I appreciate the tips. One other thing I was wondering is if there are any festivals during November. We'll be there from the 2nd to 11th (spread bw Madrid Valencia and barca), and I cannot find anything in any guidebooks. We'd even go somewhere off the beaten path for an "authentic" experience.

Also, I'll listen to what people have to say about Valencia as a kid destination. We are leaving out of barca so we are going there no matter. But we could also head to barca via Zaragoza or other towns along that route.

Thanks again.