Itinerary
- Day 1
Córdoba
You'll arrive in Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its charming balconies and historic lanes winding through the old town. After getting settled with your group, you'll head to the Mezquita, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, where you can walk through its iconic red and white striped arches. Dinner's included, so you'll have a chance to meet your travel crew and get oriented before the evening ends.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Córdoba)
Landmarks/POIs Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Córdoba) - Day 2
Córdoba to Seville
The drive takes you from Córdoba to Seville, and once there you'll explore this passionate Southern Spain capital on a guided city walk. You'll pass by Mudéjar palaces, aristocratic mansions, and walk along the river while taking in the 13th century architecture. The cathedral here is one of the world's biggest, and it's worth your time. If you're interested in something more interactive, there's an optional EatWith dining experience where you can have an authentic meal with local hosts.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided stroll of Seville including the river, Mudéjar palaces and aristocratic mansions
Optional Activities
- EatWith dining experience - authentic feast
Landmarks/POIs Seville Cathedral - Day 3
Seville
Today is yours to spend however you like in Seville. Many people wander through Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter with narrow streets and hidden plazas. The Alcázar is a good stop if you want to see the palace where Game of Thrones was filmed. You can also just walk around the medieval lanes and grab lunch wherever looks good, then explore more on foot as the afternoon goes on.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Barrio Santa Cruz
- Visit the Alcázar
- Explore winding medieval lanes
Landmarks/POIs Barrio Santa Cruz Alcázar - Day 4
Seville to The Algarve, Portugal
You'll head west across the Iberian peninsula, crossing into Portugal and reaching the Algarve coastline. The drive brings you past beautiful cliffs and beaches with colorful streets in small towns along the way. Once you drop your bags at the hotel, the group will head out together to find dinner spots. It's a nice way to end the travel day and try some fresh seafood the region is known for.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks/POIs The Algarve - Day 5
The Algarve
After included breakfast, your whole day opens up at the Algarve beaches. You can swim in the water, lay on the sand with a book, or try something more active like a buggy adventure. Fresh seafood is available for lunch or dinner, and you can explore the colorful streets in nearby towns as evening approaches. It's a relaxing day built in after all the traveling and city walking.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Beach activities - swimming, sunbathing, reading
- Taste fresh seafood
- Buggy adventure
Landmarks/POIs Algarve Beaches - Day 6
Sintra - Cascais - Lisbon
From breakfast, a coach takes you to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage town that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. You'll visit Quinta da Regaleira, a manor house with intricate architecture and mysterious gardens. Later you'll head to coastal Cascais for beach walks, and there's an optional street art tour led by local residents. From there, you'll continue to Lisbon where vintage trams and intricate tile work greet you. You'll have free time to explore side street cafés and find dinner on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra
Optional Activities
- Street art tour in Cascais - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience hosted by local residents
Landmarks/POIs Quinta da Regaleira Cascais - Day 7
Lisbon
You have the full day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. Cristo Rei, the giant Christ statue, offers views from across the river. Rossio Square is central and always busy with life. Head to Belem District to see the famous tower and visit the monastery where Vasco da Gama's tomb is located. The city has a Moorish feel to it, and wandering the neighborhoods on foot is really how you get a sense of it. You'll discover cafés and corners that appeal to you as you go.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Cristo Rei (Christ the King)
- Explore Rossio Square
- Visit Belém District and Belém Tower
- Visit monastery with Vasco da Gama's tomb
Landmarks/POIs Cristo Rei Rossio Square Belém Tower Jerónimos Monastery - Day 8
Lisbon to Porto
The route heads north along Portugal's coastline to Porto. Once there, you'll visit 19th century vineyards where you can see how the wine is made, and you'll get to taste authentic local varieties. Porto itself has galleries, coffee shops, and a strong food culture worth exploring. The evening is free, so you can grab dinner wherever catches your interest or join others from the group if you prefer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit 19th century vineyards with wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Porto - Day 9
Porto
Another free day in Porto gives you time to really know the city. The old wooden tram in Ribeira is a heritage experience that takes you through narrow streets and along the water. You can walk the coastline, check out São Francisco Church, and see Porto Cathedral and the 19th century Palácio da Bolsa. There's an optional tour of local food hotspots if you want someone to guide you to the best eats, or you can catch a traditional Portuguese singing show in the evening if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Ride the old wooden tram in Ribeira
- Walk along the picturesque coastline
- Visit São Francisco Church
- Visit Porto Cathedral
- Visit Palácio da Bolsa
- Tour of local foodie hotspots
- Traditional Portuguese singing show
Landmarks/POIs Ribeira São Francisco Church Porto Cathedral Palácio da Bolsa - Day 10
Porto to Salamanca, Spain
Heading north from Porto, you'll stop at a fortified city on the Spain-Portugal border that dates back to the Roman Empire. Then it's on to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a 13th century university, unique architecture, and a painted indoor sky fresco. There's also a house decorated with carved stone shells that's worth seeing. An orientation walk is available to get your bearings, and the evening is free for you to walk around and grab dinner wherever you find something good.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit fortified city on Spain/Portugal border
Optional Activities
- Orientation walk learning about women who shaped Salamanca's history
Landmarks/POIs Salamanca - Day 11
Salamanca to Madrid
You'll head back toward Madrid with a stop in Ávila to see its perfectly preserved 11th century medieval walls that protect the UNESCO World Heritage city. From there it's the final drive to Madrid. Once you arrive, there's an optional dinner of traditional Spanish food at an iconic restaurant near Plaza Mayor if you want to end the trip with your group on a nice note.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop to view 11th century medieval walls of Ávila
Optional Activities
- Optional dinner of traditional food at iconic Spanish restaurant near Plaza Mayor
Landmarks/POIs Ávila Medieval Walls Plaza Mayor - Day 12
Madrid Departure
This is departure day. You'll say goodbye to your travel crew and head home with memories from the past couple of weeks. If you enjoyed this trip, Contiki has other adventures you can book for your next vacation.
