Madrid & Andalusia for 8 days over New Year's
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Aug 27, 2012 11:02 PM Last Post By: richiavo
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Madrid & Andalusia for 8 days over New Year's
Hi all,I would very much appreciate any input on the following tentative itinerary for the week after Christmas (Dec. 28, 2012 - Jan. 5, 2013) in Spain. The timing of this trip (my first to Spain) is fixed--for various reasons. I realize the weather could be challenging, and can deal with that since a beach/resort vacation is not my goal. At this point, the only definite dates and places are the U.S. flight arrival in Madrid on the morning of Fri., Dec. 28 and the flight departure from Madrid on Sat. morning, Jan. 5.
My traveling partner and I are primarily looking for experiences that focus on history, museums, architecture, food and conversation with locals. I have deliberately chosen Andalusia for those reasons. I realize the end of the trip is rushed, so looking for feedback in particular about altering that part of the itinerary. Your experience and suggestions would be very helpful.
Thank you!
Fri. Dec. 28: Arrive in Madrid (early morning)
Fri. Dec. 28-Sun. Dec. 30: Madrid sightseeing
Mon. Dec. 31: morning AVE fast train to Seville (arrive in Seville by noon)/ sightseeing/New Year's Eve dinner & celebration
Tue. Jan. 1: New Year's Day in Seville (will major sights & venues be open?)
Wed. Jan. 2: Afternoon train to Granada (arrive by 6pm)
Thurs. Jan. 3: Sighseeing/ Alhambra/ overnight in Granada
Fri. Jan 4: Morning train to Cordoba, arrive at noon/ 3.5 hours to eat lunch and tour Great Mosque/ late afternoon AVE train to Madrid/ overnight in Madrid
Sat. Jan 5: mid-morning flight departure from Madrid
1
So you are looking for museums and you only plan to stay in Madrid roughly 1 and a half days... Really short. How many time could you spend in Prado Museum? and in Reina Sofia museum? and in the Thysen-Bornemisza? and...I would spend all the time in Madrid including, if necessary, daytrips to interesting nearby towns like Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Cuenca... Plenty of history, interesting museums, architecture, food... in all these places.
I would leave Andalucía for another trip with more time to enjoy it.
3
"My traveling partner and I are primarily looking for experiences that focus on history, museums, architecture, food and conversation with locals. I have deliberately chosen Andalusia for those reasons"Why? You cannot get these things in Madrid, Madrid is the best place to eat in Spain, you can try different restaurants from all the regions of Spain. Museum wise it is probaby the best city in Spain, yes architecture is not its strongest point although it does have some very interesting buildings, finally the locals are actually very friendly and I have found it easier to meet and talk to people in Madrid than most places in Spain.
And as 1 says you trip is far too rushed
