Hello Fellow Travelers... I have been planning a two week trip for the fall to Spain, now thinking of mixing it up and going from Barcelona to Tuscany after visiting Rioja Wine region, San Sebastián
And Priorat region.... yes we Love wine .... Is splitting our time between countrys foolish?? If we just did
Spain, I would add Southern Spain...such as Seville, Ronda, Granada ... so confused!!!
Thx
Cherilou
Posted by
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
172 posts
Having traveled to both Spain and Italy, I would stay in one country for the two weeks. After only one week in Spain you will want to stay. Explore Spain! After taking the Rick Steves Basque and Spain tours, it is my favorite country. Explore Italy later.
Posted by
OP
West Michigan
21 posts
Debbie thank you!!! I'm beginning to agree after my research!!!
Any itinerary help is appreciated... Want to see Barcelona for sure ... still uncertain about Madrid...
Bilbao has been highly rec as we are huge Foodies and Love Big Reds in the wine area!!! Plan to
Spend a few days in Rioja and Priorat....
Posted by
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
172 posts
You are welcome! I notice we live in same area of Michigan? You will enjoy the food in the Basque area of Spain!
Posted by
OP
West Michigan
21 posts
Debbie, Lol I noticed that as well!! I'm a little west of GR in Hudsonville!! " Pure Michigan"!!!! Did you find enough " Alone" time on your Rick Steves tour? We aren't sure that we are " tour" people, however, that being said... it's our first time in Europe!!! Lots to plan and decisions to make!!!
Posted by
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
172 posts
We began traveling using RS guidebooks. After many years my husband did not enjoy driving anymore. I enjoyed planning our trips. But he needed to relax and enjoy his vacation too. Took our first RS tour and loved it. We travel independently before and after RS tours. There is plenty of free time on RS tours. Generally they spend not even 1/2 day with you. Of course that depends on what is planned on certain days. If you are ever interested look at his tour itineraries and you can see how the days are planned. We experienced so many different things on the Spain tour that would not be available to travelers planning their own trip
Posted by
OP
West Michigan
21 posts
Debbie
Your post is very helpful!! I'm checking out his Spain My Way tour!!! Thx again
Cheri
Posted by
885 posts
With only 2 weeks, I would also choose just one country. You'll kill at least half a day flying from Spain to Italy. Go to Spain this trip and Italy next trip. I find my trips so much more satisfying if I spend at least 3 weeks in a country. Spain and Italy are big countries, you probably need a lot more than 3 weeks! Slow down, see a small town, not just the big sites. You'll come home relaxed and eager to see more.
Posted by
OP
West Michigan
21 posts
Thank you !! I believe that my decision has been made !! We really want to enjoy
This trip and even though we only have 16 days total... I do have a few Must See
Locations ... we might skip Madrid and stay in Northern Spain as my research is giving lots of great towns to explore !!
All advice is greatly appreciated!!!
CH
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If you are looking at Barcelona and the Basque Country, as well as the wine regions of Rioja and Priorat, then I don't think 16 days gives you sufficient time to include Andalusia.
I am nowhere near Michigan at all, nor have I been there yet, but being a self declared Motown fan, I certainly hope to one day.
Posted by
885 posts
Cheri, I am also planning a 16 day trip to Spain this summer. My orginal idea was that we would fly go to Madrid, the Basque region, along northern Spain to Galicia. Once I started looking at the details, I decided that was too much. So we are flying to Madrid, driving up to Galicia, spending most of our time there and driving back. We will have to save the rest for another trip.