Hello and welcome to Madrid - Spain’s capital with big energy and even bigger personality. Meet your crew before we hit the road this morning.Synagogues, churches and medieval buildings sit atop the hill town of Toledo. We'll uncover the city's gothic cathedral, the famous Renaissance sculptor, painter and architect El Greco’s house and the site of sieges, revolutions and treason. Just another pit-stop in our life in glorious Spain.Welcome to Granada, the city of tapas and tiled courtyards. Rest up well tonight, cuz we'll be exploring it tomorrow.
We start the morning with free time to explore. You can fill yours by opting for a guided tour of the Muslim quarter of Albaicin & the Capilla Real, and while you're at it, fill up on some of Granada's incredible food, like its famous Arab pastries. This afternoon we head to Spain's number 1 visited attraction, the Alhambra Palace. We'll discover the breathtaking beauty and history of this Moorish Palace, with its intricate patterns and detailed architecture that will leave you spellbound, and wondering why you haven't been here sooner. To top it off, Alhambra offers the best views of the city. Feel the Spanish rhythm and style by opting for a traditional Flamenco and Sangria night with your Contiki family. Que bueno!
Granada, you’ve been a good one. This morning, you’ll hit the road towards Seville.Welcome to Seville. You’ll have time to explore the city, with a couple of optionals on offer — visit a local olive grove to learn about fresh olive oil, or even opt for dinner with locals for a relaxed, authentic evening.
Southern Spain’s capital brings the drama — think soaring cathedrals, tiled palaces, and serious soul. Today, you have the option to join a walking tour to get your bearings, then the rest is yours. Wander Barrio Santa Cruz, visit the Alcázar (a Game of Thrones spot for those in the know), and soak up Seville at your own pace.
We couldn't think of a more perfect way to say goodbye to Spain, and say goodbye we must, because our agenda today sees us moving westwards on the Iberian peninsula to Portugal. Petiscos and pastéis de nata await! Welcome to yet another example of incredible Europe – how can countries sit so geographically close yet be so distinctly different? Here in Lisbon, vintage looking trams roll down cobbled streets and tiny intricate tiles make everything beautifully picturesque. With plenty of time for exploring tomorrow, you're free to take to the streets but we suggest you indulge in a Portuguese feast on your first night here!
A free day gives you plenty of time to explore all the hotspots including Portugal's Christo Rei (Christ the King), Rossio Square, the Belém District, home to the famous tower of the same name, and feel some Moorish vibes at a monastery where Vasco de Gama's tomb is held.
Lisbon, you’ve been incredible. But the show must go on. Today, we’ll make our way further up north, along the stunning coastline. Our stop today is in the coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches and tasty seafood. Stroll along the marina or opt in for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER™ experience hosted by local residents: a street art tour showcasing the culture of a neighbourhood shaking off old perceptions by creating an urban art gallery unlike anywhere in the world. We'll arrive at the home of... you guessed it... Port. Relax and chat about tomorrow's Porto plans.
Wakey wakey... You get to decide the agenda for today. Discover heritage in the old wooden tram in Riberia. Or walk along the picturesque coastline, and view the main sites like lavish São Francisco Church, Porto Cathedral and 19th century Palácio da Bolsa. And if you're on the hunt for things to do, you can join us for a tour of some of the local foodie hotspots! Or catch a traditional Portuguese singing show. You do you.
See ya Portugal, you've shown us all your best places and we're feeling very thankful! We'll have an hour to check out a fortified city on the Spain/Portugal border - that dates back all the way to the Roman Empire (true story!). We'll settle for the night in Salamanca, a city that feels like a whole other world, with a 13th-century university, mysteriously futuristic characters, a painted indoor sky fresco, and a house decorated with carved stone shells. After orienting ourselves to the city you'll have the option to learn more about the history and architecture on a walking tour before having some free time to find some food this evening. Think cheeses, cured meats, wine & sweet almond cookies!
Salamanca’s been a stunner, but it’s time to hit the road and head north towards Pamplona.We couldn't race to our night's stop-off point without letting you marvel at the pretty medieval town of Burgos first. For real, just wait till you see the gorgeous town square. After lunch, we'll make our way to our homebase for the next two nights.After an orientation to the city, known for its medieval streets, lively plazas, and deep-rooted traditions, we'll check into the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to ease in, explore nearby spots, or grab dinner and recharge.
Rise and shine, Spanish explorers! Two new cities await us today, but not until we’ve had breakfast. Bilbao might get bragging rights to being an up-and-coming cultural hub of Spain, but that hasn't diminished its uber laid back spirit. Home of one of the world’s most famous museums, the Museo Guggenheim, you're free to use your morning to play art critique and absorb Bilbao's pretty surrounds and architecture. Next stop, San Sebastián! This is a pretty postcard town where cobbled lanes slope towards pristine beaches. Take a walk, do some shopping or just sit and chill in a bar, enjoying endless plates of pintxos (the Basque version of tapas). Our day ends where it started in Pamplona, where you’ll sleep soundly with a head full of modern art-themed dreams.
This morning we spread our wings and take metaphorical flight once again, this time in the direction of Zaragoza with an end goal of none other than bustling Barcelona.A colourful cathedral & traditional Spanish churros will set our hearts aflutter in Zaragoza, as we roam the casco (old town) soaking up historic architecture and good vibes aplenty. Even the pit stops are amazing on Contiki.And we’re back where it all began. Tonight, you’ll have the option to enjoy a flamenco performance with dinner — a lively send-off in one of Spain’s most electric cities.
Tears and tissues and pinky swears for a reunion trip will mark the blur of sadness that is our morning departure. These are the memories that will stay with you a life time; make sure your next Contiki adventure is just around the corner.
