3 weeks: Spain to Italy?

[CanadianClay]

Hello All,

I am trying to put together a trip for my wife and I. We are both young (26) and don't mind "roughing it". We would like to do a trip from Spain to Italy over our Christmas vacation - so ~3 weeks.

Is this enough time?
What cities would be a must see?
Any suggestions on the itinerary?

Looking for any help you could provide.

Thanks a lot!

Clayton Crawley

[WillTravel]

I haven't been to Spain yet (I will this summer), but you could easily hit a few spots in each country. I think midwinter is a great time to visit Italy (it's what I did last winter, leaving Dec. 25 and returning Jan. 10).

Venice, Florence, and Rome are must-sees, IMO, traveling by train between each. I'd devote at least 12 nights to these.
You could consider a budget flight between Italy and Spain - www.whichbudget.com

Southern Spain might have the best weather.

Can you get an open-jaw flight into Spain and out of Italy, or vice versa?

I have to admit I'm tempted to say - spend all your time in Italy! - but it all depends what interests you.

You may be able to time your stay with particular Christmas, New Year, or Epiphany celebrations, if that interests you. Note that Rome on Epiphany Day is incredibly crowded! I was astonished, but it's really a major holiday for them. That is when they exchange their presents.

[me]

2 good places from which to fly to italy, on Spain's Med coast, are Barcelona and Valencia. both have big night life, bbut i have no idea what Advent & X-mas season are like there.

- d

[CowTown19]

Hey Clayton, I just got back from Barcellona, Florence, and Rome and I would say that they are all incredibly worthwhile. I'm not huge on sightseeing/museums and as such I found Florence to be kind of dull, however I had a great time clubbing there. Rome is a given, don't miss it (check out www.romeingtours.com, I did all of them and enjoyed them all) for anything.