Spain solo or RS Tour Italy?

I agree with Marlene....option A. Your relatives, while they may not be able to put you up, should be able to give you lots of ideas as to what to do. There's just so much to experience! Madrid definitely (including day trips to Segovia and Toledo), and then a run through the Andalucian triangle...down to Sevilla, over to Ronda, then over to Granada, with a night or two in each...will easily keep you occupied. As Marlene suggests, save northern and eastern Spain for another trip, because you definitely will be going back! If you can fly out on Tuesday and back on a Thursday, you can still get flights for mid-late May out of San Antonio for $770 US (2 stops) or $810 (1 stop). Check Kayak.com...but book soon!

I'd take option A. Spain was a #2 on my places to see before I die list. You might not spend much time with your relatives but there is so much things to see in Spain. Perhaps you might want to consider making another trip of Northern Spain in the future.
A trusty water bottle and some snacks should help with giving you a boost for energy when walking.
And bring some Vicks vapo rub. An Aussie lady told me this when I vacationed Down Under and has worked for me. If you got sore feet after much walking, before going to bed, shower or wash feet, apply vicks all over your feet, put socks on so blankets don't stick. The following morning, not only will your feet smell good but it'll feel great and you can go thru another day of walking.

Candice,
Something you might want to look into and think about is a program called Pueblo Ingles. It is a program where native english speakers spend a week in the Spanish countryside (free room and board in a very nice hotel) in exchange for conversing with Spaniards who are learning english. The Spaniards are for the most part business people and students, it is a very relaxed atmosphere, it's not a classroom setting, you don't need to know Spanish, in fact the company prefers you don't, it's a great way to meet people from all over the world, make new friends and get the opportunity to do something unique. Their website is www.puebloingles.com. Click on the english language version on the top right. The age group both times I went was 18 to 80, the days sound long but they're not, you're living on Spanish time. If you have any questions feel free to email me. They are always looking for people because it is a committment to travel that far but again well worth it

BTW, I forgot to mention, after re-reading your post and your desire to go to Italy, once you become a veteran of pueblo ingles you qualify to participate in their Italian program!

Candice...I echoe Barry's comments about Pueblo Ingles. You'll learn more about Spain and its people in a week than you will in a lifetime of touring. And you'll make good friends to boot. I'm going back this fall for my fourth visit...it's now a yearly thing. Try it...you'll have a blast!