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Two Week Spain Itinerary with A Toddler

Located in the southwestern region of Europe, Spain offers more than just tapas and beautiful architecture to enjoy. Here I will detail our two week itinerary through Spain. Not only that, we traveled with a 16 month old baby and I was 5 months pregnant!

Day 1 Flight to MADRID- We booked direct night flights to do the cross Atlantic haul. If you are flying with an infant under the age of 2 ask the airline for a free of cost baby cot. Check out my 10 Tips To Flying With A Baby for more details. Those seats where the cots are available provide extra leg room huge bonus!
We stayed at the Westin Palace Madrid. A beautiful historic hotel with all the modern luxuries!

Day 2- Madrid sightseeing & tour bus

Parque el Retiro, museo de Prado, Madrid Mercado San Miguel & shoe shopping at all the great leather shoe stores is my fave! Speaking of shoes. I wore a pair of ankle boots made by BORN. AMAZING! Comfortable and water proof so if we happen to have a little rain they would survive and I would not be worried about slipping. Again, I was 5 months pregnant at the time.

Day 3– Day trip to Toledo

Toledo is such a cool medieval city surrounded by water.

Day 4– Train to Sevilla from Madrid.

We were traveling with a toddler so I was not on any timed schedule… going where and when we could so I did not buy tickets in advance. When we showed up to the train station the next two departures were already sold out. If you do not mind waiting an hour, then just buy your tickets the day you are leaving if not then I suggest you pre buy them.

Day 5- Sevilla
Top places to visit Alcazar de Sevilla, Plaza de España, Cathedral de Sevilla. Sevilla is best viewed on foot and by bike. I would avoid the hop on and off busses here, but do rent a bike! Our hotel in Seville was Petit Palace Santa Cruz.

Day 6- Day trip to Cordoba. Cordoba is less than one hour away via train. Once you arrive to the train terminal take a taxi to the main square where the famous mosque de Cordoba.

Later that evening we went to see a flamenco show at Casa De La Guitara.
Day 7- Bus to Granada
I researched a lot! On how to get to Granada from Sevilla and the best way we found was by bus. Prebuy your ticket so your seat is reserved and assigned.
Day 8– Granada
The Alhambra really requires a full day. Its gorgeous and they are super picky as far as the time you are allowed to visit the Nasrid Palace so book in advance and allow ample time to make it there on time. This is the direct link to purchase tickets
http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Tarifas/196/0/

Day 9– Granada
Day 10– Flight to Barcelona
What felt like a hop and a skip away was our short flight to Barcelona. In Barcelona we stayed at the W Hotel right on the water! It is the hotel that looks like a giant sail! If you want to read more about the sights of Barcelona visit my last post from my first trip there here 3 Days in Barcelona
Day 11– Barcelona
Barcelona really feels like another country the culture there is very different than the restof Spain. No wonder so many wanted independance. For Barcelona we did opt to do the city bus tours. I like doing this in big cities to get a good feek for the city and all there is to do. There are two companies that do these tours look at the stops each makes and select what best suits you. Our first stop was La Sagrada Familia. Its my second time in Barcelona and to this awe dropping cathedral. Pre buy your ticket to go inside and view this magnificent work of art.
Day 12– Barcelona
We opted to head straight to Park Guëll. My daughter loved it here and so did we!

Day 13 – Barcelona
On this day we strolled through the famous Ramblas, toured the old Olympic park and did some shopping.. I mean this is Zara land!
Day 14– flight back to USA

by CasaDeWinn

3 Day Itinerary Barcelona

I recently returned from a trip to Spain where I spent 3 wonderful days in Barcelona or should I say Barthelona. The Spaniards have me lisping everything I sthay…. 🙂 It was my first time visiting Spain and starting in Barcelona was a pleasant surprise. I will share with you a few of the highlights ( in my opinion) of the city and a few must do things and places to visit while visiting. One of the first places we went to visit is the beach. Now being a California girl I am a bit jaded with beaches. I expect a lot. If it isn’t beautiful white soft sand, nice waves to ride a surf board or calm bath like waters you find in Mexico or the Caribbean….I think most beaches are so-so…so Barcelona isn’t the type of place you go to hangout at the beach. You go there to explore and enjoy the Spanish lifestyle! So after one too many bites of paella we headed back and walked along La Rambla. It is the most beautiful tree-lined pedestrian friendly street in the city. It is full of street vendors, stores and markets. I suggest a nice walk through this street and do make sure to stop at the central market and try some jamon or cheese selection.

One of the things I quickly picked up and understood was why the Spanish eat dinner so late? I have heard that they have dinner around 10pm and it only took one day to understand. The sun doesn’t even set until about 930pm so at 10pm you are catching the sunset. It is such a wonderful experience. We spent most of the first day there in Barcelona’s most eastern area. On day 2 we visited the northern city where you will find many of famous architect Antoni Gaudí homes whose facades he designed. Here is one of my favorites.

If you are in the mood for top-notch shopping Avinguda Diagonal or The Portal de l’Àngel,just off Placa de Catalunya, is lined with an endless array of shops selling the most exclusive brands of clothing and accessories. I headed to Spanish companies like ZARA to take advantage of lower prices than in the states. Yes I saved my receipt and so should you if you spend a lot then before exiting Spain you can get reimbursed on your sales taxes. (hit-hint).
Our 3rd day there we dedicated to visiting la Sagrada Família basicilia. I recommend waking up super early to beat the crowds. At first sight this building is so impressive. The scale of it compared to the smaller buildings surrounding it make it look massive! And it is! I highly recommend getting a tour guide to teach you the history and explanations and hidden meanings this building has. Our tour guide was excellent! They are still doing construction to it and it is scheduled to be completed in 2026. I guess I will have to make a return trip there to admire the beauty.

Afterwards, we spent the later morning at Park Güell is a garden complex with architectural elements situated on the hill of El Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. The views are spectacular! Again, highly recommend a guide because the park has so much history and meaning behind all of Gaudís’ work. You have to sit at the worlds longest bench. Its agronomic design truly helps your back and feels incredibly comfortable! We finished this day with heading towards the International Expo and Olympic park area.

In general food in Spain is jamon, jamon, jamon, paella, fried foods and umm more fried foods. In my opinion not the best, but my oh my the wine! Loved EVERY wine I tried. I had high end expensive bottles and budget friendly ones and all were tasty and smooth.

If you are only there for a few ours as part of a cruise ships stop…good luck being able to experience and view all that Barcelona has to offer. It is impossible! Not even my 3 days there were enough, but better than no days. To live how the Spaniards live. To relax and enjoy lunch for 2 hours. To drink, eat and be marry! That is what Spaniards do best and that is what Barcelona showed me.

by CasaDeWinn

Fun Places & Things To Do, Travel

Rome 3 Day Itinerary

Few places in the world are as romantic, interesting and outright experiences than the city of Rome. Whether you are an avid traveler or new to it, everyone should take sometime to visit the beautiful city of Rome. Follow my 3 day itinerary and if you stay a little longer check out our tips from Italy In Two Weeks.

You will be delighted to know that it does not take too much time or money to enjoy all of its beauty. I have had the travel bug since I was a kid when my parents took me to Hawaii. Since then, I have wanted to explore the world. My 3 day itinerary below is if you are flying from JFK, but I am sure any other departure city has great nonstop flights to Rome.

Flight Day

I suggest taking a non stop overnight flight. When flying from North America into Europe you will arrive to a rise & shine of Roman air. We took an evening flight out of New York JFK to Rome Fiumicino. As per experience, I would highly recommend exchanging money at the airport or check with your local bank if they have a partnership with an Italian bank for free or low percentage fees on money exchanges. I learned the hard way, did not exchange and then I was in a sudden desperation to find a currency exchange place which of course ended up totally screwing me with 7% commission! So make sure you have Euros.

DAY 1

Arrive in Rome

At the airport you can catch any of the white certified taxis at all exits. There is a flat rate to get you anywhere within the Roman Walls (downtown). Check with your hotel if they offer free or discounted shuttle service pick up from the airport. Once you have settled into your hotel, I would recommend using this day to do 1 of two things: 1. Hop on & off bus tour of the city or 2. Head to the Roman ruins & the Colosseum. We chose to visit the ruins & the Colosseum. One thing you will want to purchase is the ROMA PASS. This pass is great & highly recommended. It is 30Euro and gets you admission into any two museums or the ancient ruins/Colosseum package, unlimited use of Rome’s public transportation which is very easy to use and on top of that, there are third party tour groups that offer you an additional discount with the pass. So if you plan on visiting two or more museums or sights on their website, it is well worth it. Learn more about the Roma Pass .

After settling in to your hotel, go to the ruins first. Check out the birthplace of this civilization. Secret Tip: On the south east exit right before you start making your way towards the Colosseum look towards your right and you will see some steps leading towards the Colosseum…. We discovered this gem ..empty..nobody around and an unforgettable view and photo backdrop of the Colosseum. Make sure to keep an eye on your watch as they close at 6pm and you will want to get into the Colosseum by at least 5pm at the latest to have at least 1 hour to view this masterpiece and take pictures. Why do I suggest going in the afternoon? Well two reasons: 1. Less crowded and 2. The sunset views and picture taking opportunities are unmatched!

DAY 2

Visit Vatican City.

…..here we are trying to sneak a pic in the Sistine Chapel…. 🙂

I suggest you pre book tickets online via this website to save yourself an hour at least of waiting in line to enter the Vatican Museum. Click here to get tickets.
I suggest you book them for the earliest time slot as crowds only grow as the day continues.
We booked ours for 10am. It takes about 2 hours to go through the entire museum which culminates at the magnificent Sistine Chapel which is just breath taking!
After the museum, if you decide to get tickets or stand in line you may enter the St. Peters Basilica. It is free to the public and also worth seeing. The square alone is impressive with its sheer size.

From Vatican City we headed south to an area called Trastevere which literally means “beyond the river” It is just crossing over the Tiber river what Romans like to call there version of NYC “SOHO”. Cobblestone lined streets, cafes and bar! Best recommended for an afternoon and evening stroll.

This evening you should do like the Romans and head for the streets! Rome dresses up for the evening. It is my favorite time of the day! There is something so special about seeing its main attractions light up. We did a night stroll as per Rick Steves “Travels In Europe” Rome book. Highly recommended! Here is a helpful link to it http://www.theculturebite.com/2010/06/21/rick-steves-rome-2010-night-walk-across-rome/

We culminated our night walk with enjoying dinner at one of the many great restaurant with outdoor seating offering plenty of people watching opportunities!

We hardly ever travel alone! We either go with family, friends or join a group! So much fun to experience the world with people you like!

Day 3.

We started this day at the northern part of the city at the Spanish Steps where we climbed to the top to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and all the shoppers. The Spanish steps has a view overlooking one of Rome’s most high end shopping district Via Condotti. Here you will find all the top designer stores. Even if you are not in the market to buy anything, it is worth the window shopping!

I recommend you use this day to do your shopping. Can not leave Rome without something! This is also a good day to view certain sites like Trevi Fountain by day, as you may have only seen it by night on your night stroll.
We culminated our last day in Rome by doing a segway tour that took us to some behind the scenes lookout points that only the Roman’s would know of. You can learn more about the tours offered at http://www.romebysegway.com/site/Tour_in_Rome_by_Segway.php We did the Imperial evening tour. The sunset views from some of the locations it takes you to our unforgettable. Can you tell I adore sunsets???

by CasaDeWinn