Spain and Portugal Highlights
From CAD $2,033
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience 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 Cordoba, 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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Madrid: Do the included meals have a set menu? Yep. Usually, we arrange a buffet for all your included meals. If you’d like a vegetarian option, please inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they’ll sort it out for you.
- Madrid: I need to refrigerate my medication. Can I do that on the coach? Of course! Just inform your Trip Manager if you need refrigeration on the coach. Please remember that the fridge is turned off overnight, so you’ll have to take your medication with you into your accommodation. We recommend that you bring a cooler bag with you as a backup. It’s your responsibility to store your medication with care.
Included Experience
- Córdoba: This ornate World Heritage site was built by the Moors after they conquered Iberia. And it’s still one of the world’s biggest mosques.
- Lisbon: Get to grips with Portugal’s coastal capital. See all the sights, including Castelo de São Jorge, the Praca do Comércio, Rossio Sqaure and Praça da Figueira.
- Lisbon: Take an orientation in Lisbon’s ‘museum district’. See the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the best places to taste a pastel de nata.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19395
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 485.1657A
Starts: Madrid, Spain
Finishes: Madrid, Spain
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,033 ($203 /day)
Itinerary
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 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.
Accommodation: Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Ready to explore more of Andalucía? This morning we'll set our sights 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.
Accommodation: YIT Via Seville (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: YIT Via Seville (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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!
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!
Accommodation: VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we'll head north to Porto, but not before stopping en route at Cascais and 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.
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.
We'll arrive at the home of... you guessed it... Port. Relax and chat about tomorrow's Porto plans.
Accommodation: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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. Maybe you want to join the group and set off for a fabulous food tour to get your fill of all that Portuguese goodness or catch a traditional Portuguese singing show! Hang out with your friends, take it solo - the day is 100% yours.
Accommodation: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
See ya Portugal, you've shown us all your best places and we're feeling very thankful!
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!).
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Bardo Recoletos Coco (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Praga (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
It was a lovely trip that explored so many places and all the tourist hot spots that I wanted to see during my first time in Spain and Portugal! The tour guide and driver were extremely knowledgeable, hospitable and respectful. Would highly recommend this travel experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2024
Camila - Traveled, January 2024
Truly unforgettable — amazing from start to finish. This was my first Contiki trip ever and I cannot wait for more adventures like this. were excellent in making sure we all had an amazing time. This trip exceeded all expectations — 1000% recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2024
I really loved the special stays and visiting Porto. The dinners were amazing and the history lessons from on the coach were very interesting and appreciated. I also loved the little extra activities that organized ontop of the included experiences and free time add ons.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Kristen - Traveled, March 2024
Overall the trip was amazing! All the included experiences were great as well as the add ons. The locations were great and it was nice to spend 2 days in most locations. Booking was super easy. I booked online and was done in 10 min.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2024
Made lifelong friendships. Little to no itinerary for many days, or planned activities were very rushed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Gavin - Traveled, May 2024
Best trip of all time. Amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2024
Grace - Traveled, June 2024
This was the absolute best way to do spain and portugal. the experiences were AMAZING, the food was fantastic and over all our road crew made everything run so smoothly and efficiently. contiki really has given me the best highlights of these beautiful countries, and the time was just about perfect. the only negative about the trip was having to say goodbye, definitely made friends for life that i cannot wait to see again someday !!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
The trip was awesome we packed a lot into only a few days. Only thing I would recommend is either adding more time in Madrid or making it clear that we won’t actually be spending very much time in Madrid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2024
Clayton - Traveled, August 2024
Were the perfect driver and trip manager to take us through Spain and Portugal. Some surprisingly good accommodation throughout the trip incl. the Special Stays. Highly recommend doing this trip or the combined bigger trip incl the Ibiza portion.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
So so much fun exploring and travelling with others through Spain and Portugal. Felt like our guide and driver were both super knowledgeable and helpful throughout. Accommodation and included experiences made the trip just that little bit more worth it. So easy. Was travelling with a friend and contacted the Contiki team who were so happy to help link our bookings together. Made it such a smooth process.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2024
Share a personalized trip brochure!
