Spain & Portugal Highlights | Classic | Summer | 2025

Welcome to Spain! Join up with your new crew today and we'll start our adventure by heading to 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 start with an orientation tour to fall head over heels with as we make our way to the Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Cordoba) will be the perfect way to spend our day.  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, outdoor pool and internal courtyard.

Ready to explore more of Andalucía? This morning we'll leave historical Córdoba with our sights set on sun-soaked 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.

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.

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 penninsula to Portugal. Crossing the border, spirits are high as we cruise along the Algarve, where petiscos and pastéis de nata await. Remarkable coastlines. Show-stopping seafood. Pastel-coloured streets. And a sunny Atlantic breeze. Welcome to Portugal. Our first destination in this wonderful country is the breathtaking beaches of The Algarve. You’ll drop your bags off at our hotel and join us as we search for the best dinner spots. And so begins the second part of our adventure…

Folks, it's beach time. But not just any beach, we’ll visit the stunning sun-kissed beaches of Algarve. So wake up, get some of that included breakfast, and put on your swimsuits. You’ve got the ENTIRE day to spend as you please. Soak in the sunlight. Dive into the water. Grab a book and chill. Taste some fresh seafood. Wow. For dinner, we’ll walk around the colourful streets and get some dinner on the way. Pure bliss.

Good morning, it’s time to say goodbye to the Algarve. Don’t worry. We’ve still got more coastal spots to explore. So, fill up on some breakfast and hop onto your coach! Our first stop this morning 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. Stop two? The incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sintra. Here in this fairytale town, expect to feel fully enchanted with a stop-off at Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra’s mesmerising manor house. Welcome to yet another example of incredible Europe’s historical cities. Here in Lisbon, vintage looking trams roll down cobbled streets and tiny intricate tiles make everything beautifully picturesque. You’ve got plenty of time for exploring tomorrow. So why not take to the streets and check out some of the sidestreet cafes or restaurants for dinner?

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.

Lisbon, you’ve been incredible. But the show must go on. Today, we’ll make our way further up north, along the stunning coastline. We can’t leave Portugal without tasting some authentic local wine, can we? That’s why we’re visiting the 19th century vineyards to see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savour some of it. 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. 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! Then, it's time to tuck in for tomorrow.

Wakey wakey. You get to decide the agenda for today. You can choose to try local food (if you're still craving some from last night). 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 and 19th century Palácio da Bolsa.

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. We're just 2 hours from Madrid but somehow Salamanca feels like a whole other world, with a 13th century University, mysteriously futuristic gargoyles, a painted indoor sky fresco, and a Cathedral 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.

Satisfied with our time in Salamanca, we'll make our way back to Madrid with a stop in Ávila. 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. 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.

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.