Best of Europe or Spain?

Have not taken either of the tours, but for my money I would take Spain anyday! Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, Salamanca, Zamora, Gredos, Soria, Barcelona - and all places inbetween - are filled with history, culture, and wonderful people. I have visited there twice per year for the past four years or so, and want to continue doing the same. I have been to France, England, and Wales, also on my own, but Spain draws me back each time. You are right in your thinking of one country and not multi-countries.

I personally prefer keeping my trips to a single geographic area (e.g. low countries, Spain/Portugal, Germany/Austria). Since culture and language is more focused, it's easier to prepare ahead of your trip. You also spend less time in transit because the distances are shorter, meaning more time for sites/relaxing.

Have not taken the RS tours, but did plan a photography tour to Spain & Morocco last May. It was great... I had been to most all other european countries many times, but not Spain. We stayed in the south and then spent a few days in Morocco (Tangiers, Chefchouen, and Assilah) Loved all of those. Especially Chefchouen... it is the blue town and was amazing. Don't think you can go wrong. I may have a slideshow out there somewhere of that trip... If you PM me and want to see it I will try and find the link.

My husband and I took the Spain and Morocco tour last summer and had a wonderful time. It was our first RC tour (although we had traveled to Europe several times on our own). I was constantly in awe of all the beautiful places and the friendly people. I was not very familiar with Spain and did a fair amount of research before we went. I loved the hotels, the food, and the people we toured with. Morocco was also amazing and just enough culture shock for me though we plan to go back some day to see more of that country. We are going on our next RC tour in June ( Paris and the Heart of France). My vote is Spain and Morocco!

I took the Spain tour last year and loved it, and felt like I got a good feel for Spain (except the North). I've also taken the 17 day tour of Italy (awesome) and the 14 day Ireland (also awesome). I feel your pain for choice (for the record: my next choice is the E. Europe tour) Given where you said you traveled before, you might also love the 21 day tour to get a bit of the rural areas and other parts of Europe (and more of Italy) you did not see. I can honestly say even if you've been to a place before, the RS tour will help you see things you never imagined, and also give you a different perspective than seeing it on your own. Regardless of which one you pick, I don't think you'll be sorry. Good luck!

Took the Spain and Morocco tour last summer (July), and even though it was very hot, it was a great tour. Didn't hurt that we were there when Spain won the World Cup. Our guide (Helen) was excellent and went out of her way to accommodate the little extra things that people wanted to see. Someone commented that taking the tour was like taking a Masters Class in Spanish History. We had some great group meals, several wine tasting, visited a shisha bar, flamenco, took the fast train from Barcelona to Madrid complete with picnic lunch, saw some amazing art, had local guides in each city we visited, ate dinner overlooking the Alhambra at night, all in the company of a great group. Our time in Morocco with a local guide was very informative. We stayed in the Kasbah and visited places that only locals would go to eliminating a lot of the pressure by people trying to sell you things. The weavers guild was an amazing place. If you choose this, I would recommend starting a few days early in Barcelona as the time there is not enough. We went early and got to visit several of the Gaudi places not on the tour and also took the train to Figueres to see the Dali Museum. Have fun making your decision.

You guys convinced me. Spain it is. I know Spain can be very hot in the summer. But how is the weather in August and September?

As to the weather, a lot will depend on where you are situated. All reports regarding the weather in Madrid in the summer, show it to be very, very hot. In Sevilla the old areas of the city have streets that are little more than passage ways, (6 feet or so wide) and interior courtyards with lots of green plants - built when airconditioning was unknown. Of course today there is airconditioning, but will be rather hot on the exterior. You might check www.madridman.com. I think there is something about the weather in Spain on the site.