Who's familiar with Spain?

I only ask because if you are, will you check out my post here and offer your advice? The Spain forum isn%26#39;t nearly as full of help as good ol NY...:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187427-i42-k24458鈥?/a>

Who's familiar with Spain?

Hi, Dave. I%26#39;m not an expert, but I spent a summer in Spain in my youth, and have been back only once (about ten years ago) for a driving trip.

Have you been to Spain before? If not (and even if so) be sure to allow time for Madrid - art, history, and food (!). Toledo is ';touristy';, but worthwhile; the view from across the river still recalls El Greco. I think you mean ';Granada'; (not ';Grenada';) with the historic and breathtaking Alcazar palace of the Moorish kings.

Spain is easily driveable, and the paradors are lovely. You will be able to fit a lot into a relatively short trip. I suggest that you buy a good guide book and enjoy the read. Keep us updated on your itinerary as it develops.

Another suggestion - Try posting on the UK forums. Lots of Brits vacation and own vacation properties in Spain. They are very helpful across the pond, and there is no language barrier!

Who's familiar with Spain?

It sounds like you need to spend as much time in Barcelona as possible, especially judging by the latter part of your post.

What%26#39;s interesting you about Zaragoza? I would rather spend more time in the Andalusian countryside, but that%26#39;s just me. There are many fascinating agricultural tours in the area (not a tour group, but living on a farm and only helping out if you feel like it), if that%26#39;s something that would be interesting to you for a weekend. After Barcelona, you might enjoy riding a bike down a quiet road into a small town.

Dave, there are a lot of knowledgeable people on Spain on the Fodors.com Europe forum.

www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2 In particular, there%26#39;s a woman named Maribel who has lived in Spain and is extremely helpful. She also has her own guide and info here

http://www.maribelsguides.com/

and will put a trip together for you if you want.

My stepkids go to Barcelona/Sitges quite frequently because one of their cousins owns an apartment there. PM me if you want more details.

I agree if you like art, Madrid is a must. I would also consider going to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim there if you like modern art. Happy planning.

In my opinion Galicia and the Basque country are both essential places to visit. The celtic culture in Galicia is something else and the cathedral at Santiago de Compostella is an amazing site. Galicia has a rugged coastline and features awesome seafood.

The Basque region is amazing, it is home to possibly the finest food in the world, particularly pintxos, small bitesize creations available in virtually every bar. Best sampled in Bilbao or San Sebastian.

I could happily live the rest of my life and never return to the crime ridden septic tank that calls itself Barcelona.

Where in Spain? Sent my 16 year old daughter last year and had great advise on the TA forum. Madrid, Toledo, Malaga, and Barcelona forums were great!

';I could happily live the rest of my life and never return to the crime ridden septic tank that calls itself Barcelona.';

Where is this coming from? Barcelona is an incredible, beautiful city if you%26#39;re willing to leave Las Rambla.

I have been to Barcelona many times and have indeed left the Ramblas. On the last two visits alone 3 of my travelling companions have managed to find themselves on the recieving end of robberies, non of them on the Ramblas.

Hi nycdave, We have driven through Spain a few times, and I enjoy driving as well. First check out the viamichelin web site, great for maps, driving distance and times and scenic driving.

viamichelin.co.uk/viamichelin/鈥?/a>

';';'; I can swing a trip as long as 2 solid weeks. The places most appealing to me so far are:

- Barcelona/Sitges

- Grenada (I love history)

- Zaragosa

- Galicia

- Basque region ';';';

September has long days and you can take advantage of later sunset time to make driving distance. With two weeks, you can do a loop from Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga, all non stop cities from NYC. The places you want to see are spread out all over, so you could also start in Malaga, head north to Madrid, via Toledo, and then come south to Barcelona, via the Basque country and Zaragosa, this will save some driving time.

Some places to see which may be very enjoyable.

Near Grenada, Cordoba and Seville. In the Pyranee area, Pamplona. You could drive both in the Spain Pyranee or the France Pyranee. Along the France coast near Spain, check out Collioure, very beautiful coastal area, and in September , many people still swim. Near Barcelona are Girona and Figueres.

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idealspain.com/pages/鈥astles.htm

Have a great time and if you need any info just ask !!!