Expert: Sílvia Martino - 10/9/2009

Question
Hi,

Me and my boyfriend have been planning a 2 week trip next week to Spain. Our ittn is:
16-20-Barcelona
20-22-Valencia
22-24-Granada
24-27-Seville
27-30-Madrid

1.Can you advise on the most economical way of getting from one city to the other.
2.Have we given enough time in each city?
3.If you think we should add/remove or increase/decrease any of the places.
4.Any suggestions on things to do that are not touristy.We prefer immersing ourselves in local culture.

Thanks,
Abby


Answer
Dear Abby,
Great decision!!!
I think you have made a good choice of cities...
here you have my answers:

1.Can you advise on the most economical way of getting from one city to the other.
The easiest and quickest way to move around is by train.
Here you have some times and rates:

Barcelona - Valencia:
you have trains every hour from 9am to 9pm more or less. It takes around 3 hours and prices start at 25 euros each.

Valencia -  Granada
you have 2 trains: 1 night train, leaving valencia at 00.51 and arriving to Granada at 8h35 in the morning. Otherwise, another train leaves valencia at 11h28 arriving at 7h30pm. Price is around 35 euros.

Granada - Seville
You have 4 trains, at 8.18; 11.33, 16.32, 20.23. The trains takes about 3 hours and costs 27 euros.

Seville-Madrid
You have 22 trains between 6am and 9pm. It takes a bit less than 3 hours and prices start at 35 euros.

Those prices are available now, but if you wait too long, they can get more expensive. If you want I can reserve them for you.


2.Have we given enough time in each city?

I would suggest:
16 to 20 in Barcelona.
Take an evening train to Valencia
21 and 22 valencia
Take the night train to granada.
23 and 24 granada
25 take the first train in the morning for seville
25 to 27 for seville
take a first train to Madrid
28 to 30 in Madrid

3.If you think we should add/remove or increase/decrease any of the places.

I think you made a good choice.

4.Any suggestions on things to do that are not touristy. We prefer immersing ourselves in local culture.
Barcelona:
walk around all town and get lost inside the small street.
Take maybe a cooking lesson?

Granada and seville
do not miss a flamenco show

I can also help you with accommodation and other services. Just let me know your budget and final itinerary decision and I will look for best available hotels in the city center of each city or near to the railway station. also for train tickets.
Pls let me know,

regards,
sílvia