trip to spain in 8days

Jenn,

As much as I love the cities you've mentioned, I don't think there's any reasonable way to squeeze them into a 10-day trip. Apart from Toledo - which can be managed as a day-trip - there's not a single place on your list that doesn't deserve a solid three days. And even if you were going to do a few whirlwind, two-day tours...well, taking into account travel times, getting your bearings in each new city, etc., you're still going to have your work cut out for you. Most importantly, you're going to spend all your time "seeing" the cities and almost no time actually enjoying them.

For my money, I'd save Barcelona for another trip - it's going to take an overnight train or a flight to get there, regardless - since it's a magical city that really deserves four days, at least. Also, I think Toledo's a bit overrated, not least because the fact that it's such an easy day-trip from Madrid means...well, it's always crowded with day-trippers. I'd focus my energies on Madrid, Seville, and Granada. Each has a very distinct flavor to it, and it's easy to use the trains and buses to do a tour of the three. If you're really intent on Barcelona, you can substitute it for Granada and fly there from Madrid or Seville. Still, I wouldn't try to tackle more than three of those amazing cities in one trip.

Oh, and feel free to check out some of my adventures in Spain. Really an incredible country...

Buen viaje!

Chris Reply to this

Well, ten days is better than no days, and if you don't have time for a three-week trip this time around, you can save up a few extra vacation days for next time, right?

Not sure what security info you've heard about. Spain is no more or less unsafe than any other European country I've visited. Use the usual big-city common sense in the cities, as you would anywhere else, and keep an extra eye out for pickpockets/bag-snatchers around tourist haunts. If you make it to Barcelona, Las Ramblas is probably the most infamous spot for petty theft in Spain (and one of the worst in Europe). Just putting your bag down behind you for a few minutes is enough to make it grow legs and disappear. And El Rastro - the famous outdoor market in Madrid - is also pretty notorious. Seriously, though, take the usual precautions and you shouldn't have any problems. I spent two months in Spain without a single mishap. Reply to this

Hi, Jenn
I agree with postcardjunkie. In fact for 10 days, I would try concentrating only on Andalucia. Granada and Sevilla. When you are in Sevilla, you can take a side trip to Jerez...It is where the liquor sherry is made originally and also happens to be the "cradle of flamenco". You might be able to catch a flamenco performance there. Another place you will be able to catch flamenco is in the gypsy caves of Sacromonte when you are in Granada. Keep it at that....you wont' get bored. It also leaves you some flexibility in case you discover something else you want to do while you are there. Reply to this

Hi, Jen

I'm not sure about the performances in Sacromonte, but from what I understand, they are pretty regular. There should be a tourist agency somwhere, or maybe you can even do a google search.

In Sevilla, try the Cristina Herren Foundation. They seem to be a good source.

Mind you, in alot of these places, especially in Jerez, these things are all word of mouth.
You will just find out once you are there. You might be able to contact the Cristina Herren Foundation in advance (maybe even now?) And see if they know of something thta may be going on. Ask them if there is a tablao they might recommend. Reply to this

I think once you're in Spain, you can't miss barcelona and tenerife . They are all unforgettable places to visit and I'd love to go back for awhile. If you're in Barcelona be sure to check out the Picasso museum as well and I think the best way to get around Spain is by train, and you can see the beautiful scene along the way.
Have a good trip in Spain! Reply to this

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I would say a few days in Madrid, with a day trip to Toledo is definitely worthwhile. Reply to this

Jenn asked this question nearly a year ago....I think she's probably taken the trip by now. Reply to this