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Rick Steves' Spain

Updates since the 2010 edition:

Spanish Hotel Trains (Elipsos) between Madrid or Barcelona and Paris, Zurich, or Milan will be cancelled for several fall travel days and delayed or rerouted on other dates through early December. It's always wise to reserve well ahead for these trains, and doing so now will also help you confirm that the service you want is running.

Spain requires that you carry an International Driving Permit (available at your local AAA office) in addition to your valid US drivers license.

Barcelona

To use the T10 cards or a transit ticket on public buses, insert the card or ticket into the validation box near the driver.

Hotel Reding's discount for Rick Steves readers, which includes breakfast, is good only for reservations booked directly through the hotel.

Hostal Residencia Neutral has a new website and email address: www.hostalneutral.es, info@hostalneutral.es.

The tapasbar Maremagnum at the bottom of the Ramblas has closed.

The Maoz Falafel stand on Plaça de Sant Jaume has closed, but their stand near the Liceu Metro station, at Carrer de Ferran 13, is still open.

Madrid

The "Greater Madrid" map on page 318 lists the wrong Metro stop for the Estación Sur de Autobuses. The correct Metro stop is Méndez Álvaro.

The 10-ride Metrobus ticket now costs €9.

Private guide Susan Jarabo's correct email address is susanjarabo@yahoo.es (note last two letters).

Northwest of Madrid

The basilica at the Valley of the Fallen may be closed to visitors for renovation during your visit (but will remain open for morning Mass). Call 918-905-611 to confirm.

Granada

You can reserve tickets by phone for the Alhambra up to 90 days ahead of time (not a year ahead as noted in the book). In addition to paying with a credit card, you can also pay by debit card. Note that when you pick up your tickets at the Alhambra, you will need your PIN (for either a credit or debit card).

Hotel Anacapri now offers free Wi-Fi for Rick Steves readers (ask for access code in reception), as well as 15 minutes free use of the computer in the lobby.