Spain and Portugal Highlights - 10 days, 2 countries

DAY 1  MADRID TO CORDOBA

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 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.

Meals:  Dinner

Hotel:  Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba - This ornate World Heritage site was built by the Moors aer they conquered Iberia. And it’s still one of the world’s biggest mosques.

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DAY 2  CORDOBA TO SEVILLE

Palma Del Rio

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.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Walking Tour of Seville - Our Local Guide will bring the passions of Seville alive! Visit the Plaza de Toros & Bullfighting Museum (entry to Bullring & Museum included), then visit the Santa Cruz district & learn about traditions relating to castanets & fans.
  Adult: 25.00 EUR
• EatWith Seville - Tonight something different – we escape the masses & take dinner with the locals. We will split in to several smaller groups where a local host will take us to dine with them in this magical city – we won't just 'eat local'... we will 'meet local' & enjoy the laid back Spanish lifestyle with the experts of laid-back!
  Adult: 39.00 EUR
  

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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.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)

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DAY 4  SEVILLE TO LISBON VIA ALBUFEIRA

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 penninsula to Portugal. Crossing the border, spirits are high as we cruise along the Algarve, where petiscos and pastéis de nata await.

Albufeira

We’ll make a brief stop here to check out the old town and gaze at the sea.

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 and check out some of the sidestreet cafes or restaurants for dinner.

Meals:  Breakfast 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Lisbon like a Local - It's all about getting local tonight. Explore the affinity the Portuguese have with food & feast on some of their most delicious fare in a local Portuguese restaurant! You'll get the true local experience dining on some the country's best delights.
  Adult: 41.00 EUR 
  

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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.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences:

• Get to know 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.
• Get to know Belém - Take an orientation in Lisbon’s ‘museum district’. See the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the best places to taste a pastel de nata. 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Lisbon like a Local - It's all about geing local tonight. Explore the affinity the Portuguese have with food & feast on some of their most delicious fare in a local Portuguese restaurant! You'll get the true local experience dining on some the country's best delights.
  Adult: 41.00 EUR 

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DAY 6  LISBON TO PORTO

Lisbon

After breakfast this morning we'll head up the coast 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 an optional visit to Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra’s mesmerising castle.

Cascais

Our second 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.

Porto

We'll arrive at the home of...you guessed it...Port. Relax and chat about tomorrow's Porto plans over dinner this evening. 

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Cascais Street Art Tour (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) - Take a stroll with Locals through Cascais & hear the stories through a local how this community has rebuilt itself through its artwork. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience initiative that gives back to the community that we are visiting.
  Adult: 20.00 EUR
  

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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 hearts' desires! Head to the beach for a laze about in the sun and a dip in the sea, 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.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Tastes of Porto - We'll hop between two bars and a restaurant on this delectable food tour. Soaking up local beverages, food and knowledge as we go.
  Adult: 59.00 EUR 
  

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DAY 8  PORTO TO SALAMANCA

Porto

See ya Portugal, you've shown us all your best places and we're feeling very thankful!

Ciudad Rodrigo

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!)

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, 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.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  Hotel Bardo Recoletos Coco (or similar)

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DAY 9  SALAMANCA TO MADRID

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. 

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  Hotel Praga (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Enjoy a Traditional Madrilenos Dinner - On the famous 17th century square in the heart of Madrid, get a feel for Old Spain in this historic & atmospheric restaurant. Eat like the locals do and wash it all down with some tasty local wine.
  Adult: 43.00 EUR

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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.

Meals:  Breakfast