To do and see on our Spain trip.

Now, with housing reservations out of the way, we spend time figuring out what we want to see and do in the places we are to visit. From the past we have learned that the more we research and plan the better experiences we get. Good planning is also a great way to stay within a budget.Although, no matter how well the trip is planned, there will always be room for surprises. The way it goes when you are in a country you have visited only once before. Most of the time that is what makes the best memories and amusing stories to tell family and friends.

Considering the YouTube videos we already watched and guidebook tips, I write a list of sites we want to visit in my notebook/planner. I keep a page for every day of our trip and note the sites according to the date/city. It helps us to make sure a site/place will be open for the day. Guidebook usually has that information.

Vitaliy and I are not big fans of museums, unless it’s a must see. We do enjoy self-guided walks where you get to see major attractions. We also like to spend time in parks, outdoor markets, or simply people watch and savor local atmosphere. Vitaliy really likes churches architecture so while he takes lots of pictures I enjoy sitting on a church bench and talk to The Amazing Architect who gives people such wisdom and talent to create.

Since we are going to Seville next day after arrival we made reservations to stay near Atocha Train station.In the morning, we are hoping to take a walk in the beautiful Retiro Park which is within minutes’ walk from the station. We didn’t want to rent a car right away as Seville is known for difficult driving/parking plus there will be April fair celebration while we are there. Another reason we wanted to go to Seville by train was for Ashley to have a train experience. I think she will really enjoy it.

In Seville (2 ½ days):

• The Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower and Royal Alcazar are must see.
• We plan to see the Metropol Parasol, gigantic mushroom like structure in the Plaza de la Encarnacion.
• I am looking forward to the self-guided walk in Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood.
• There is a lot to see between the river and the Cathedral. I really like to visit Hospital de la Caridad, charity hospital founded in the 17^th  century.
• We want to make sure to spend time in and near Plaza Nueva and Plaza de Espana, and the Triana neighborhood.
• There is also Bullring Museum and shopping on Sierpes and Tetuan/Velazquez pedestrian streets, in case we are still looking for something to do. Although, if we don’t have much time left to see the Bullring Museum, we should still have a chance to see the bullring (oldest in Spain) in Ronda.

In Cordoba (day trip):

• The Mezquita, former mosque, is the major attraction.
• Guadalquivir River is near the Mezquita. The Triumphal Arch and Plague Monument along with the Roman Bridge are must see there.
• We also plan to spend some time in the Jewish Quarter and Artisan Market (if time allows).

3 full days in Malaga:

• Spend as much time as possible at the beach.
• See Gibralfaro Castle, The Alcazaba and Roman Theatre.
• Picasso Museum. Picasso was born in Malaga and the museum was dedicated to him.
• See Malaga’s cathedral-The Manquita.
• Visit Pier 1 Port of Malaga.
• Visit Ronda (see New and Old Ronda town, bullring (oldest in Spain), and visit Alameda del Tajo Park, if time allows).
• There is also a soccer game on one of the evenings so it might be our family’s soccer experience for this trip.

During 2 ½ days in Granada:

• Do self-guided Granada Old Town Walk.
• See The Alhambra Complex.
• Visit Plaza Nueva and Sacromonte district.
• Local experience in urban part of Andalucia.

Back in Madrid (1 ½ day):

Visit and spend some time in our Madrid’s favorites: Puerto del Sol-center of Madrid and Spain, Plaza Mayor, walk by Royal Palace, and stop by in Plaza de Espana. Here are some of our pictures (2011 trip) of those places.

There might also be another soccer game for Vitaliy on the last evening of our trip, depends if he is able to reserve the tickets which is another story. Malaga game would be enough for Ashley and me. I am guessing we will be resting and getting ready for going back home.

Is there a site in Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Ronda, and Granada that is your favorite and you would urge everyone to see? Thank you for sharing!