Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid
You'll arrive in Madrid this evening and meet up with your group for dinner together. After that, it's time to settle into your hotel and get some rest before the trip really gets going.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner)
Included Activities
- Group dinner
- Day 2
Madrid to Pamplona
Head north from Madrid to check out Burgos and its nice medieval town square. From there, you'll continue to Pamplona for a quick orientation tour, then spend the rest of your time wandering around the well-preserved town on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel to Burgos
- Explore Burgos town square
- Brief orientation tour of Pamplona
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Pamplona independently
Landmarks/POIs Burgos - Day 3
Bilbao - San Sebastián
After breakfast, you'll travel to Bilbao to see the Museo Guggenheim and walk through the city's laid-back architecture. Later, head to San Sebastián, a charming coastal town with cobbled streets and beaches. Try pintxos at local bars before returning to Pamplona for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Bilbao
- Visit Museo Guggenheim area
- Travel to San Sebastián
- Explore San Sebastián
Optional Activities
- Museo Guggenheim entrance
- Shopping in San Sebastián
- Pintxos tasting in local bars
Landmarks/POIs Museo Guggenheim Bilbao San Sebastián - Day 4
Pamplona to Barcelona
Travel south to Zaragoza to see the colorful cathedral and have traditional Spanish churros while exploring the historic old town. Then continue to Barcelona for a 2-night stay. Tonight there's an included dinner at Mescladis, a nonprofit restaurant that supports social cohesion.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at Mescladis, a non-profit restaurant)
Included Activities
- Explore Zaragoza town
- Visit Zaragoza cathedral area
- Dinner at Mescladis restaurant, Barcelona
Landmarks/POIs Zaragoza Cathedral - Day 5
Barcelona
You'll explore Barcelona on your own today. Visit Parc Güell to see the colorful buildings and gardens, relax on the Mediterranean beaches, or join an optional bike tour if you'd prefer to see the city with others from your group.
Optional Activities
- Visit Parc Güell
- Beach time at Mediterranean shore
- Optional bike tour
Landmarks/POIs Parc Güell - Day 6
Barcelona to Ibiza
Travel south along the coast to Denia, then take a ferry to Ibiza. You can check out the island's clubs and beaches, or head to quieter coves and local markets if that's more your style.
Included Activities
- Travel to Denia
- Ferry to Ibiza
Optional Activities
- Night club experiences
- Beach exploration
- Local market visits
Landmarks/POIs Ibiza - Day 7
Ibiza
Spend the day exploring Ibiza's natural beauty during daylight hours. Visit the UNESCO world heritage old town or just relax on the nearby beaches and do as little or as much as you want.
Optional Activities
- Explore UNESCO world heritage old town
- Beach time
Landmarks/POIs Ibiza Old Town - Day 8
Ibiza to Valencia
Take the ferry back to the mainland at Denia, then head by coach to Valencia. Walk through this port city where beach and culture come together. There's an optional paella-making class available with the group tonight if you're interested.
Included Activities
- Ferry to Denia
- Travel to Valencia
Optional Activities
- Paella-making class
Landmarks/POIs Valencia - Day 9
Valencia to Granada
Start with an orientation walk of Valencia, then travel to Granada. This Andalusian city blends Arab and Spanish influences, and you'll find charming character and interesting architecture throughout the old sections.
Included Activities
- Orientation walk in Valencia
Landmarks/POIs Granada - Day 10
Granada
You've got free time to explore Granada at the start of the day. Optionally tour the Muslim quarter of Albaicin and the Capilla Real, where you can try Arab pastries. This afternoon, visit the Alhambra Palace with its Moorish architecture and city views. Later, there's an optional traditional flamenco and tapas experience if you want to end the evening that way.
Included Activities
- Visit Alhambra Palace
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Albaicin Muslim quarter
- Visit Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)
- Arab pastries and local food
- Traditional flamenco and tapas night
Landmarks/POIs Alhambra Palace Albaicín Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) - Day 11
Granada to Madrid
Travel north to Toledo, a hilltop town with historic synagogues, churches, and medieval buildings everywhere. Visit the gothic cathedral and explore El Greco's house and studio. Then head back to Madrid and enjoy the city's nightlife with tapas, sangria, and dancing.
Included Activities
- Explore Toledo
- Visit Toledo Cathedral
Optional Activities
- El Greco's house and studio
- Free evening exploring Madrid nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Toledo El Greco's House - Day 12
Madrid to Córdoba
Some group members head home while others continue to Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage city with charming cobbled streets and storybook balconies. Explore the city and visit the Mezquita (Great Mosque of Córdoba). There's an included dinner at a special 15th-century monastery with vaulted ceilings, a courtyard, and pool.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at 15th-century monastery with vaulted ceilings, outdoor pool and internal courtyard)
Included Activities
- Explore Córdoba
- Visit Mezquita (Great Mosque of Córdoba)
- Dinner at 15th-century monastery
Landmarks/POIs Mezquita (Great Mosque of Córdoba) - Day 13
Córdoba to Seville
Leave Córdoba for Seville, the capital of Andalusia. You'll see 13th-century architecture and one of the world's largest cathedrals. There's a guided tour of the city that takes in the river, Mudéjar palaces, and aristocratic mansions. An optional authentic dining experience through EatWith is also available.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Seville
- Explore Seville Cathedral area
- View Mudéjar palaces and mansions
Optional Activities
- EatWith dining experience - authentic feast
Landmarks/POIs Seville Cathedral - Day 14
Seville
Spend your day exploring Seville however you like. Wander through the Barrio Santa Cruz, check out the Alcázar palace (a Game of Thrones filming location), and take your time discovering the medieval lanes on your own.
Optional Activities
- Explore Barrio Santa Cruz
- Visit Alcázar palace
- Explore medieval lanes
Landmarks/POIs Barrio Santa Cruz Real Alcázar of Seville - Day 15
Seville to Algarve, Portugal
Cross into Portugal and travel west along the Algarve coastline. Once you arrive at the beaches of the Algarve, drop your bags at the hotel and head out to find the best dinner spots. You'll get to experience Portugal's coastlines, seafood, and pastel-colored streets.
Included Activities
- Travel to Algarve
Landmarks/POIs Algarve - Day 16
Algarve
Take a full beach day in the Algarve. After breakfast, put on your swimsuit and spend the entire day however you want. Soak up the sun, swim, relax with a book, or taste fresh seafood. Later, explore the colorful streets to find dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Beach time and swimming
- Relaxation
- Fresh seafood dining
Landmarks/POIs Algarve Beaches - Day 17
Algarve to Lisbon
Have breakfast and travel by coach to Cascais, a coastal town with nice beaches and fresh seafood. There's an optional street art tour if you want to see local urban culture. Then continue to Sintra to visit the Quinta da Regaleira manor house. End up in Lisbon with time to find dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel to Cascais
- Explore Cascais
- Travel to Sintra
- Visit Quinta da Regaleira
Optional Activities
- Street art tour with local residents in Cascais
Landmarks/POIs Cascais Sintra Quinta da Regaleira - Day 18
Lisbon
You've got a free day to explore Lisbon's main spots. Visit Cristo Rei (Christ the King), Rossio Square, the Belém District with its famous tower, and the monastery where Vasco de Gama's tomb is located. Take in the city's coastal charm and history.
Optional Activities
- Visit Cristo Rei (Christ the King)
- Explore Rossio Square
- Visit Belém District and Belém Tower
- Visit monastery with Vasco de Gama's tomb
- Explore Museum District
Landmarks/POIs Cristo Rei (Christ the King) Rossio Square Belém Tower Jerónimos Monastery Castelo de São Jorge - Day 19
Lisbon to Porto
Travel north along Portugal's coastline to Porto. Visit 19th-century vineyards to see, taste, and try authentic Portuguese wine. Walk through Porto's galleries and coffee shops, and dive into the vibrant food culture. There's an optional tour of local foodie hotspots if you want recommendations.
Included Activities
- Travel to Porto
- Visit 19th-century vineyards
Optional Activities
- Tour of local foodie hotspots
Landmarks/POIs Porto - Day 20
Porto
Design your own day in Porto. Find more local food, ride the historic wooden tram in Riberia, or walk the coastline. Visit São Francisco Church, Porto Cathedral, and the 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Local food exploration
- Ribeira wooden tram ride
- Coastline walk
- Visit São Francisco Church
- Visit Porto Cathedral
- Visit Palácio da Bolsa
Landmarks/POIs São Francisco Church Porto Cathedral Palácio da Bolsa Ribeira - Day 21
Porto to Salamanca
Leave Porto and visit a fortified city on the Spain/Portugal border with roots going back to the Roman Empire. Travel to Salamanca, a beautiful 13th-century university city with mysterious futuristic characters and a house decorated with carved stone shells. Get your bearings and explore for dinner, where you'll find cheeses, cured meats, wine, and sweet almond cookies.
Included Activities
- Visit fortified border city
- Orientation tour of Salamanca
Optional Activities
- Explore Salamanca
- Food tasting
Landmarks/POIs Salamanca Salamanca University - Day 22
Salamanca to Madrid
Head back to Madrid with a stop in Ávila to see its well-preserved 11th-century medieval walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the medieval city before returning to Madrid. There's an optional traditional Spanish dinner at an iconic restaurant near Plaza Mayor if you want to end the evening that way.
Included Activities
- Visit Ávila and medieval walls
Optional Activities
- Optional dinner of traditional food at iconic Spanish restaurant near Plaza Mayor
Landmarks/POIs Ávila Walls Plaza Mayor, Madrid - Day 23
Madrid
Your tour ends this morning as you depart Madrid. Say goodbye to your Contiki crew and head home with memories and plans to reunite down the road.
