amnesiac

Hi, Im looking to go to Spain and Ireland next May for 2-3 weeks. Im a solo traveller, and Im debating whether I should be booking an organized tour, or try to do it on my own.

For Spain Ive checked a few lists/sights and I think I could see the following within 7-9 days. Is there any MUST SEE I am missing that is around there?:

Puerta del sol
Great mosque of Cordoba
Royal Alcázar of Seville,
Cathedral Seville
Rock of gibraltar
Alhambra
fly to Barcelona
sagrada familia
Las Ramblas

As for Ireland, same thing. Not sure whether I should go organized or on my own.

This tour looks interesting, not sure if theres any major MUST SEE missing,

http://www.affordabletours.com/searc...d%26sorter%3D5

Im mostly in scenery and photography, but would like to diversify as much as I can. I love hiking and adventure as well.

THanks in advance !

ribeirasacra

Having read your posting history I am confused on where you really want to go in May. You have written about so many places.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...y-538507-3.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...s-next-may.cfm

nytraveler

You say 2 to 3 weeks - which are totally different. What you have outlined for Spain will take you a full 2 weeks. If you want to then try to do Ireland in a week you can - but you will be missing a lot (typically 2 weeks is needed for a rond the country trip).

I think you need to decide:

1) how many days you really have

2) what you are willing to give up in each country

janisj

>>I am confused on where you really want to go in May. <<

The OP's screen name may explain it all

Ozarksbill

Well, DW and I just back from Spain and have also traveled Ireland. We usually travel with Grand Circle with some free times. What you've mentioned in Spain is what I'm mentioning in my Spain and Portugal in Depth report. Wonderful sites.

Ozarksbill

And most of what you'd see in Ireland we've seen. Decision to make is how much do you want to plan your own lodging and transportation or rather let a tour company take care of that. Any travel does mean packing and unpacking unless you establish a "base camp." We are older, but nevertheless appreciate having guides telling us what we are seeing.

kja

NO need for an organized tour, unless that is your preference.

That said, I encourage you to select EITHER Spain (you'll only be able to see a small portion, even if you actually have 3 weeks) OR Ireland, NOT both.

amnesiac

@nytraveler : I figured 1 day at each site = 9 days, which would leave me another 9 days or so for Ireland. If I have to give up something I will.

@ribeirasacra : Ive pretty mcuh decided on this... I cant delete my other topics it seems

@kja: Oh Ive done more in that amount of time. Im not worried.

amnesiac

@Ozarksbill : thanks for the tips.

nytraveler

If you give yourself one day for each city in Spain that will include the time to get from one place to another plus perhaps a couple of hours of sightseeing - or none at all depending on your schedule.

You need to lay this out day by day, include the time to travel from one place to another, consider the opening hours of the various sights - and then see how what you will have is a ovely tour of the train stations of Spain.

Mimar

We are older, but nevertheless appreciate having guides telling us what we are seeing.>

You can travel on your own and pick up guides and walking tours at your destinations. And read up on the sights before you go. No need to take a packaged tour to get informed.

jeterray

I've visited every site in Spain that you mentioned. Mostly great places. However, IMO you are wasting time and money trying to do so much. I've been there, trying to do so much in a limited time. I told myself that I should pack as much as possible into a limited time. It was a mistake for me, and I suggest a mistake for you. Sorry to be so blunt, but it seems this is what you want. If you ask about a specific place, this board will be a great resource. Good luck.