Itinerary
- Day 1
Córdoba
You'll arrive in Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and meet your group of 27-35 year-olds. After checking into your hotel, walk through the charming lanes and flower-lined balconies before heading to the Mezquita, one of the world's largest mosques with its iconic red and white striped arches. Later that evening, you'll have an included dinner with your new travel crew.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco (or similar)), Hotel (Crisol Jardines De Cordoba (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit the Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Córdoba)
Landmarks/POIs Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Córdoba) 
- Day 2
Córdoba to Seville
Travel south to Seville early in the morning, arriving mid-day. You'll take a guided walk through the city, seeing the massive cathedral and Mudéjar palaces along with aristocratic mansions near the Guadalquivir River. An optional EatWith dinner experience is available this evening if you want to join locals for an authentic meal.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar))
Included Activities
- Guided walk of Seville city including the Guadalquivir River, Mudéjar palaces, and aristocratic mansions
Optional Activities
- EatWith dining experience - authentic feast
Landmarks/POIs Seville Cathedral Guadalquivir River 
- Day 3
Seville
This day is yours to spend however you'd like. Wander around the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood with its narrow medieval streets, or head to the Alcázar palace (famous from Game of Thrones). You can also just explore on foot at your own pace and grab lunch wherever looks good.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Barrio Santa Cruz
- Visit the Alcázar
- Explore medieval lanes
Landmarks/POIs Barrio Santa Cruz Alcázar of Seville - Day 4
Seville to The Algarve, Portugal
Head west across Spain and into Portugal, then follow the Algarve coastline with its pastel-colored streets and dramatic cliffs. After dropping your bags at the hotel, you'll head out with the group to search for dinner spots along this Atlantic region, getting a feel for local restaurants.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A conveniently located hotel), Hotel (Hotel Vila Galé Tavira (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Search for dinner spots in The Algarve
Landmarks/POIs Algarve Coastline - Day 5
The Algarve
Start with your included breakfast, then spend the entire day at the Algarve beaches however you like. Swim, read, relax in the sun, try fresh seafood at a beachside café, or book a buggy adventure through the region. Evening brings a walk through the colorful streets to find dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (A conveniently located hotel), Hotel (Hotel Vila Galé Tavira (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Beach activities at Algarve beaches
- Buggy adventure
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Algarve Beaches - Day 6
The Algarve to Lisbon via Sintra and Cascais
After breakfast, board your coach to hit several highlights in one day. First stop is Sintra with its UNESCO-listed Quinta da Regaleira manor house and lush gardens. Then you'll head to the coastal town of Cascais to see the beaches and marina area. Late afternoon brings you to Lisbon where you'll explore vintage trams and intricate tile work before finding dinner at small side street cafés.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)), Hotel (Hotel Roma (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra
Optional Activities
- Stroll along Cascais marina
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® street art tour in Cascais hosted by local residents
Landmarks/POIs Quinta da Regaleira Cascais Marina Cascais 
- Day 7
Lisbon
Explore Lisbon at your own pace today. Visit Cristo Rei (Christ the King statue), check out Rossio Square, then head to the Belém District with its famous tower. You can also visit the monastery that holds Vasco da Gama's tomb and enjoy some Moorish architecture. Mix of cultural sites and good spots for coffee and snacks throughout.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)), Hotel (Hotel Roma (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Visit Cristo Rei (Christ the King)
- Visit Rossio Square
- Explore Belém District and Belém Tower
- Visit monastery with Vasco da Gama's tomb
Landmarks/POIs Cristo Rei (Christ the King) Rossio Square Belém Tower Jerónimos Monastery - Day 8
Lisbon to Porto
Travel north along Portugal's coastline, stopping at 19th century vineyards where you'll see, taste, and learn about local wine production. Continue to Porto, a city known for its art galleries, coffee shops, and incredible food scene. You'll have a free evening to explore the city on your own and grab dinner wherever interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit 19th century vineyards with wine tasting
Landmarks/POIs Douro Valley Vineyards 
- Day 9
Porto
Create your own Porto day. Ride the heritage wooden trams in Ribeira, walk along the waterfront, and check out São Francisco Church, Porto Cathedral, and the 19th century Palácio da Bolsa. Or if you prefer structure, join an optional guided tour of local food hotspots or catch a traditional Portuguese singing show in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Ride the old wooden tram in Ribeira
- Walk along 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 via Spain/Portugal Border
Head back to Spain with a quick stop at a fortified city on the border that dates back to Roman times, then continue to Salamanca. This city has a 13th century university, mysterious futuristic stone figures carved into buildings, an indoor ceiling fresco, and intricate carved stone decorations throughout. Free time to find dinner with local cheeses, cured meats, regional wine, and almond cookies.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Bardo Recoletos Coco (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit fortified border city with Roman Empire heritage
Optional Activities
- Learn about the women who shaped Salamanca's history
- Explore Salamanca city
Landmarks/POIs Salamanca University 
- Day 11
Salamanca to Madrid via Ávila
Leave Salamanca and head back to Madrid with a stop in Ávila to see its perfectly preserved 11th century medieval walls and the UNESCO World Heritage city they protect. You'll drive through the walls, then continue by coach to Madrid. An optional dinner of traditional Spanish food near Plaza Mayor is available this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Praga (or similar)), Hotel (Crowne Plaza Madrid Airport (or similar))
Included Activities
- Stop to view Ávila's 11th century medieval walls
Optional Activities
- Traditional dinner at iconic Spanish restaurant near Plaza Mayor
Landmarks/POIs Ávila Medieval Walls Plaza Mayor - Day 12
Madrid Departure
Your 12-day journey through Spain and Portugal comes to an end this morning. You'll depart with memories from Córdoba to Madrid, having experienced medieval cities, coastal towns, wine country, and urban culture. Start planning your next Contiki adventure while the trip is still fresh.
