Lisbon to Madrid

Oh hello, travellers. Meet your Contiki crew here in the lovely city of Lisbon, then we’ll hit the road and head north along Portugal’s coastline with those Atlantic views keeping us company.We can’t leave Portugal without tasting some authentic local wine, can we? That’s why we have the opportunity of visiting the 19th century vineyards to see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savour some of it, if you so choose. Alive with galleries and coffee shops and amazing food culture, the city of Porto is basically a dream for art lovers and foodies alike. So, it's a good thing you've got a free evening here to spend however you like. Then, it's time to tuck in for tomorrow.

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.

You’ve got a free day to do Barcelona your way. Hit the neighbourhood streets, chase your favourite Gaudí spots, or just wander with zero agenda. Tonight we'll regroup for an included dinner and tuck into some seriously tasty Spanish eats.

Time to switch from ancient streets to strobe lights. Today, we’ll head south along the coast to Ibiza.Ditching the coach for a ferry, we’ll hit the coast of the party capital of the world.Life will be dialled up to 100% from the moment we pull up at our luxurious hotel. Day parties, DJs, beach clubs, warehouse bars – this island has earned its reputation as a mecca of good times. Take to the nightlife on our first night (and party ‘til the AM for the next two days) or stay low key knowing we have two more nights ahead of us to enjoy this playground.

Wakey wakey, our Night & Day Party Package continues today (cuz we'll score tickets to another buzzing party for you!). But if that's not your vibe, the pristine beaches and water sports will definitely catch your eye.

Ibiza has a lot to offer. But a buzzing boat party (while checking out epic views around the island)? Nothing's gonna beat that! See the daylight hours out with sunset and opt to finish your day at the original Cafe del Mar for a munch worthy meal of fresh seafood.

It's been a magical time on this island, but we have the rest of Spain to explore. With Ibiza ticked off our bucket list, we'll hop on a ferry back to the mainland.Touching down in Denia we'll jump on our coach, headed for Valencia.It's hard to not be enchanted by the port city of Valencia, where beach meets culture in the happiest way possible. 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?

You’ll have free time to explore the City of Arts & Sciences, soaking up its futuristic architecture and open spaces. Roam, snap some pics, and grab lunch before hitting the road to Madrid. Welcome to Spain’s capital. After arrival, you’ll have free time to head out for dinner and start getting a feel for Madrid’s energy.

A full day to dive into Madrid? Yep. After an orientation with your Trip Manager, the city’s yours to explore. Tonight, you’ll have the option to grab dinner at a restaurant set on a famous 17th-century square.

And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy a final breakfast, swap contacts, and share a few last hugs with the crew before heading off with memories that’ll stick around long after the trip ends.