Best of Spain and Portugal

Welcome to Spain! Join up with your new crew tonight over your first group dinner in the metro magic of Madrid. Tomorrow will be a whole world of discovery, so you'll be thankful for your hotel sleep.

The first leg of our Iberian roadtrip kicks off this morning as we travel north in search of Burgos and 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. Our next stop is the colourful Pamplona. We’ll start with a brief orientation tour of this well-preserved town, and then you'll have some free time to explore in your own way.

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.  With 2-nights in Barcelona, you'll be pronouncing Barcelona's C with a "tthh" like a true local by the time we make tracks. We'll kick things off with a photo stop at Sagrada Familia before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Today you’ll have the chance to join a guided bike tour of the city. Afterwards, you could take a wander through the colourful buildings & gardens of Gaudi's iconic Parc Güell or beach lovers could head to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

This morning we're ready for a change of scene -  the port city of Valencia is calling, where beach meets culture in the happiest way possible.  It’s hard not to be enchanted by Valencia as we explore the city during our orientation walk. With one night here in the land that invented paella it would be crazy not to sign up for an optional paella-making class tonight with the crew. Who's in?

It's been short but sweet, Valencia, and we won't forget you. Today, we're seeking the very different vibes of Granada. How are all these places in just one country? Granada is brimming with romance and offering an eclectic mix of Arab and Spanish feels only to be found in Andalusia. This is one place you may never want to leave! We'll join up tonight for an included dinner with the crew.

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 tapas night with your Contiki family. Que beuno!

Bouncing out of bed should be no problem this morning, given the scenic adventures we have planned today on route to Madrid. 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. Here we are, back where the party started. You're free to spend the evening your way tonight and Madrid's nightlife is pumping, so grab some tapas, sangria and your dancing shoes for a night out on the town.

Leaving some of our group to finish their adventures here in Madrid, the rest of us (along with some new friends) will drive onwards to Córdoba. With storybook balconies & charming little lanes, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is sure to take your breath away. We'll start out by finding our feet here in Córdoba, only to be swept off them again with a trip to the Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Córdoba). History buffs, this is basically your perfect day. This evening we'll stay in for an included dinner together at our Special Stay for the night, a 15th Century monastery with vaulted ceilings, outdoor pool and internal courtyard.

Ready to explore more of Andalucía? This morning we'll set our sights on sun-soaked Seville. 13th Century architecture and one of the world's biggest cathedrals wait for us in the passionate arms of Southern Spain's capital, Seville. We'll be seduced with a guided stroll of the city, admiring the city's river, Mudéjar palaces & aristocratic mansions. Just be sure to save some energy for our optional EatWith dining experience tonight, an authentic feast.

Another day free to explore Seville? Don't mind if we do. Take a wander through picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz, visit the Alcazar (a Game of Thrones location for those in the know) and explore winding medieval lanes to your heart's delight.

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.

After breakfast this morning we'll head north to Porto, but not before stopping en route at Cascais and Sintra. We couldn't leave Lisbon without a visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sintra. Here in this fairytale town, expect to feel fully enchanted with free time to visit Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra’s mesmerising castle. Our second 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.

We have a free day in Porto today which you can choose to fill with any activity that'll fill your heart's desires! Head to the beach or the famous Livreria Lello, explore Porto's culture through art museums and tours of the winding streets. Maybe you want to join the group and set off for a fabulous food tour to get your fill of all that Portuguese goodness or catch a traditional Portuguese singing show! Hang out with your friends, take it solo - the day is 100% yours.

See ya Portugal, you've shown us all your best places and we're feeling very thankful! We'll have some free time to check out a fortified city on the Spain/Portugal border - that dates back all the way to the Roman Empire (true story!). Rolling back over the border to Spain, we'll settle for the night in Salamanca. We're just 2 hours from Madrid but somehow Salamanca feels like a whole other world, with a 13th century University, mysteriously futuristic gargoyles and characters on a 16th century Cathedral, and a Palace dotted with carved stone shells. After orienting ourselves to the city (with the option of learning about the women who shaped its history) we'll have some free time to find some food this evening. Think cheeses, cured meats, wine & sweet almond cookies!

Satisfied with our time in Salamanca, we'll make our way back to Madrid with a stop in Ávila. Ávila is best known for its perfectly preserved 11th century medieval walls, protecting the medieval UNESCO World Heritage-listed city inside. We'll stop to admire them before jumping back in the coach, bound for Madrid. Back where it all began, again! Here in Madrid you'll be able to make the most of our night together with an optional dinner of traditional food at an iconic Spanish restaurant near the Plaza Mayor.

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.