Topic Wiki

Barcelona
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantmaccabi.com/en/
Activities: Jewish Tours in Barcelona, http://www.urbancultours.com
http://www.barcelonadreaming.com/package/barcelona-jewish-tour/
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Stay at Hotel Condado it is about a 3 minute walk from the shul (local community), bear in mind there is no eruv, so you will need to either leave the room open or make some arrangement with the hotel, they do not offer keys (or have that option at all)
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Barcelona (Orthodox): http://www.cibonline.org; Go to the local shul and meet Rabbi Daniel Ashkenazi he is wonderful and quite helpful.

Madrid
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, @Yehuda pics, Yehoshua, @zalc (Mini)., CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantelaescudilla.com  https://www.pinatimadrid.com/  https://www.pizzeriarimmon.com/(teuda)
Activities: Toledo - a day trip from Madrid to see 2 old Shuls. Can hire a tour guide, Rabbi Hanoka (info@jewishtoledotour.com), which is not cheap, or can take a train on your own. 1 of the Shuls (El Transito) is closed on Mondays. @Yehuda went on a day when that Shul was closed, and the other Shul was really just an empty room and seemed like a Christian organization now runs the center. Without a tour guide, it was hard to get anything Jewish out of our trip (other than an antique store that had some Judaica). But, people who have taken the tour (discussed in the thread) have said it was great! Recommended to go with a tour or not go at all (and ensure to go on a day when both are open!). Report in the thread that the sometimes-closed Shul has audio headsets for use, so that would help. If going alone, you can research the Jewish places at the link HERE
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Chabad Site
Public Transport options: Uber works well, as does the subway if you speak Spanish.
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Madrid (Orthodox), http://www.cjmadrid.org

Malaga
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Israelita de Malaga (Orthodox), http://www.cimalaga.es

Seville
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities: Jewish Tours in Sevilla/Cordoba, http://www.jewishsevilla.com
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Judia de Sevilla, synagoguesevilla@gmail.com

Gibraltar
Links to Trip Reports: Yehoshua
Kosher Restaurants: Amar's Bakery and Coffee shop, http://www.amarsbakery.com/
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Gibraltar, http://www.jewishgibraltar.com

Mallorca
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants: Their is not - one restaurant serve felafel it's own by an israeli but no hechsher
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: The Shul its open on Friday night
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips:
 
4500 IB Avios from anywhere to anywhere in the country
Best way to get around anywhere in this country is by scooter. It is safer driving them there since they outnumber cars by great proportions.
« Last edited by cgr on September 04, 2023, 09:01:01 PM »

Author Topic: Spain Master Thread  (Read 272056 times)

Offline G11600

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #680 on: January 23, 2016, 05:34:33 PM »
Another option would be for you to take a train from Madrid to Cordoba - takes less then 2 hours, MUCH faster then driving. Spend 1 day there, then take train to Seville (45 mins), tour if you want and then rent a car and drive to GIB (fairly close). The trains are not expensive if you book in advance and reserve a full 4 person booth - I think I paid around 25-30 Euro per person for the longer journey, or for 10 Euro more you can go first class and get a free kosher meal + drinks + lounge access at the station. I stayed overnight at the AC hotel in Cordoba which is just accross the road from station, can wheel luggage cart there. About a 15 minute walk to main tourist area with Shul etc. Lovely city...

For these particular journeys trains are much faster and more pleasant that driving.


Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #681 on: January 23, 2016, 05:44:35 PM »
Another option would be for you to take a train from Madrid to Cordoba - takes less then 2 hours, MUCH faster then driving. Spend 1 day there, then take train to Seville (45 mins), tour if you want and then rent a car and drive to GIB (fairly close). The trains are not expensive if you book in advance and reserve a full 4 person booth - I think I paid around 25-30 Euro per person for the longer journey, or for 10 Euro more you can go first class and get a free kosher meal + drinks + lounge access at the station. I stayed overnight at the AC hotel in Cordoba which is just accross the road from station, can wheel luggage cart there. About a 15 minute walk to main tourist area with Shul etc. Lovely city...

For these particular journeys trains are much faster and more pleasant that driving.


A one-way rental car across the entire country ain't gonna be cheap. I would recommend train over flying. With IB you can book flights for 4500 Avios


+10. Going from Cordoba to Seville to GIB even on the longest Friday of the year would be tough. Skip Seville unless you're spending the night there anyway.

Thanks, everyone.  I would definitely prefer not to drive -- one less headache/worry!

Every time I have looked online, either Iberia or BA, I can never find any intra-Spain flight with 5  Avios seats available -- at most 1 or 2 per flight.  I guess I can PUTPAC. 

The train is an intriguing idea. I'll price it out.  Had no idea I could get kosher meals -- nice perk.

Really appreciate everyone's input. Sorry you can't take the actual trip with me!

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #682 on: January 23, 2016, 05:47:35 PM »

Non refundable?
No, actually flexible:

"Cancellation policy 2pm on the day of arrival. Cancellation permitted until 2pm on the day of arrival. First nights accommodation charged on cancellations after 2pm."

I should add that I emailed directly with the reservations coordinator, initially via their online form, and then via regular email. She has been very easy to work with.

Offline Emkay

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #683 on: January 24, 2016, 01:24:33 AM »
No, actually flexible:

"Cancellation policy 2pm on the day of arrival. Cancellation permitted until 2pm on the day of arrival. First nights accommodation charged on cancellations after 2pm."

I should add that I emailed directly with the reservations coordinator, initially via their online form, and then via regular email. She has been very easy to work with.
Oh, because fairly often they send out 20% off emails or sales like that that. Right now they have a sale of pay for two and get the third night free

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #684 on: January 24, 2016, 06:07:43 PM »

Oh, because fairly often they send out 20% off emails or sales like that that. Right now they have a sale of pay for two and get the third night free
I think I recall seeing that deal. But I didn't think we would want three nights in GIB. Do we?

Offline yg99

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #685 on: January 26, 2016, 01:07:14 PM »
or for 10 Euro more you can go first class and get a free kosher meal + drinks + lounge access at the station
For these particular journeys trains are much faster and more pleasant that driving.

I took the spanish trains many times and never knew about kosher food.

Which trains offer it? Where did you find about about it?

Thanks

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #686 on: January 26, 2016, 03:53:47 PM »
I took the spanish trains many times and never knew about kosher food.

Which trains offer it? Where did you find about about it?

Thanks

At the risk of cross-posting, here's what I found (GIYF):

First, Renfo, the Spanish Railways, says that you can get special meals, inc. kosher: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/larga_distancia/servicios/serviciosRestauracion.html

Second, someone on FT posted his experience in 2014:
"Quick update in case anyone is interested. I ended up booking 'Preferente'. For the 1 hour 40 minute ride from Cordoba to Madrid at 3pm they provided a full 3 course hot kosher meal for each of us, from WAM in Paris (under supervision of dayan of Creteil). Meal included Salade Niceoise (or salmon pate), chicken with pasta and vegetables, fruit compote and halva. I think it was long life but frozen by caterer. Not wonderful, but better then Stogel and appreciated in a country where kosher food is hard to obtain.
We also had 2-3 drink services on board, plus headphone service and snack (not kosher).
Only kosher food in lounge was drinks (cans of coke/juice/water etc).

I was quite impressed with the value, at EUR 41 per person for a 1 hour 40 minute ride of nearly 400 km (standard class was EUR 24 or so)"

Offline G11600

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #687 on: January 26, 2016, 06:48:59 PM »
At the risk of cross-posting, here's what I found (GIYF):

First, Renfo, the Spanish Railways, says that you can get special meals, inc. kosher: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/larga_distancia/servicios/serviciosRestauracion.html

Second, someone on FT posted his experience in 2014:
"Quick update in case anyone is interested. I ended up booking 'Preferente'. For the 1 hour 40 minute ride from Cordoba to Madrid at 3pm they provided a full 3 course hot kosher meal for each of us, from WAM in Paris (under supervision of dayan of Creteil). Meal included Salade Niceoise (or salmon pate), chicken with pasta and vegetables, fruit compote and halva. I think it was long life but frozen by caterer. Not wonderful, but better then Stogel and appreciated in a country where kosher food is hard to obtain.
We also had 2-3 drink services on board, plus headphone service and snack (not kosher).
Only kosher food in lounge was drinks (cans of coke/juice/water etc).

I was quite impressed with the value, at EUR 41 per person for a 1 hour 40 minute ride of nearly 400 km (standard class was EUR 24 or so)"

That person was actually me (same as made suggestion here). It is possible to order KSML on Preferente on High Speed train. Seems that price difference was EUR 17...
You can make the request when you book your ticket.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #688 on: January 26, 2016, 07:34:35 PM »
That person was actually me (same as made suggestion here). It is possible to order KSML on Preferente on High Speed train. Seems that price difference was EUR 17...
You can make the request when you book your ticket.
Small world!

I'll look into it. I'm still debating rental car vs. train, or maybe a bit of both.
I can rent a family car (e.g.,  Opel Insignia) in MAD on Thurs, drive to Cordoba (via Toledo), spend Thurs night in Cordoba, and then drive to GIB Friday, and then drive to AGP on Sunday, and the total rental  cost (Hertz) would be 250Euro.  Or, we could take train from MAD to Cordoba and rent car there on Thurs, saving about 80 Euro on the rental.

I don't think I would  mind the driving, because it's pretty well broken up.
Thursday, MAD-Toledo-Cordoba.
Friday, Cordoba-GIB
Sunday, GIB-AGP.


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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #689 on: January 26, 2016, 09:12:29 PM »
Small world!

I'll look into it. I'm still debating rental car vs. train, or maybe a bit of both.
I can rent a family car (e.g.,  Opel Insignia) in MAD on Thurs, drive to Cordoba (via Toledo), spend Thurs night in Cordoba, and then drive to GIB Friday, and then drive to AGP on Sunday, and the total rental  cost (Hertz) would be 250Euro.  Or, we could take train from MAD to Cordoba and rent car there on Thurs, saving about 80 Euro on the rental.

I don't think I would  mind the driving, because it's pretty well broken up.
Thursday, MAD-Toledo-Cordoba.
Friday, Cordoba-GIB
Sunday, GIB-AGP.
And the driving is pretty easy on Spanish highways too. You'll be fine.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #690 on: January 26, 2016, 09:30:45 PM »
And the driving is pretty easy on Spanish highways too. You'll be fine.
8)

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #691 on: January 26, 2016, 10:28:18 PM »
And the driving is pretty easy on Spanish highways too. You'll be fine.
But absolutely insane once you cross the border.

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #692 on: January 26, 2016, 10:29:25 PM »
But absolutely insane once you cross the border.
True, or on small city streets like in Seville (not sure if the streets are as small in Cordoba).

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #693 on: January 26, 2016, 10:33:01 PM »
True, or on small city streets like in Seville (not sure if the streets are as small in Cordoba).
But absolutely insane once you cross the border.
Right, you mean insane in GIB. I recall that one of you wrote about that. I'm a little bit freaked out by that possibility, but I guess I'll just be extra careful.

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #694 on: January 26, 2016, 10:52:21 PM »
Right, you mean insane in GIB. I recall that one of you wrote about that. I'm a little bit freaked out by that possibility, but I guess I'll just be extra careful.
You won't be driving more than 5 minutes within the city, but it might be the worst 5 minutes of driving in your life.  ;D

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #695 on: January 26, 2016, 11:28:12 PM »
You won't be driving more than 5 minutes within the city, but it might be the worst 5 minutes of driving in your life.  ;D
+1. I didn't find it too bad though. It was tight, but nothing a MiniCooper couldn't handle. A bigger car OTOH would have been terrifying and near impossible. You'll have millimeters of space on each instead of a new inches.

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #696 on: January 26, 2016, 11:34:16 PM »
+1. I didn't find it too bad though. It was tight, but nothing a MiniCooper couldn't handle. A bigger car OTOH would have been terrifying and near impossible. You'll have millimeters of space on each instead of a new inches.
Oy. Too bad we can't fit our family of 5 in a Mini. This will be interesting.

You won't be driving more than 5 minutes within the city, but it might be the worst 5 minutes of driving in your life.  ;D
Many years ago, I crashed one car on I-80 in Truckee (black ice), and then totaled it 3 months later in a fight with a tree in Palo Alto (tree won)...I'm pretty sure I've already experienced my worst 5 minutes of driving in my life! :-[


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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #697 on: January 27, 2016, 02:31:58 AM »
GIB driving isn't so bad... Just don't drive, park and that's it. Keep in mind you'll need an international license in Spain (I didn't have one but was told afterwards that had I been pulled over it would've cost me lots in bribes...)

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #698 on: January 27, 2016, 03:21:13 AM »
GIB driving isn't so bad... Just don't drive, park and that's it. Keep in mind you'll need an international license in Spain (I didn't have one but was told afterwards that had I been pulled over it would've cost me lots in bribes...)
Obviously no one drives around GIB, they just park and walk. It's driving to the hotel and parking that's the pain.  I happened to have an international driver license when I rented in Seville, but no one asked me for it.

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #699 on: January 27, 2016, 04:30:55 AM »
   
You won't be driving more than 5 minutes within the city, but it might be the worst 5 minutes of driving in your life.  ;D



+1. I didn't find it too bad though. It was tight, but nothing a MiniCooper couldn't handle. A bigger car OTOH would have been terrifying and near impossible. You'll have millimeters of space on each instead of a new inches.
Ha! I did it in one of these -



Was a little daunting, but I made it without a scratch.