Mediterranean Europe

Hi All,

We're trying to plan an 11-14 day trip to Europe in early November from Orlando, Fl. We're thinking Barcelona, Spain but would love to make the most of the trip. Aside from Spain we're thinking of cinque terre, Italy and cote d'azur, France. At some point we need to stop in London for a couple days to visit family. Is it feasible to do this? Are there any must see off the beaten paths we should do? Any itinerary help would be most helpful.

Thanks

Early November and from Florida? You'll get a real shock how cold it will be in Italy, Northern Spain and Southern France at this time. It definitely will be too cold for a day at the beach.

If you are interested in Spain, early November is the ideal time to go Andalucia, to Southern Spain. All other times of the year the heat is so intense it is really unpleasant. 14 days is just enough time to fly into London, make a quick visit to the relatives, hop on a Ryanair flight to Barcelona, do a whirlwind tour of Spain (Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba) and fly back home.

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thanks t_maia.

After I came to my senses I realized my itinerary was too ambitious and way out of my budget. In my head the trip i planned was a tiny step above backpacking. This is going to be the last big trip before we decide to grow up.

When you say cold are we talking scarves and jackets or jeans and a t-shirt? I was hoping for a warmer climate so that I could pack light.

According to various travel sites they say Barcelona is affordable. 1. is this true? and 2. could the same be said about Andalucia?

If we head south would you recommend Morocco or are my ambitions getting the better of me again?

Lastly, with expense and time as factors do you recommend flying or taking the train to Spain?

Thanks again for being so helpful.

I had already logged in and was about to post a reply but for some silly reason I closed the browser!

Anyway, Italy is/can be cold in early November. I was in Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice last November. What I can say is, it certainly isn't bone-chilling compared to Yellowknife or Svalbard but a thick coat, sweater and scarf is necessary – or least if you want to keep up to fashion with the women there!

I remember Rome was just below 10C in the mornings but slowly warmed up as the sun rose in the sky, hitting a max of 19C in the mid-afternoon. I felt slightly 'sticky' walking about in a sweater around the Coliseum. Evenings and nights were brisk (12C to 15C). And since you're from Florida, why don't you cherish the cool/cold climate that other countries have to offer?

Morocco would make it too ambitious again, and it needs more time then just a quick visit from Spain, which usually means a visit to Tanger. If you want to visit Morocco, make it a seperate trip in the future.

14 days are enough for a nice trip, of Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba and Madrid (daytrips to Toledo/Segovia). You can do this is by train, but you could also choose a flight for the bit between Barcelona and Granada, as it would save you some valuable time.

Spongehead thanks for the heads up on Italy in Nov. I think i may have to leave Italy for another trip.

Herr Bert, thanks for keeping my head out of the clouds. Sometimes my eyes are bigger than my time and wallet. If I take the train is it worth the experience or should I save time and fly? Should I buy my air/train ticket before I go or do you think I could find a reasonable one when I'm there?

Here's my skeletal itinerary: How many days should I spend in Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba and Madrid (daytrips to Toledo/Segovia).

11/6 LA to Orlando
11/9 Orlando to London
11/12 London to Spain
11/13-11/20 Spain
11/20 Spain to LA

Thanks

Well I spent over 8 days in Barca with 2 trips.

Maybe you went. London for 5 days as well then. Spent months in Florida.