Italy vs. Spain
Dec 21st, 2003, 11:48 AM
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Italy vs. Spain
Have been reading more and more about Spain on this board. Went there when I was in high school--OK, I'll admit...over 30 years ago. Loved it. Went to Italy in 2002. Fell in love with the south of Tuscany on the border of Umbria. The Dordogne in France seems to be a similar version of ruralness that appeals to me. In Italy I love the art that is in each small church and missed that in France.
Wondering about Italy vs. Spain for *slow travel.* I prefer renting a house for at least a week and exploring the area around it.
Any wisdom to be shared about the similarities or differences between Spain and Italy? Any real cost differences? Ease of driving? Pros and cons of either country, particularly for early summer travel. Whatever!
Thanks in advance for all ideas.
Wondering about Italy vs. Spain for *slow travel.* I prefer renting a house for at least a week and exploring the area around it.
Any wisdom to be shared about the similarities or differences between Spain and Italy? Any real cost differences? Ease of driving? Pros and cons of either country, particularly for early summer travel. Whatever!
Thanks in advance for all ideas.
Dec 21st, 2003, 01:35 PM
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Hi Elisabet,
'Summer' is the issue. Both can be quite warm, with cooler temperatures in the Mountains of each country. Since you have been to the North of Italy - that gives 1 point to the North of Spain.
We are medium priced travellers and have not found significant differences in cost . . . however we have not been to either in 1.5 years.
Driving in Spain is a bit easier. Road signs, road layouts, road conditions are generally a bit better in Spain. Another point for Spain.
The bottom line is both are great and worth doing. Missing one country at the expense of visiting the other a second time should be considered.
My wife and I love both countries.
Have a great time.
'Summer' is the issue. Both can be quite warm, with cooler temperatures in the Mountains of each country. Since you have been to the North of Italy - that gives 1 point to the North of Spain.
We are medium priced travellers and have not found significant differences in cost . . . however we have not been to either in 1.5 years.
Driving in Spain is a bit easier. Road signs, road layouts, road conditions are generally a bit better in Spain. Another point for Spain.
The bottom line is both are great and worth doing. Missing one country at the expense of visiting the other a second time should be considered.
My wife and I love both countries.
Have a great time.
Dec 22nd, 2003, 08:47 AM
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ttt
Hoping there are more ideas out there in the collective wisdom.
jheim, thanks for your thoughts. Is Spain much cooler than Italy in summer? --I know, I should research this!-- One of the reasons we went to France was because we thought it would be cooler than Italy. Believe it or not, the second week we were there, it was too misty/dreary to go kayaking in the Dordogne. Then the big heat wave came, just before we left.
Hoping there are more ideas out there in the collective wisdom.
jheim, thanks for your thoughts. Is Spain much cooler than Italy in summer? --I know, I should research this!-- One of the reasons we went to France was because we thought it would be cooler than Italy. Believe it or not, the second week we were there, it was too misty/dreary to go kayaking in the Dordogne. Then the big heat wave came, just before we left.
Dec 22nd, 2003, 10:51 AM
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I've been to both Spain and Italy within the last year or so and although I find Italy more enjoyable and easier to deal with vis-a-vis the language, my personal opinion is that Spain is cheaper with respect to food, wine and lodging. I think the immense popularity of Italy in recent years has pushed up prices, but, it's a beautiful place.
Dec 22nd, 2003, 11:14 AM
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I had the pleasure a few years ago of staying several days in the home of a Spanish family. At one point my host delivered a heated soliliquy (sp?) on Spain's poor reputation when it had all the same things that France and Italy are so esteemed for - world class art, museums, architecture, fine wines and gourmet food, plus vibrant cities or fabulous beach resorts. Now that I have visited all three countries my vote goes to......actually I love all three of them and may spend the remainder of my traveling days rotating thru them. Southern Spain is very special with its sites of Moorish heritage so since you have not yet visited there you may want to factor that in. The Spanish people tend to be very friendly and have quite the good times life style. We drove in Spain and the only problem we had was finding parking in some of the pueblas blancas. Whether you choose Spain or Italy you will have a wonderful time! Later! SueC1
