Posted by: CathyM
Back from N. Spain - details! - 10/15/02 03:37 PM
Well, first I want to apologize for waiting 2 weeks to post since I returned from my trip. I've had relatives visiting and work has been crazy so my free time has been very limited.
I spent 2 1/2 weeks in Northern Spain and had an absolutely incredible trip. I travelled by myself with the exception of 3 nights when I met up with friends in Barcelona. Although I was slightly worried about traveling as a solo female traveler in a country where I don't speak much of the language, the fears were totally unfounnded and I've decided that solo travel is THE way to go.
I used public transportation, with the exception of when I met my friends in Barcelona and we rented a car. I never felt closer to the culture and people of Spain than during this trip, perhaps because I was by myself and getting around on my own that I "forced" myself to jump right into everything. All I know is that Northern Spain (both scenery and the people, not to mention the food) is incredible, I love Spain more than ever, and I've already decided that next year's vacation is: Spain!
I'm not sure how to present this topic so I thought I'd post a brief summary of where I went and then expand upon each location in future posts on this topic. And, or course answering any questions that I get along the way.
My itinerary went as follows:
Day 1: left US
Day 2: arrive Madrid; train to Zaragoza
short day trip visit to Zaragoza (2 hrs)
train to Olite
Day 3: Olite (preview - an absolutely enchanting city)
Day 4: bus to Pamplona for day trip
bus to San Sebastian
Day 5: bus to Hondarribia for day trip
return to SS in afternoon
Day 6: bus to Bilbao for day trip
bus to Santander
Day 7: bus to Santillana/San Vicente for day trip
Day 8: bus to Oviedo
Day 9: train to Leon
Day 10: Leon
Day 11: train to Burgos for day trip; overnight train to Barcelona
Day 12&13: Barcelona
Day 14: car to Cadaques arriving in late afternoon
Day 15: car to Girona arriving in late afternoon
Day 16: supposed to leave Girona w/friends and return to Barcelona but couldn't leave this city so soon; remained in Girona for another day.
Day 17: train to Barcelona in a.m.
Day 18: couldn't get on flights back to USA (stand-by) so had to spend another day in Barcelona. Flew to London in late, late evening, slept in airport and took first flight back to USA in morning.
I'll post more details on the individual cities, hotels and transportation details later.
I spent 2 1/2 weeks in Northern Spain and had an absolutely incredible trip. I travelled by myself with the exception of 3 nights when I met up with friends in Barcelona. Although I was slightly worried about traveling as a solo female traveler in a country where I don't speak much of the language, the fears were totally unfounnded and I've decided that solo travel is THE way to go.
I used public transportation, with the exception of when I met my friends in Barcelona and we rented a car. I never felt closer to the culture and people of Spain than during this trip, perhaps because I was by myself and getting around on my own that I "forced" myself to jump right into everything. All I know is that Northern Spain (both scenery and the people, not to mention the food) is incredible, I love Spain more than ever, and I've already decided that next year's vacation is: Spain!
I'm not sure how to present this topic so I thought I'd post a brief summary of where I went and then expand upon each location in future posts on this topic. And, or course answering any questions that I get along the way.
My itinerary went as follows:
Day 1: left US
Day 2: arrive Madrid; train to Zaragoza
short day trip visit to Zaragoza (2 hrs)
train to Olite
Day 3: Olite (preview - an absolutely enchanting city)
Day 4: bus to Pamplona for day trip
bus to San Sebastian
Day 5: bus to Hondarribia for day trip
return to SS in afternoon
Day 6: bus to Bilbao for day trip
bus to Santander
Day 7: bus to Santillana/San Vicente for day trip
Day 8: bus to Oviedo
Day 9: train to Leon
Day 10: Leon
Day 11: train to Burgos for day trip; overnight train to Barcelona
Day 12&13: Barcelona
Day 14: car to Cadaques arriving in late afternoon
Day 15: car to Girona arriving in late afternoon
Day 16: supposed to leave Girona w/friends and return to Barcelona but couldn't leave this city so soon; remained in Girona for another day.
Day 17: train to Barcelona in a.m.
Day 18: couldn't get on flights back to USA (stand-by) so had to spend another day in Barcelona. Flew to London in late, late evening, slept in airport and took first flight back to USA in morning.
I'll post more details on the individual cities, hotels and transportation details later.