We are trying to decide between the 13 day Best of Spain which includes Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Granada and Seville and Best of France 11 day trip that starts in Paris. Both are very different trips. Looking for thoughts from those that have visited both Countries. We would save money by doing the France tour and would be able to add a couple days on our own.
Posted by
Seattle
199 posts
Such an enjoyable decision to consider, and you have can't miss options, too. My 2 cents is if longer Spain tour precludes adding time on your own before/after, then choose France. I sometimes make my European travel choices based first on costs before desired locale at preferred time of year, but can reverse my decision priorities at the drop of a hat (like when I just happen to be puttering 'round the interwebs and come across int'l airfare with exactly the kind of routing I like for a good price). "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7347 posts
Either would give you a tremendous experience, but there's something to be said for saving money, as well as having extra time to do your own thing. France would get the nod, for those reasons, if for nothing else.
For what it's worth, we haven't taken any Rick Steves tours, but have used his guidebooks extensively, along with some of his travel accessories and, of course, information on his Website (including this Travel Forum).
Maybe this is just our travel style, but both Spain and France are such large and varied countries, that on multiple visits to each, we've focused on just a section of the country, visiting places within a particular region, rather than hitting a bunch of "Bests" all in just a couple of weeks. In Spain, just Andalucia in southern Spain could keep you busy for 2 weeks, or Madrid plus a couple more places. France has Paris, of course, then the Loire, Languedoc, Bordeaux, Pays Basque, Provence, French Riviera, Alps, Rhone & Lyon, Champagne, Alsace, Normandy, and Brittany regions, just for starters. Given that, I might still suggest that, of the two, the France option will give you the most bank for your buck, and let you venture further into France, or perhaps linger a couple extra days at the end.
Either way, have a great trip!