3 Weeks in Spain (via Japan)

[rbjhan]

A great trip report (first or otherwise). As with others you have bought back some great memories of Spain

Thanks!
I plan to go back to Spain sometime soon, but first need to do some more Japan!

There were times when I seriously missed those vending machines

 

[rbjhan]

Great TR. I’m hoping to get back to Spain soon. Happy travels

Me too! Hmm maybe second half next year? Wishful thinking at this stage but who knows.

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks very much for the TR - a very nice one. Like others have said, you certainly brought back some very good memories of Spain. I also loved Salamanca & Segovia.

 

[rbjhan]

Thanks very much for the TR - a very nice one. Like others have said, you certainly brought back some very good memories of Spain. I also loved Salamanca & Segovia.

Segovia is certainly striking.
Changed my avatar

 

[ellen10]

Yes I noticed your great avatar. I really enjoyed reading your trip report and especially all the photos.
We will be in Spain in October, visiting lots of the places you have reported on. Lots of great information for us, thanks for sharing.

 

[rbjhan]

Yes I noticed your great avatar. I really enjoyed reading your trip report and especially all the photos.
We will be in Spain in October, visiting lots of the places you have reported on. Lots of great information for us, thanks for sharing.

Enjoy your trip! Happy to be able to provide some ideas...

And as I said before, thanks for everyone's kind word. You all gave me confidence to finish this TR and I greatly enjoyed the process, reliving my trip once more!

 

[amaroo]

Very nice TR and photos. I love Spain and have thoroughly enjoyed our two trips.... there will be more.

 

[Cossie]

Nice TR. If anyone reading this is considering Spain, I'd like to suggest they investigate the northern coast, especially Asturias, I was very surprised as to the scenery and food, especially great cheese during my trip there last year, very different to the areas of Spain I have been to before.

 

[boomy]

Thanks for a great TR and fantastic photos @rbjhan.

Just finished reading property as I’m finally starting to prepare for our October trip which seems to be very similar to yours. The main difference is that we are starting from Seville and finishing in Madrid but going to visit same places basically.

Few questions about your trip:

I noticed you were commuting by train/taxi/bus. Any reason why you didn’t rent a car? From what I can see car rentals in Spain are relatively inexpensive and seems like a more convenient way to travel between towns.

Regarding paradors I’m conflicted. I know @RooFlyer strongly recommended then and on one hand I love the idea of sleeping in historic places but I must say most rooms look very old and not in a good way. Also those beds... I was thinking maybe it’s better to go visit some paradors, enjoy the view they offer over a glass of wine and go stay in nice hotels downtown which offer more proper bedding.

I see that you are also fan of Devour tours. In Seville did you enjoy the flamenco tour? I’m tossing between that and the history & tapas tour.

In Madrid did you pre-book skip the line guided tours in museums and the palace? I read there are free entry times but I hate queuing up.
Apart from the Alhambra (only one I booked so far) are there any other places you recommend pre-booking?

Nice to see that you booked Michelin restaurant in Madrid. This is one of the first things I did, hopefully will be as nice as yours.

 

[rbjhan]

Thanks for a great TR and fantastic photos @rbjhan.

Just finished reading property as I’m finally starting to prepare for our October trip which seems to be very similar to yours. The main difference is that we are starting from Seville and finishing in Madrid but going to visit same places basically.

Few questions about your trip:

I noticed you were commuting by train/taxi/bus. Any reason why you didn’t rent a car? From what I can see car rentals in Spain are relatively inexpensive and seems like a more convenient way to travel between towns.
Simple reason: I was travelling solo.
If you are travelling as a family/group I think renting a car is ideal. Exception would be the Sevilla - Madrid trip, nothing beats high speed rail.

Regarding paradors I’m conflicted. I know @RooFlyer strongly recommended then and on one hand I love the idea of sleeping in historic places but I must say most rooms look very old and not in a good way. Also those beds... I was thinking maybe it’s better to go visit some paradors, enjoy the view they offer over a glass of wine and go stay in nice hotels downtown which offer more proper bedding.
I am quite conflicted about paradores as well...Probably would not do it again if/when I'm going back to Spain, but I don't regret it, hopefully you know what I'm trying to say?
And if you do book one or more, remember the rooms are not their selling point....I certainly didn't like the beds!

I see that you are also fan of Devour tours. In Seville did you enjoy the flamenco tour? I’m tossing between that and the history & tapas tour.
I liked the flamenco tour, our guide was a flamenco teacher herself so we learned quite a bit before seeing the dance which was very helpful.

In Madrid did you pre-book skip the line guided tours in museums and the palace? I read there are free entry times but I hate queuing up.
I booked the Prado tickets online. The queue for free entry was miles long....

Apart from the Alhambra (only one I booked so far) are there any other places you recommend pre-booking?
Certainly the Alcazar and Catedral of Sevilla. I loved the Roof tour very much and from what they told me it sells out quickly.

Nice to see that you booked Michelin restaurant in Madrid. This is one of the first things I did, hopefully will be as nice as yours.
Thanks!