We are considering spending the month of March 2008 touring Spain (maybe Portugal, too). (We are in our early 60s). Would you recommend a small tour group? Where to go, what to see, where to stay? Should we rent a villa for a week somewhere? Travel by train, or use a car rental? Will the weather be too cold or wet to enjoy the country? Help!!!

Do you feel capable of doing it on your own?

Do you have any idea of places you might want to see?

One (of many) methods of determining an itinerary is to look at those presented by group tour operators. if the plces seem interesting (and perhaps verified by your own further research using a guidebook) you can easily mimic the tour group itinereary on your own.

And March would be a great time since it would be less crowded although you would have to consider the weather.

We really want to see it all! We wonder how safe it is for 2 people who do not speak Spanish to travel alone. Hence, thinking of a tour, but not wanting 50 people to contend with for a month......

Southern Spain should be lovely in March.

About the speaking no Spanish issue; Three years ago I helped plann a trip for a couple of friends in their early 70s who speak no Spanish. They rented a car and toured parts of Andalucia after taking the train south from Madrid. They fell in love with Spain and found it very easy to drive around despite the language issue. They have been back once since then and are planning a third trip.

I spent 3 weeks wonderful alone in central and southern Spain, traveling by train and bus, and could say only a few basic words (please, thank you, etc.) People were very patient and helpful, so I didn't have any trouble. Hope that helps!