Two weeks- Spain or Italy?

You can't go wrong with either one. A trip including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada with a side trip to Morocco would be great, as would a trip to Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Cinque Terre. Those would turn out to be fast paced trips with plenty to see and fantastic nightlife.

If it makes a difference to you, Spain is considerably cheaper than Italy--about two thirds the cost on a daily basis for food, local transport, and hosteling.

Hi Ethan,
I think that you're smart to consider traveling in just one country for a 2 week trip. I love both Spain and Italy but I love Italy just a little bit more. In 2 weeks you could look at something like:

Venice
Florence
Cinque Terre
Siena
Rome and maybe,
Sorrento...

lots of other options as well--your itinerary depends on what city you're flying into and home from.

I'd rather let some of the train experts answer your questions about rail travel.
Have a great time--either country would be lots of fun!

I'd only do one. Been to Italy twice, Spain never, so I'm a bit biased in opinion between them. I don't see where you say what city you are flying into/out of. Has this already been set? If so, that will probably determine where we advise you to go. If not, then it probably depends on which country has cheaper last-minute airfare?

There are many trains in Italy running daily and even the ones requiring reservations (such as the Eurostar Italia) you can buy as little as a day in advance. Unless it's a major holiday, seats are almost always available.

Thank you for replying.
Liz, I plan to use airline mileage program so I'm not set on any details yet. I just made sure mileage tickets to both countries are available... So, it will almost purely depend on preference... although I have to make a decision ASAP.

I've been to both and I love Spain more!

If you're going to the big destinations, Spain is not as crammed full of tourists like Italy is. The pace is more relaxed, and the people are more relaxed (aside from Madrid).

If you go for history, I would flip a coin. Both places are full of history and culture.

If you go for food.. oh that is too hard for even a coin toss! Both are delicious.

For the money though... Spain is easier on the pocketbook.

What Michelle said. While Italy is....well, Italy...Spain is a fascinating mix of cultures that you won't find anywhere else in western Europe. And, as others have noted, it's cheaper. If you set out an itinerary, you can get big savings on AVE and other rail tickets in Spain without the need for a pass....and American issued credit cards will work on the Spanish rail website, RENFE.

I must vote for Spain. It is slightly cheaper and transportation is basically nationalized so once you figure out one mode, you can easily handle the others without too much fuss. I also think Spain is more fun since folks stay up virtually all night and I have spent time in Italy where the streets shut down early. I think Spain is better suited for the young. Just my two cents.

Ethan, I've got to vote for Spain, too. I love Italy as well, but I think you'll find Spain's vibe a little more your speed (as a younger person). Two weeks would give you enough time to get around and see lots. And as other people mentioned, transportation, lodging and other costs are considerably cheaper in Spain.

I'm not sure what Andrea meant when she said "transportation is basically nationalized, so once you figure out one mode, you can easily handle the others without too much fuss." While rail transportation is government-run (as it is in most countries in the world), air and bus transportation is most definitely not. Because of competition in those areas, getting around Spain by bus and plane can be very inexpensive. Of course, RENFE does offer deep discounts for advance purchases.

Ethan - I've seen Italy and Spain and although my personal preference would be Italy, I loved spain and agree with other posters who have said Spain would be a good choice for someone your age.

Madrid is especially "kickin" :-)...after visiting the Prado and strolling through Plaza Mayor, we took a 'bar crawl' tour and had so much fun with the people we met that we extended the tour into the wee morning hours and got to experience the great nightlife in Madrid. You can do a Google search to see what's being offered during your planned travel time.

Sevilla was also a great place to visit; great flamenco and lots of young people.

However, if you decide on Italy you won't be sorry. I think you'll find both Florence and Rome culturally and otherwise exciting.

You could do a week in each but you would be rushed. In my own personal opinion Italy is an absolute must. It's no accident that Italy has more episodes than any other on Rick's shows and includes the most destinations in the "Best of Europe" guide. With Venice, Florence, Rome, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Milan, Lake Como, Naples and Pompeii there is more than plenty to jam pack a 2 week vacation full of wonder, even if you keep a fast pace. I understand your desire to mix it up and experience more than one culture, too though. You can always return for cities/regions you missed next time. But if you only choose one I recommend Italy.