Question for European Travelers (3 Viewers)

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ilov80s]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

The most important part is what are you looking for? Food and wine? Art and architecture? Historic sites? Peaceful? Busy?

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

The most important part is what are you looking for? Food and wine? Art and architecture? Historic sites? Peaceful? Busy?

Food!

Peaceful but want to visit some sites (A&A and H is great) but not all day running.

 

[Ilov80s]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

The most important part is what are you looking for? Food and wine? Art and architecture? Historic sites? Peaceful? Busy?

Food!

Peaceful but want to visit some sites (A&A and H is great) but not all day running.

Can't go wrong with Florence. The Tuscan food is exceptional. It's not as busy and hectic as Rome but has no shortage of A&A and H due it being the capital of the Renaissance. Plus there are so many small quiet towns in the hills where you can really get away and enjoy the most peaceful day of coffee, strolling, beautiful views and fresh food and local wine.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

The most important part is what are you looking for? Food and wine? Art and architecture? Historic sites? Peaceful? Busy?

Food!

Peaceful but want to visit some sites (A&A and H is great) but not all day running.

Can't go wrong with Florence. The Tuscan food is exceptional. It's not as busy and hectic as Rome but has no shortage of A&A and H due it being the capital of the Renaissance. Plus there are so many small quiet towns in the hills where you can really get away and enjoy the most peaceful day of coffee, strolling, beautiful views and fresh food and local wine.

Pretty much what I was going to say. Tuscany is lovely.

Try not to do too much. You'll enjoy it more.

 

[Major]

I'd just stay in Spain/Portugal and see more of it. Sevilla is definitely worth visiting but Basque country/Bilbao is cant miss.

 

[Mookie]

I'd consider visiting the Basque Country in Spain if I was a foodie. San Sebastian is a great city and the food is sensational (tapas, tapas, tapas!). Lots of great hikes and history. We also loved Porto - one of my favorite cities.

 

[Ilov80s]

I'd consider visiting the Basque Country in Spain if I was a foodie. San Sebastian is a great city and the food is sensational (tapas, tapas, tapas!). Lots of great hikes and history. We also loved Porto - one of my favorite cities.

Yes San Sebastián is wonderful. Well worth the visit.

 

[Drunken knight]

I'd consider visiting the Basque Country in Spain if I was a foodie. San Sebastian is a great city and the food is sensational (tapas, tapas, tapas!). Lots of great hikes and history. We also loved Porto - one of my favorite cities.

Yes… and france

 

[Ilov80s]

I'd just stay in Spain/Portugal and see more of it. Sevilla is definitely worth visiting but Basque country/Bilbao is cant miss.

That is a very good answer as well. I guess the biggest factor there would be how often you make it to Europe and how much interest do you have in seeing somewhere other than Spain and Portugal since you’re already in Europe.

 

[coopersdad]

my son and DIL went to the Tuscany region and took a day cooking/wine tasting class.

 

[Desert_Power]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

Go to Barcelona, trains take like 3 hours.

You could also consider staying in Madrid and doing day trips to Toledo and/or Segovia.

 

[Major]

I'd just stay in Spain/Portugal and see more of it. Sevilla is definitely worth visiting but Basque country/Bilbao is cant miss.

That is a very good answer as well. I guess the biggest factor there would be how often you make it to Europe and how much interest do you have in seeing somewhere other than Spain and Portugal since you’re already in Europe.

I hear that. I guess I'm more in the camp where 2-3 days isn't much time so why not stay close and find a cool spot, immerse yourself in it instead of wasting valuable hours in the airport, rushing around, etc.

 

[Ilov80s]

I'd just stay in Spain/Portugal and see more of it. Sevilla is definitely worth visiting but Basque country/Bilbao is cant miss.

That is a very good answer as well. I guess the biggest factor there would be how often you make it to Europe and how much interest do you have in seeing somewhere other than Spain and Portugal since you’re already in Europe.

I hear that. I guess I'm more in the camp where 2-3 days isn't much time so why not stay close and find a cool spot, immerse yourself in it instead of wasting valuable hours in the airport, rushing around, etc.

I would probably agree. Catch a train to Barcelona or Valencia areas is probably what I would do to limit travel time.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Spain is awesome with many great cities to explore. But if you want to visit a city in another country while you're there, I recommend Copenhagen.

Gorgeous city with many sites to see. And one of the best foodie cities in Europe.

 

[massraider]

Look into Vienna or Amsterdam

 

[waiver wire]

you only have an extra 2-3 days , I would stay in Spain , either Madrid or Barcelona as that is where you are probably flying home from so you you are not wasting a day of travel getting to the airport
Also in November, Spain would have good weather compared to most other European countries

 

[zamboni]

you only have an extra 2-3 days , I would stay in Spain , either Madrid or Barcelona as that is where you are probably flying home from so you you are not wasting a day of travel getting to the airport
Also in November, Spain would have good weather compared to most other European countries

You could also go to another Spain city like Seville.

 

[massraider]

Start a new thread where you say you got an extra three days after a two week trip to Spain, and say you are planning to stay in Spain.

Maybe the thread will work out better.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

I’ll be spending about half of my work trip in Seville.

We have considered staying in Spain (and may end up doing that) but with travel within Europe being relatively cheap and close we thought why not another place.

Initially my wife wanted London but I was concerned about weather in mid November.

Thanks for all the responses thus far! I’m sure whatever we will choose will be great!

 

[The Z Machine]

Bilbao, Sevilla, or Florence. Barcelona ans Paris second tier.

 

[The Z Machine]

Shoot, you could fly to Morocco (Casablanca or Marrakech) if you want something different. Tons of flights from Madrid. Food is good, diffeernt architecture and vibe, money willl go further, and the weather will be better there in Nov than in Spain.

 

[Chemical X]

Italy has nothing for you, stay away.

Signed Resident

 

[Chemical X]

I’ve got a two week work trip to Spain this coming November and my wife gets to go with me. We will have plenty of opportunities to see multiple places in Spain and a little bit of Portugal. We have the opportunity to add 2-3 days of personal vacation before returning home.

If you could pick one other European city to fly to from Madrid and visit for a couple of days, where would you choose and why?

Barcelona, London and Venice have been discussed but I would like the opinions of the FBG experts also.

Thanks in advance!

that’s a tough question due to logistics and cost perspectives. if i’m already in that region, i’m staying in spain. valencia is crazy nice and affordable. heck, 1 day alone can be the aquarium. also, mallorca could be reasonable. don’t think i’d spend and fly further due to the logistics.

 

[The Z Machine]

You could also look into the RENFE trains. Sure the flight might be shorter but taking a train from Atocha and getting off right in the city in Sevilla, or Valencia, or Bilbao or San Sebastian is pretty great. Plus you get to see some of the Spanish countryside too (unless it's dark).

 

[FarFromHome]

Well. In my opinion you don't want to waste to much of the 2 days traveling so that eliminates London, Amsterdam, Berlin etc. Barcelona is a 5 hour train ride. Wonderful city. Id keep it simple and just do a one day trip there. Great food. Maybe a bull fight? Obviously hit the Sagrada Cathedral. Imo

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

If Food is #1 on your wishlist that rules out the UK and Germany unless you like boiled pizza or cabbage as a staple.

What kind of food? Are you adventurous or stick to foods you know?
Distance wise, France, Italy, anywhere else in the mediterranean or Spanish islands is very close. Even Tunisia and Morocco.

 

[Klimtology]

Prague!

It's the largest European City not to get seriously damaged during WW2.

Get's my highest recommendation!

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Initially my wife wanted London but I was concerned about weather in mid November.

But only in November?

 

[McBokonon]

I also suggest staying in Spain but I just got back from there. Toledo is a 40 minute train ride from Madrid and an incredible day trip. Gorgeous.

 

[limey]

San Sebastián is likely to be just as wet, if not wetter, than London in mid-November.
Marrakech isn't a bad shout - food is interesting and the weather is decent.
TBH, I'd stay in Spain, as others have suggested. We were in Palma de Mallorca last October and had excellent weather, and great food.
Also been down to Granada (the Alhambra really is well worth a visit) in mid-late October, and had great weather.

 

[Major]

Or if you want something different you could hop on a quick flight to Ibiza and enjoy the island off season. It's not all house music and molly but that's there if you haven't got past your glow stick phase.

 

[massraider]

I’ll be spending about half of my work trip in Seville.

Would you be flying out of there?

Direct (non-stop) flights from Sevilla, Seville Airport (SVQ) - FlightsFrom.com

See all routes, airlines and scheduled direct (non-stop) flights from Seville Airport, Sevilla (SVQ). Find detailed information for each departure 9 months ahead and explore all 83 destinations with our smart search tool and route map.

www.flightsfrom.com

Direct flights from Seville

 

[The Z Machine]

BTW, la liga will be playing again in Nov. Catch a game in Madrid (Real or Atlético) or Sevilla (Betis or Sevilla) while you're there.

 

[Desert_Power]

I’ll be spending about half of my work trip in Seville.

Would you be flying out of there?

Direct (non-stop) flights from Sevilla, Seville Airport (SVQ) - FlightsFrom.com

See all routes, airlines and scheduled direct (non-stop) flights from Seville Airport, Sevilla (SVQ). Find detailed information for each departure 9 months ahead and explore all 83 destinations with our smart search tool and route map.

www.flightsfrom.com

Direct flights from Seville

Missed the Sevilla piece. Granada, Cordoba, and Malaga all could be appealing nearby. I like slower travel.

 

[titusbramble]

I can see the logic for saying stay Spain, but depending on how much you have been to Europe in the past and/or how much you intend to travel there in the future, I would at least consider something completely different. People ruling out London or Berlin seem crazy to me, clearly both deserve more time but you would have long enough to get a good taste of either and then an idea as to whether it is worth a follow up trip. Munich I think would be worth considering, then there's other options where you can go somewhere and it is close enough to another city of note that you can have a morning/afternoon in both. Nuremberg is doable from Munich if you take the ICE. If you were to choose Copenhagen you could look into Malmö. Vienna and Bratislava are deceptively close to each other. I don't get the tourist appeal of Manchester as a native, and I wish its airport on nobody, but there are a LOT of options that are no more than an hour train ride away from there.

 

[titusbramble]

Prague!

It's the largest European City not to get seriously damaged during WW2.

Get's my highest recommendation!

It would be a good amount of time to stay in Prague, true

 

[titusbramble]

Initially my wife wanted London but I was concerned about weather in mid November.

There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. London is never going to get super cold at that time, yeah there might be rain but anywhere you're likely to want to go is never going to be more than a few minutes walk from a Tube stop so just pack an umbrella and you'd be reyt

 

[Desert_Power]

Prague!

It's the largest European City not to get seriously damaged during WW2.

Get's my highest recommendation!

It would be a good amount of time to stay in Prague, true

Yeah. You don't need a ton of time in Prague but it is also one of places I always want to go back. So much to stroll and see. Booked a trip for the Christmas Markets this year already...

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

I’ll be spending about half of my work trip in Seville.

Would you be flying out of there?

Direct (non-stop) flights from Sevilla, Seville Airport (SVQ) - FlightsFrom.com

See all routes, airlines and scheduled direct (non-stop) flights from Seville Airport, Sevilla (SVQ). Find detailed information for each departure 9 months ahead and explore all 83 destinations with our smart search tool and route map.

www.flightsfrom.com

Direct flights from Seville

No sir. Seville is the first part of the trip. I’ll be in the Madrid area when we would be looking for another destination to consider.

 

[Major]

Prague!

It's the largest European City not to get seriously damaged during WW2.

Get's my highest recommendation!

It would be a good amount of time to stay in Prague, true

Yeah. You don't need a ton of time in Prague but it is also one of places I always want to go back. So much to stroll and see. Booked a trip for the Christmas Markets this year already...

I haven't been since Orban took over but Budapest > Prague

 

[Major]

I can see the logic for saying stay Spain, but depending on how much you have been to Europe in the past and/or how much you intend to travel there in the future, I would at least consider something completely different. People ruling out London or Berlin seem crazy to me, clearly both deserve more time but you would have long enough to get a good taste of either and then an idea as to whether it is worth a follow up trip. Munich I think would be worth considering, then there's other options where you can go somewhere and it is close enough to another city of note that you can have a morning/afternoon in both. Nuremberg is doable from Munich if you take the ICE. If you were to choose Copenhagen you could look into Malmö. Vienna and Bratislava are deceptively close to each other. I don't get the tourist appeal of Manchester as a native, and I wish its airport on nobody, but there are a LOT of options that are no more than an hour train ride away from there.

Munich is a solid choice if going outside of Spain. Perfect little city for 3 days.

I know someone mentioned Copenhagen and while it may be my favorite city in Europe, I think Scandinavia is a separate trip. I used to live in Copenhagen and feel you wont have enough time to do it justice. Do something like Reykjavik, Copenhagen and Stockholm another time.

 

[The Z Machine]

I’ll be spending about half of my work trip in Seville.

Would you be flying out of there?

Direct (non-stop) flights from Sevilla, Seville Airport (SVQ) - FlightsFrom.com

See all routes, airlines and scheduled direct (non-stop) flights from Seville Airport, Sevilla (SVQ). Find detailed information for each departure 9 months ahead and explore all 83 destinations with our smart search tool and route map.

www.flightsfrom.com

Direct flights from Seville

No sir. Seville is the first part of the trip. I’ll be in the Madrid area when we would be looking for another destination to consider.

Used to live in Madrid and did traveling all over Spain. I still say train to San Sebastian or fly to Marrakech.

 

[Judge Smails]

I'd just stay in Spain/Portugal and see more of it. Sevilla is definitely worth visiting but Basque country/Bilbao is cant miss.

100% agree with this. I did a Portugal/Spain trip and biggest regret was having only 1 day in Sevilla. Loved it there. I agree staying in Spain.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

I'd just stay in Spain/Portugal and see more of it. Sevilla is definitely worth visiting but Basque country/Bilbao is cant miss.

100% agree with this. I did a Portugal/Spain trip and biggest regret was having only 1 day in Sevilla. Loved it there. I agree staying in Spain.

We spent 2 weeks in Spain a few years ago, including 4-5 days in Sevilla. It was my favorite Spanish city as well.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions! A big part of my work trip will be just outside Sevilla. Looking forward to figuring out our bonus 2-3 days getaway.