p.m. and no train going to Toledo that afternoon. Can anyone help? Really would like to leave earlier in the day and get to Toledo before noon if possible.

Dianne,

They might not have loaded the whole schedule yet. I looked at the prior Saturday , May 29, and there are trains from Malaga to Madrid as early as 7:10 AM. Check in a day or two.

thanks cruiseluv for the info, that makes me feel better

There is no direct train from Malaga to Toledo. All roads lead to Madrid, where you can take the train to Toledo.

You will be able to take the 08:05 AVE from Malaga to Madrid, arriving at 10:40, and catch the train to Toledo. There is also an earlier train that departs at 07:10. The web fare should be €34 for the Turista class tickets.