Hi,

My husband are looking into a 10 day trip in the middle of May. Because of a hotel deal my company has, we are narrowing it down to these locations. Here's the deal:

Italy--Two incredibly Beautiful hotels we probably woudn't ever afford on our own (one in Revello http://www.palazzosasso.com/en/index.php, one on the island of Ischia http://www.themed.net/index.cfm/fuse...otel/73/lang/2).
Beautiful, relaxing, top luxury.

Southern Spain--With my flight route, I can do a stopover in Switzerland (where I have friends) for a night or two and then we'd stay in Marbella Spain for 3 nights at the Marbella Club Hotel right on the beach http://www.marbellaclub.com
(part of the company deal), then travel to Ronda, Seville, Granada for side trips/overnights.

I have been to Italy numerous times and LOVE it. I have been to Amalfi but not to these two places. I have never been to spain but have wanted to.
My husband has never been to either location.
If we go to Spain, does this itinerary make sense? Is it too much to cram into 10 days?
OR anyone who's been to both--am I crazy to pass up this opportunity in Italy? I won't be able to take advantage of these hotels deals again....(in either place)
Thanks for any recommendations!!

Both locations are very different. You know the landscaping, the history and the attractions in the surroundings of Amalfi, so I do not tell you about this.
Marbella is not comparable to the Amalfi coast - it is just a beach town with tons of modern concrete beach hotels. Not much landscape, no history, no charm, but many discotheques.
Andalucia, however, has interesting landscape and grand cities. The distances between the mentioned cities - Granada, Seville, Ronda - are about 3 hours driving time each, so you can easily make it if you want to have one or two days for each city. You may even include Jerez and Cordoba. Look at the map.
So, Andalucia will be more driving and sightseeing at different places.
To my opinion, the Italian hotels are really special (and much more charming than Marbella Club, which is just a resort hotel), and your husband will love to visit Ischia, Capri, Positano, Amalfi, the Vesuvio, Pompei, Naples... You can even include a day trip to Rome.

Thanks for your advice Traveller. I've been reading similar reports for Marbella so it sounds like I'd be better off going to Spain when I don't have the hotel deal --and that way I won't waste time in the touristy area.
I was also considering doing Barcelona and some surrounding towns there--have you been?

While you've not been to Spain before, and I loved Granada and Sevilla, your hotel deal in Spain is in Marbella. You can do Spain another time on your own budget, and stay in the actual cities you want to visit.

For me, if I had the opportunity to stay at the Palazzo Sasso, and that lovely hotel on Ischia, at prices I could afford, I'd jump at it. What a fabuous, luxurious, romantic trip of a lifetime!

Good point Lesli--thank you! I just wanted to feel excited about going someplace I've never been. But I have no doubt the second I land I will be very excited to be there.
(On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be disappointed feeling stuck in area I didn't like knowing what I was missing in Italy.

Weather would also be a consideration for me. Andalucia is likely to be very hot by mid-May, whereas the Amalfi should still be balmy.

Having been to both places, I would pick Amalfi in a heartbeat, hands down, no question. While the rest of Spain was mangificent, I found the southern coast to be quite dreary.

Thanks for all of your advice! Offwego. How did you feel Amalfi compared to Seville, Ronda, Cordoza? I just saw a spectacular photo of Ronda that made me second guess again.
This one:http://www.hemingwaysociety.org/ronda/view_of_city.htm

Weather in mid-May in Almafi is not really balmy, IMO, in fact is quite changeable, still spring not summer at all. Could be hot, could be cold and rainy, more likely the latter. Not beach weather yet, you should look at temps in Marbella you may also have similar issues, have not been there in May, but have been to Amalfi several times in May and worn jackets as well as been in shorts some years, it is up to luck. I would stick to Spain, which would not really be hot in mid-May yet, and would offer more to do if you get a cold snap. Average May temps in Granada are only in the 60s F. Take a look at weatherbase.com and a map.

Seville, Rhonda and Cordoba are all magnificent and worthy of a trip, certainly. It's the coastal area of Spain that is so awful in my opinion, especially when compared with Amalfi, possibly one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world.

I read through the posts several times and I cannot figure where the reference that Amalfi is on this trip. The trip is to one of the Ibiza islands, which is outside of Naples or thereabouts. It's a long walk to the Amalfi coast and driving is scary, in my opinion.

The Spanish version of the trip is great though.

Blackduff

Hmmm now I'm getting worried about the weather. Although I'm sure in the mountains it will be much cooler than elsewhere.
Blackduff--Ravello is on the Amalfi Coast (where I would be spending half the trip).

JES
Mea Culpa. I have to remember to read better what is in front of my eyes.
Sorry.
I still think that the Spanish deal is better. You're going to visit a lot of nice places in the Marbella area.

I've lived in Spain for quite some time and loved the area in Andalucia. Yet, I have travelled to Amalfi and head lunch there. But, I wouldn't spend as much as the time in Spain.

Blackduff

We stayed at Mezzatore at the end of JUly and it absolutley wonderful!!The resort is beautiful and the spa is wonderful. Talk to the pool attendant about a boat trip for the day. Expensive but worth it(not yo be missed).The restaurants were all great.
Have fun.

In Spain consider a tour of Paradors: http://www.parador.es/english/paradores/ficha.jsp
http://www.paradores-spain.com/
Ronda is awesome, the hotel on the edge of the gorge is the Parador Ronda and I personally vouch for the view. Treat yourself. Nearby Paradors: Jaen, Granada, Arcos, Malaga Gibralfaro...they are Spain. Incredible experience to stay in these historic buildings.The Paradors have many promotions on their website. I agree about the southern coast of Spain, a tourist trap.

Palazzo Sasso--say no more !