Dreaming of Spain or Portugal?

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Over the past few years, many people have asked me about vacations in Spain and Portugal, so I've researched those trips several times. 

The select few who actually folllow through on their dreams return raving about the experience, which confirms what I found in my research. 

Far more clients postpone their trips for what are usually logical reasons.  They rationalize why the time isn't quite right for them to go this year, or perhaps their spouses or brothers-in-law come up with alternative Mediterranean itineraries that add more countries within their limited time frame or fall more comfortably within their budgets. 

Still, the dream burns on. 

Some of those "Iberia Dreamers" visit Barcelona as part of a Mediterranean cruise and --- surprise surprise! --- they find it truly is fantastic.  Strolling Las Rablas, learning to appreciate the genius of Gaudi at Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia, enjoying hot chocolate and churros or tapas and sangria at a shaded sidewalk cafe..... 

 Barcelona, however, cannot possibly represent all aspects of this diverse region. 

There are also cruises that will take you to most of the places you wish to visit. 

Looking at a map, you'll note many of the prized destinations aren't too far from the coast.  For example, gorgeous Seville can be easily explored on an excursion from the ports of Huelva or Cadiz. 

Lisbon is often an end point for a cruise with multiple stops in Spain, and spending a few days there allows you to explore that incredible country.  WARNING: Lisbon will leave such a good taste in your mouth that you may be enticed to return to Portugal, possibly for a wine cruise through the Duoro River Valley. 

It is true that Madrid is quite distant from the coast and would require an add-on hotel stay before or after your cruise, but that's not too hard to arrange, and well worth the trouble. 

With a stayover in Lisbon and a pre- or post-night sojourn in Madrid, you still only need to pack and unpack three times maximum with an Iberia cruise. 

Of course, there's also the guided tour option, which will take you directly to all the places you want to see accompanied by a guide who will become your trusted friend.  Insight Vacations has buses with extra leg room that will accomodate even very tall people comfortably. 

If you're young, such a trip may stretch your budget too far, and always remember that vacations are intended to relieve stress, not create it.  Never take a trip you can't afford. 

At a certain age --- and I believe I may have reached it --- you need to ask yourself, "If not now, then when?" 

A friend of mine shared a picture on facebook of an old couple asleep in a gondola, oblivious to all the beauty that surrounds them.  You have to go to the places you dream about while you still have the energy to enjoy them.