Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Jul 2nd 2003, 4:24 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
more cost effective?
Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
more cost effective?
Jul 2nd 2003, 4:44 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
>Subject: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
>From: "Big Jimbo" [email protected]
>Date: 7/2/2003 11:24 PM
>OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
>Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
>Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
>Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
>For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
>know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
>Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
>visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
>or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
>more cost effective?
Ten days isn't long to see all of those places. I'd skip Gibraltar. IMHO, its
not what its cracked up to be. This would give you more time to see the
remaining much more worthy stops. Don't under estimate Madrid..it has some
truely amazing sights, restaurants, parks, art, history, people.......(its my
fav. city in the world).
For 10 days, I'd use the train. Its less hassle than a car.....will give you a
chance to focus on the scenery.....and chat up the locals. A pass most likely
won't pay for you...just buy the tickets as you go. Only exception will be to
Granada, where you will want to take a bus because of lack of direct train
routes. Save yourself some time getting from Madrid down south and take the
bullet train (AVE).
Have a great trip.
>From: "Big Jimbo" [email protected]
>Date: 7/2/2003 11:24 PM
>OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
>Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
>Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
>Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
>For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
>know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
>Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
>visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
>or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
>more cost effective?
Ten days isn't long to see all of those places. I'd skip Gibraltar. IMHO, its
not what its cracked up to be. This would give you more time to see the
remaining much more worthy stops. Don't under estimate Madrid..it has some
truely amazing sights, restaurants, parks, art, history, people.......(its my
fav. city in the world).
For 10 days, I'd use the train. Its less hassle than a car.....will give you a
chance to focus on the scenery.....and chat up the locals. A pass most likely
won't pay for you...just buy the tickets as you go. Only exception will be to
Granada, where you will want to take a bus because of lack of direct train
routes. Save yourself some time getting from Madrid down south and take the
bullet train (AVE).
Have a great trip.
Jul 2nd 2003, 7:21 pm
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Big Jimbo wrote:
> OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
>
> Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
You're trying to do much too much. I agree with previous response that
Gibraltar, albeit historically very important, is not worth the detour.
If going by car, make an effort to stay in the Spanish government hotels
which are out of sight: http://www.parador.es/english/index.jsp but
probably all booked up if going this summer.
Depends on how big a car you take and whom you rent it from, but the
price is probably commensurate with train for two. I prefer cars since
since you go where you want when you want and stop where you want
(except city centers). The car will be useless in those places once you
reach your hotel. But cars make it possible to go to the aforementionned
hotels (or other nice cheaper ones along the way) and to restaurants
inaccessible by train.
Bernard Higonnet
> OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
>
> Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
You're trying to do much too much. I agree with previous response that
Gibraltar, albeit historically very important, is not worth the detour.
If going by car, make an effort to stay in the Spanish government hotels
which are out of sight: http://www.parador.es/english/index.jsp but
probably all booked up if going this summer.
Depends on how big a car you take and whom you rent it from, but the
price is probably commensurate with train for two. I prefer cars since
since you go where you want when you want and stop where you want
(except city centers). The car will be useless in those places once you
reach your hotel. But cars make it possible to go to the aforementionned
hotels (or other nice cheaper ones along the way) and to restaurants
inaccessible by train.
Bernard Higonnet
Jul 2nd 2003, 9:08 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Following up to Big Jimbo
>Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
>For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
>know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
I would forget Gibraltar unless you want to meet expat Brits and take
ages to clear customs.
>Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
>visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
>or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
>more cost effective?
Car is more "effective", traffic is usually light in Spain, you can do
lunchtime visits to extra places as you travel around.
Fly to Madrid
then Toledo or Segovia or/and a small place, read my page:-
"http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/castile.htm"
then Granada, Cordoba, Seville
I have actually done Madrid (just a meal out and a
bed)-Segovia-Andalucia in a week but I only stayed at one place in
Andalucia (Malaga) and I flew home from Malaga.(and I like driving and
my wife likes navigating).
If you drop another place I would drop Sevilla as Granada and Cordoba
are must sees.
so Maybe Madrid - Toledo/Segovia - Granada/Cordoba. Can you get
flights home from other than Madrid?
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale,landscape photos,freeware,London & the Thames path etc. "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk"
Spain, food and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" (see web for email)
>Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
>For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
>know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
I would forget Gibraltar unless you want to meet expat Brits and take
ages to clear customs.
>Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
>visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
>or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
>more cost effective?
Car is more "effective", traffic is usually light in Spain, you can do
lunchtime visits to extra places as you travel around.
Fly to Madrid
then Toledo or Segovia or/and a small place, read my page:-
"http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/castile.htm"
then Granada, Cordoba, Seville
I have actually done Madrid (just a meal out and a
bed)-Segovia-Andalucia in a week but I only stayed at one place in
Andalucia (Malaga) and I flew home from Malaga.(and I like driving and
my wife likes navigating).
If you drop another place I would drop Sevilla as Granada and Cordoba
are must sees.
so Maybe Madrid - Toledo/Segovia - Granada/Cordoba. Can you get
flights home from other than Madrid?
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale,landscape photos,freeware,London & the Thames path etc. "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk"
Spain, food and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" (see web for email)
Jul 2nd 2003, 9:28 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
"Big Jimbo" escribió en el mensaje
news:[email protected]...
> Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> more cost effective?
I agree with the others on skipping Gibraltar (due to lack of time) and
using the train.
Just one exception to the train: Madrid-Toledo. From July 1st and for an
indeterminate period of time, this commuter trains line will be closed in
half of its length due to the high-speed line Madrid-Toledo works. If you
ride this train, at a middle point you will have to transfer to a bus (for
free) to complete the trip. Considering this, I think it is better to take
the regular bus line that departs from Mendez Alvaro bus station in Madrid
(connected to Mendez Alvaro Metro station). There's a very frequent service
(every 30 min from 6:30 to 23:00). The company that serves this line is
Continental Auto.
If you want to check by yourself:
http://www.estaciondeautobuses.com/HTMLi/principal.htm The search of
schedules is a bit tricky: you don't need to use the "Province" menu (it's
just a help to shorten the number of options, but you don't need to know the
provinces' structure in Spain), and you *either* select the city of
departure, *or* the destination, *not both* (the system considers quite
logically that the other city will be Madrid, as this is the Madrid Bus
station Website). The letter codes in the "Frequency" column are: L stands
for Mon, M for Tue, X for Wed, J for Thu, V for Fri, S for Sat, D for Sun,
and F for any official holiday.
news:[email protected]...
> Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> more cost effective?
I agree with the others on skipping Gibraltar (due to lack of time) and
using the train.
Just one exception to the train: Madrid-Toledo. From July 1st and for an
indeterminate period of time, this commuter trains line will be closed in
half of its length due to the high-speed line Madrid-Toledo works. If you
ride this train, at a middle point you will have to transfer to a bus (for
free) to complete the trip. Considering this, I think it is better to take
the regular bus line that departs from Mendez Alvaro bus station in Madrid
(connected to Mendez Alvaro Metro station). There's a very frequent service
(every 30 min from 6:30 to 23:00). The company that serves this line is
Continental Auto.
If you want to check by yourself:
http://www.estaciondeautobuses.com/HTMLi/principal.htm The search of
schedules is a bit tricky: you don't need to use the "Province" menu (it's
just a help to shorten the number of options, but you don't need to know the
provinces' structure in Spain), and you *either* select the city of
departure, *or* the destination, *not both* (the system considers quite
logically that the other city will be Madrid, as this is the Madrid Bus
station Website). The letter codes in the "Frequency" column are: L stands
for Mon, M for Tue, X for Wed, J for Thu, V for Fri, S for Sat, D for Sun,
and F for any official holiday.
Jul 2nd 2003, 10:01 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
"Big Jimbo" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
> Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
> Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> more cost effective?
How exciting ! I would be inclined to use the trains. Look through the
www.renfe.es website for routes etc. Make sure you also look at the maps for
each region of the network. I always use cars, but one day soon I want to
really enjoy myself and learn a bit more Spanish ! by using the train and
doing your kind of trip.
I have been to a fancy little station in the 'middle of nowhere' called
Bobadilla. This is not too far from Antequera which is north of Malaga. So
Bobadilla is where trains cross to get from Granada to Sevilla and Malaga
etc. It's a nice station with a good buffet ! Just looking at your desire
to reach Gibraltar, reminds me that the train from Granada goes through
Bobadilla then Ronda and on to Algeciras. Now Algeciras is across the bay
from Gibraltar and you can easily get transport to La Linea (the border with
Gib) and walk across. It's a doddle really if you don't have a car. A car
could mean a long delay crossing the 'frontier' ! Gib is really only worth
a full day's tour as it is quite small, but it is an experience.
So please consider doing the following (only one suggestion of many !)
After you do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. Take the train from Madrid
down to Cordoba (either AVE ...fast and more expensive.. or regular)
overnight in Cordoba. Then onto Sevilla where you do 2 nights?...then on a
bus to Ronda. A nice journey. Bus times from Sevilla to Ronda is on this
page http://www.spaincostaluz.com/images/jerez_ronda.jpg (correct as at
May 03) --takes 2 hours and costs Euros 8.38 single. Los Amarillos is the
bus company. Stay in Ronda overnight and then EITHER take the train down to
Algeciras from Ronda and do Gib then return, OR skip Gib and take the train
from Ronda to Granada. (Taking you through the famous Bobadilla station!)
then from Granada you need to return to Madrid. I would take the direct bus.
http://www.continental-auto.es/continental/primlin.html example. Or there
is a train to Madrid. (twice daily) which takes about 6 hours! (or u can fly
from Granada airport to Madrid. www.iberia.es and connect with your home
flight ? Flight takes one hour.
hope you have a good time in Spain !
Nige
www.spaincostaluz.com
news:[email protected]...
> OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
> Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
> Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> more cost effective?
How exciting ! I would be inclined to use the trains. Look through the
www.renfe.es website for routes etc. Make sure you also look at the maps for
each region of the network. I always use cars, but one day soon I want to
really enjoy myself and learn a bit more Spanish ! by using the train and
doing your kind of trip.
I have been to a fancy little station in the 'middle of nowhere' called
Bobadilla. This is not too far from Antequera which is north of Malaga. So
Bobadilla is where trains cross to get from Granada to Sevilla and Malaga
etc. It's a nice station with a good buffet ! Just looking at your desire
to reach Gibraltar, reminds me that the train from Granada goes through
Bobadilla then Ronda and on to Algeciras. Now Algeciras is across the bay
from Gibraltar and you can easily get transport to La Linea (the border with
Gib) and walk across. It's a doddle really if you don't have a car. A car
could mean a long delay crossing the 'frontier' ! Gib is really only worth
a full day's tour as it is quite small, but it is an experience.
So please consider doing the following (only one suggestion of many !)
After you do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. Take the train from Madrid
down to Cordoba (either AVE ...fast and more expensive.. or regular)
overnight in Cordoba. Then onto Sevilla where you do 2 nights?...then on a
bus to Ronda. A nice journey. Bus times from Sevilla to Ronda is on this
page http://www.spaincostaluz.com/images/jerez_ronda.jpg (correct as at
May 03) --takes 2 hours and costs Euros 8.38 single. Los Amarillos is the
bus company. Stay in Ronda overnight and then EITHER take the train down to
Algeciras from Ronda and do Gib then return, OR skip Gib and take the train
from Ronda to Granada. (Taking you through the famous Bobadilla station!)
then from Granada you need to return to Madrid. I would take the direct bus.
http://www.continental-auto.es/continental/primlin.html example. Or there
is a train to Madrid. (twice daily) which takes about 6 hours! (or u can fly
from Granada airport to Madrid. www.iberia.es and connect with your home
flight ? Flight takes one hour.
hope you have a good time in Spain !
Nige
www.spaincostaluz.com
Jul 2nd 2003, 10:28 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Following up to Nige
> you can easily get transport to La Linea (the border with
>Gib) and walk across. It's a doddle really if you don't have a car.
the *only* way to do it!
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale,landscape photos,freeware,London & the Thames path etc. "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk"
Spain, food and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" (see web for email)
> you can easily get transport to La Linea (the border with
>Gib) and walk across. It's a doddle really if you don't have a car.
the *only* way to do it!
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale,landscape photos,freeware,London & the Thames path etc. "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk"
Spain, food and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" (see web for email)
Jul 3rd 2003, 1:31 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Many of the Spanish Paradors are absolutely fantastic and very reasonably
priced!! For accomodation throughout Spain also try Venere -
http://www.venere.com/cgi/ihr/vcom/c...&country=Spain
Star Rent A Car offer very good rates -
http://tracker.tradedoubler.com/clic...120745&g=66867
Regards,
Bart
priced!! For accomodation throughout Spain also try Venere -
http://www.venere.com/cgi/ihr/vcom/c...&country=Spain
Star Rent A Car offer very good rates -
http://tracker.tradedoubler.com/clic...120745&g=66867
Regards,
Bart
Jul 3rd 2003, 2:52 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar...10 days...
>...Toledo sounds interesting.
Toledo is a very neat place. You could easily spend a half day to day
wandering around. However, it is blazing hot during the summer, so you
may need to duck into a bar and have a refreshment...often. The
parador hotel outside town is also very nice, and a good place to stop
for refreshments.
>Would you advise we get a train pass to travel or rent a car...
The train (and buses) will get you to all these places in good time,
and you get to relax and enjoy the scenery. However, the nice thing
about having a car is being able to stop along the way at neat places
that weren't in the plan. However, off the top of my head I can't
think of what those might be if one is doing a
Madrid-Granada-Córdoba-Sevilla-Madrid triangle. You only have ten
days, so maybe you'll want to concentrate on the cities you've
mentioned. You won't need a car for any of the cities themselves. In
fact, a car can be a pain in the buttocks due to parking restrictions.
Since
>...Toledo sounds interesting.
Toledo is a very neat place. You could easily spend a half day to day
wandering around. However, it is blazing hot during the summer, so you
may need to duck into a bar and have a refreshment...often. The
parador hotel outside town is also very nice, and a good place to stop
for refreshments.
>Would you advise we get a train pass to travel or rent a car...
The train (and buses) will get you to all these places in good time,
and you get to relax and enjoy the scenery. However, the nice thing
about having a car is being able to stop along the way at neat places
that weren't in the plan. However, off the top of my head I can't
think of what those might be if one is doing a
Madrid-Granada-Córdoba-Sevilla-Madrid triangle. You only have ten
days, so maybe you'll want to concentrate on the cities you've
mentioned. You won't need a car for any of the cities themselves. In
fact, a car can be a pain in the buttocks due to parking restrictions.
Since
Jul 3rd 2003, 2:53 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Like I said before I hit the enter key,
Madrid-Granada-Sevilla-Cordoba-Madrid, not any real have to see places
on the route, though Antequera and its dolmens and torcales is nice as
is Ronda area. My advice would be to take the train.
Madrid-Granada-Sevilla-Cordoba-Madrid, not any real have to see places
on the route, though Antequera and its dolmens and torcales is nice as
is Ronda area. My advice would be to take the train.
Jul 3rd 2003, 3:07 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
"Nige" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Big Jimbo" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> > Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> > Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
> >
> > Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> > For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> > know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
> >
> > Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> > visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> > or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> > more cost effective?
> How exciting ! I would be inclined to use the trains. Look through the
> www.renfe.es website for routes etc. Make sure you also look at the maps
for
> each region of the network. I always use cars, but one day soon I want to
> really enjoy myself and learn a bit more Spanish ! by using the train and
> doing your kind of trip.
> I have been to a fancy little station in the 'middle of nowhere' called
> Bobadilla. This is not too far from Antequera which is north of Malaga. So
> Bobadilla is where trains cross to get from Granada to Sevilla and Malaga
> etc. It's a nice station with a good buffet ! Just looking at your
desire
> to reach Gibraltar, reminds me that the train from Granada goes through
> Bobadilla then Ronda and on to Algeciras. Now Algeciras is across the bay
> from Gibraltar and you can easily get transport to La Linea (the border
with
> Gib) and walk across. It's a doddle really if you don't have a car. A car
> could mean a long delay crossing the 'frontier' ! Gib is really only
worth
> a full day's tour as it is quite small, but it is an experience.
> So please consider doing the following (only one suggestion of many !)
> After you do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. Take the train from Madrid
> down to Cordoba (either AVE ...fast and more expensive.. or regular)
> overnight in Cordoba. Then onto Sevilla where you do 2 nights?...then on
a
> bus to Ronda. A nice journey. Bus times from Sevilla to Ronda is on this
> page http://www.spaincostaluz.com/images/jerez_ronda.jpg (correct as at
> May 03) --takes 2 hours and costs Euros 8.38 single. Los Amarillos is the
> bus company. Stay in Ronda overnight and then EITHER take the train down
to
> Algeciras from Ronda and do Gib then return, OR skip Gib and take the
train
> from Ronda to Granada. (Taking you through the famous Bobadilla station!)
> then from Granada you need to return to Madrid. I would take the direct
bus.
> http://www.continental-auto.es/continental/primlin.html example. Or there
> is a train to Madrid. (twice daily) which takes about 6 hours! (or u can
fly
> from Granada airport to Madrid. www.iberia.es and connect with your home
> flight ? Flight takes one hour.
> hope you have a good time in Spain !
> Nige
> www.spaincostaluz.com
I nearly forgot. The ALHAMBRA in Granada does provide a ticket service
through: http://w3.grupobbva.com/ALHAMBRA/alhambra/home_ING.html
If you know the date and times you want, then you can get tickets online OR
at any BBVA bank in Spain. But get to the Alhambra early and beat the
queues (eve for the pre booked tickets) and the SUN in the summer.
Enjoy.
news:[email protected]...
> "Big Jimbo" wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> > Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> > Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
> >
> > Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> > For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> > know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
> >
> > Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> > visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> > or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> > more cost effective?
> How exciting ! I would be inclined to use the trains. Look through the
> www.renfe.es website for routes etc. Make sure you also look at the maps
for
> each region of the network. I always use cars, but one day soon I want to
> really enjoy myself and learn a bit more Spanish ! by using the train and
> doing your kind of trip.
> I have been to a fancy little station in the 'middle of nowhere' called
> Bobadilla. This is not too far from Antequera which is north of Malaga. So
> Bobadilla is where trains cross to get from Granada to Sevilla and Malaga
> etc. It's a nice station with a good buffet ! Just looking at your
desire
> to reach Gibraltar, reminds me that the train from Granada goes through
> Bobadilla then Ronda and on to Algeciras. Now Algeciras is across the bay
> from Gibraltar and you can easily get transport to La Linea (the border
with
> Gib) and walk across. It's a doddle really if you don't have a car. A car
> could mean a long delay crossing the 'frontier' ! Gib is really only
worth
> a full day's tour as it is quite small, but it is an experience.
> So please consider doing the following (only one suggestion of many !)
> After you do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. Take the train from Madrid
> down to Cordoba (either AVE ...fast and more expensive.. or regular)
> overnight in Cordoba. Then onto Sevilla where you do 2 nights?...then on
a
> bus to Ronda. A nice journey. Bus times from Sevilla to Ronda is on this
> page http://www.spaincostaluz.com/images/jerez_ronda.jpg (correct as at
> May 03) --takes 2 hours and costs Euros 8.38 single. Los Amarillos is the
> bus company. Stay in Ronda overnight and then EITHER take the train down
to
> Algeciras from Ronda and do Gib then return, OR skip Gib and take the
train
> from Ronda to Granada. (Taking you through the famous Bobadilla station!)
> then from Granada you need to return to Madrid. I would take the direct
bus.
> http://www.continental-auto.es/continental/primlin.html example. Or there
> is a train to Madrid. (twice daily) which takes about 6 hours! (or u can
fly
> from Granada airport to Madrid. www.iberia.es and connect with your home
> flight ? Flight takes one hour.
> hope you have a good time in Spain !
> Nige
> www.spaincostaluz.com
I nearly forgot. The ALHAMBRA in Granada does provide a ticket service
through: http://w3.grupobbva.com/ALHAMBRA/alhambra/home_ING.html
If you know the date and times you want, then you can get tickets online OR
at any BBVA bank in Spain. But get to the Alhambra early and beat the
queues (eve for the pre booked tickets) and the SUN in the summer.
Enjoy.
Jul 3rd 2003, 6:14 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
[email protected] (ifjed5555) wrote in message news:...
> Like I said before I hit the enter key,
>
> Madrid-Granada-Sevilla-Cordoba-Madrid, not any real have to see places
> on the route, though Antequera and its dolmens and torcales is nice as
> is Ronda area. My advice would be to take the train.
Have a look at this site. www.travelstops.net. It has a really good
review of Madrid, plus a contact e-mail address for further help and
advice.
> Like I said before I hit the enter key,
>
> Madrid-Granada-Sevilla-Cordoba-Madrid, not any real have to see places
> on the route, though Antequera and its dolmens and torcales is nice as
> is Ronda area. My advice would be to take the train.
Have a look at this site. www.travelstops.net. It has a really good
review of Madrid, plus a contact e-mail address for further help and
advice.
Jul 3rd 2003, 6:21 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
> Fly to Madrid
> then Toledo or Segovia or/and a small place, read my page:-
> "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/castile.htm"
> then Granada, Cordoba, Seville
> I have actually done Madrid (just a meal out and a
> bed)-Segovia-Andalucia in a week but I only stayed at one place in
> Andalucia (Malaga) and I flew home from Malaga.(and I like driving and
> my wife likes navigating).
> If you drop another place I would drop Sevilla as Granada and Cordoba
> are must sees.
> so Maybe Madrid - Toledo/Segovia - Granada/Cordoba. Can you get
> flights home from other than Madrid?
I'm coming from Florida and I don't have to fly back out of Madrid. It sure
would
save a day if I could fly out of somewhere else at the end of the trip. Does
Granada
or Cordoba have a large Airport with connecting flights to Madrid or
elsewhere?
Anyway, thanks for the advice.
> then Toledo or Segovia or/and a small place, read my page:-
> "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/castile.htm"
> then Granada, Cordoba, Seville
> I have actually done Madrid (just a meal out and a
> bed)-Segovia-Andalucia in a week but I only stayed at one place in
> Andalucia (Malaga) and I flew home from Malaga.(and I like driving and
> my wife likes navigating).
> If you drop another place I would drop Sevilla as Granada and Cordoba
> are must sees.
> so Maybe Madrid - Toledo/Segovia - Granada/Cordoba. Can you get
> flights home from other than Madrid?
I'm coming from Florida and I don't have to fly back out of Madrid. It sure
would
save a day if I could fly out of somewhere else at the end of the trip. Does
Granada
or Cordoba have a large Airport with connecting flights to Madrid or
elsewhere?
Anyway, thanks for the advice.
Jul 3rd 2003, 6:42 am
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Forget Gibraltar. Consider the towns round Madrid, Aranzuez, Chinchon,
Avila, Segovia and Toledo.
"Big Jimbo" escribió en el mensaje
news:[email protected]...
> OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
> Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
> Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> more cost effective?
Avila, Segovia and Toledo.
"Big Jimbo" escribió en el mensaje
news:[email protected]...
> OK, narrowed our up & coming trip to these general areas.
> Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Gibraltar.
> Will be coming for 10 days (2 travel days) from the States.
> Madrid doesn't excite me to much, but Toledo sounds interesting.
> For some reason I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, but I
> know it is out of the way. All the other places sound great also.
> Any advice on narrowing this down some? This would be our first
> visit to Spain. Also, would you advise we get a train pass to travel
> or rent a car. We are young and in our thirties. Which would be
> more cost effective?
Jul 3rd 2003, 7:23 am
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Spain Trip - More Advise Needed
Following up to Big Jimbo
>I'm coming from Florida and I don't have to fly back out of Madrid. It sure
>would
>save a day if I could fly out of somewhere else at the end of the trip. Does
>Granada
>or Cordoba have a large Airport with connecting flights to Madrid or
>elsewhere?
Malaga is a big airport SW of Granada, not that far away. I think if
you can open jaw you can make your itinary. Or fly Malaga/Madrid
If you need it there is Malaga Golf parador right by the airport
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale,landscape photos,freeware,London & the Thames path etc. "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk"
Spain, food and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" (see web for email)
>I'm coming from Florida and I don't have to fly back out of Madrid. It sure
>would
>save a day if I could fly out of somewhere else at the end of the trip. Does
>Granada
>or Cordoba have a large Airport with connecting flights to Madrid or
>elsewhere?
Malaga is a big airport SW of Granada, not that far away. I think if
you can open jaw you can make your itinary. Or fly Malaga/Madrid
If you need it there is Malaga Golf parador right by the airport
--
Mike Reid
"Art is the lie that reveals the truth" P.Picasso
Wasdale,landscape photos,freeware,London & the Thames path etc. "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk"
Spain, food and walking "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" (see web for email)
