SPAIN AND PORTUGAL HIGHLIGHTS
Description
Itinerary
Price
Hotel
Remarks
Description
Overview
With 10 days under the Iberian sun, this trip will guide you through the rich and unique culture of both Spain & Portugal. Explore Cascais on a street art tour, visit the Great Mosque of Córdoba, and enjoy a night in a 15th century monastery whilst there. Plus, explore the UNESCO-listed sites of Porto & Sintra, tick off a Game of Thrones filming location in Seville, and dine on traditional Spanish & Portuguese dishes in the ultimate treat for the senses.
Included/Excluded
- Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals)
- A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important.
- Travel insurance and visas
- Flights to and from your starting and ending points
- We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences
- Meals not mentioned
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid to Córdoba
Madrid:
- Welcome to Spain! Join up with your new crew today and we’ll start our adventure by heading to Córdoba.
Córdoba:
- Flowers adorn storybook balconies & charming little lanes will take your breath away in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, overflowing with history. We’ll make our way to the Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Cordoba), the perfect way to spend a few hours. 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 and an internal courtyard.
Day 2: Córdoba to Seville
Córdoba:
- Ready to explore more of Andalucía? This morning we’ll set our sights on sun-soaked Seville.
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.
Day 3: Seville
Seville:
- 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.
Day 4: Seville to Lisbon
Seville:
- 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!
Lisbon:
- 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!
Day 5: Lisbon
Lisbon:
- 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.
Day 6: Lisbon to Porto via Sintra & Cascais
Lisbon:
- After breakfast this morning we’ll head north to Porto, but not before stopping en route at Sintra and Cascais.
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.
Cascais:
- 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.
Porto:
- We’ll arrive at the home of… you guessed it… Port. Relax and chat about tomorrow’s Porto plans over dinner this evening.
Day 7: Porto
Porto:
- 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. Or maybe you want to join the group and set off for a fabulous food tour to get your fill of all that Portuguese goodness! Hang out with your friends, take it solo – the day is 100% yours.
Day 8: Porto to Salamanca via Ciudad Rodrigo
Porto:
- See ya Portugal, you’ve shown us all your best places and we’re feeling very thankful!
Ciudad Rodrigo:
- 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!).
Salamanca:
- 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 we’ll have some free time to find some food (think cheeses, cured meats, wine & sweet almond cookies) and explore more this evening.
Day 9: Salamanca to Madrid via Ávila
Salamanca:
- Satisfied with our time in Salamanca, we’ll make our way back to Madrid with a stop in Ávila.
Avila:
- 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.
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.
Day 10: End Madrid
Madrid:
- 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.
Price
PRICE FROM RM7046 SUBJECT TO DATE AND AVAILABILITY.
Hotel
Remarks
