[motion]

Thanks all! Lots of useful information here, and we have already altered plans based on your input.

We'll be driving from Madrid to Valencia, then north to Barcelona, then to Marseille, across southern France to Toulouse, then down to San Sebastian & Santander, then return to Madrid. The distances are not too great, but taking country roads will make for full days.

I would like to make it down to Marbella, but I think its just too far south given our time restraints. I hope I'm not making a mistake missing it. I hear its mostly expat UK and Germans who have taken away a bit of the character of the coast?

Anyone have experience with the govt-run castle/hotel program? We'd like to stay a night or 2 in castles, so looking for some input there.