Best of Spain | Summer | 2026
Best of Spain | Summer | 2026
$3178
Best of Spain | Summer | 2026
12 Days Starting and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Madrid, Burgos, Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Ibiza, Valencia, Granada, Toledo
Tour Overview
There's no better chance to live your best Spanish life than 12 days drifting around Spain. Together we'll explore Spain's most iconic cities - think Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia & Granada – along with the smaller cobbled-street towns of Burgos, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Pamplona & Toledo, with a couple of nights in the magical party island of Ibiza for the vibes. Between paella-making classes, evening flamenco, locally guided tours of Albaicin & Alhambra, palm-fringed sunsets and plenty of tapas, we'll feel like Spanish locals in no time.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Praga (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Spain! Join up with your new crew tonight over your first group dinner in the metro magic of Madrid. Tomorrow will be a whole world of discovery, so you'll be thankful for your hotel sleep.
Day 2: Madrid To Pamplona Via Burgos
Location: Madrid, Burgos, Pamplona
Accommodation Name: AZZ Pamplona Norte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The first leg of our Iberian roadtrip kicks off this morning as we travel north in search of Burgos and Pamplona. We couldn't race to our night's stop-off point without letting you marvel at the pretty medieval town of Burgos first. For real, just wait till you see the gorgeous town square. Our next stop is the colourful Pamplona. We’ll start with a brief orientation tour of this well-preserved town, and then you'll have some free time to explore in your own way.
Day 3: Pamplona (Including Bilbao And San Sebastián)
Location: Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona
Accommodation Name: AZZ Pamplona Norte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, Spanish explorers! Two new cities await us today, but not until we’ve had breakfast. Bilbao might get bragging rights to being an up-and-coming cultural hub of Spain, but that hasn't diminished its uber laid back spirit. Home of one of the world’s most famous museums, the Museo Guggenheim, you're free to use your morning to play art critique and absorb Bilbao's pretty surrounds and architecture. Next stop, San Sebastián! This is a pretty postcard town where cobbled lanes slope towards pristine beaches. Take a walk, do some shopping or just sit and chill in a bar, enjoying endless plates of pintxos (the Basque version of tapas). Our day ends where it started in Pamplona, where you’ll sleep soundly with a head full of modern art-themed dreams.
Day 4: Pamplona To Barcelona Via Zaragoza
Location: Pamplona, Zaragoza, Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we spread our wings and take metaphorical flight once again, this time in the direction of Zaragoza with an end goal of none other than bustling Barcelona. A colourful cathedral & traditional Spanish churros will set our hearts aflutter in Zaragoza, as we roam the casco (old town) soaking up historic architecture and good vibes aplenty. Even the pit stops are amazing on Contiki. With 2-nights in Barcelona, you'll be pronouncing Barcelona's C with a "tthh" like a true local by the time we make tracks. We’re off for an included dinner at Mescladis, a non-profit restaurant that works to foster social cohesion in Barca and beyond.
Day 5: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is up to you to explore your way. You could take a wander through the colourful buildings & gardens of Gaudi's iconic Parc Güell, beach lovers could head to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, or those wanting to explore the city can sign up for an optional bike tour.
Day 6: Barcelona To Ibiza
Location: Barcelona, Ibiza
Accommodation Name: Ryans Lolas (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Switching from ancient streets to strobe lights, we’ll head south along the coast to Denia where we'll then travel to the world’s party capital of Ibiza. Worshipped worldwide as the party destination to end all party destinations, here you'll find super clubs, super DJs & super strobes like you've never seen them before, and that's just the island's 3am drawcards. For those that like to take the chilled approach, Ibiza's beaches, coves, and local markets need to be seen to be believed.
Day 7: Ibiza
Location: Ibiza
Accommodation Name: Ryans Lolas (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Although this seems to be an island that never sleeps, you're going to need to drag that head out of bed so you can see the incredible beauty of the place when drenched in daylight. Go snorkelling, explore Ibiza's cute old town and its little souvenir shops or take a trip to spiritual Es Vedra.
Day 8: Ibiza To Valencia
Location: Ibiza, Valencia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mas Camarena Valencia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's been a magical time on this island, but we have the rest of Spain to explore. With Ibiza ticked off our bucket list, we'll hop on a ferry back to the mainland. Touching down in Denia we'll jump on our coach, headed for Valencia. It's hard to not be enchanted by the port city of Valencia, where beach meets culture in the happiest way possible. With one night here in the land that invented paella it would be crazy not to sign up for an optional paella-making class tonight with the crew. Who's in?
Day 9: Valencia To Granada
Location: Valencia, Granada
Accommodation Name: Macia Condor (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's been short but sweet, Valencia, and we won't forget you. This morning we'll take an orientation walk before seeking the very different vibes of Granada. How are all these places in just one country? Granada is brimming with romance and offering an eclectic mix of Arab and Spanish feels only to be found in Andalusia. This is one place you may never want to leave!
Day 10: Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation Name: Macia Condor (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start the morning with free time to explore. You can fill yours by opting for a guided tour of the Muslim quarter of Albaicin & the Capilla Real, and while you're at it, fill up on some of Granada's incredible food, like its famous Arab pastries. This afternoon we head to Spain's number 1 visited attraction, the Alhambra Palace. We'll discover the breathtaking beauty and history of this Moorish Palace, with its intricate patterns and detailed architecture that will leave you spellbound, and wondering why you haven't been here sooner. To top it off, Alhambra offers the best views of the city. Feel the Spanish rhythm and style by opting for a traditional flamenco and tapas night with your Contiki family. Que beuno!
Day 11: Granada To Madrid Via Toledo
Location: Granada, Toledo, Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Praga (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bouncing out of bed should be no problem this morning, given the scenic adventures we have planned today on route to Madrid. Synagogues, churches and medieval buildings sit atop the hill town of Toledo. We'll uncover the city's gothic cathedral, the famous Renaissance sculptor, painter and architect El Greco’s house and the site of sieges, revolutions and treason. Just another pit-stop in our life in glorious Spain. Here we are, back where the party started. You're free to spend the evening your way tonight and Madrid's nightlife is pumping, so grab some tapas, sangria and your dancing shoes for a night out on the town.
Day 12: Depart Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tears and tissues and pinkie 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.
What's Included
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Meals
3 dinners and 11 breakfasts are included in the tour.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Praga in Madrid, AZZ Pamplona Norte in Pamplona, Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet in Barcelona, Ryans Lolas in Ibiza, Hotel Mas Camarena in Valencia, and Macia Condor in Granada.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and orientation talks are included in cities like Pamplona, Granada, and Toledo.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities including a ferry ride from Ibiza to Denia is included.
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Special Dinner
An included dinner at Mescladis, a non-profit restaurant in Barcelona, is part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a bike tour in Barcelona and a paella-making class in Valencia are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Madrid are not included.
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Entry Fees
Entry fees to certain attractions and museums are not included unless specified.
Mode of Transport
Travel by coach across Spain, with ferry transfers to and from Ibiza, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey through the country's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Praga in Madrid, AZZ Pamplona Norte in Pamplona, Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet in Barcelona, Ryans Lolas in Ibiza, Hotel Mas Camarena in Valencia, and Macia Condor in Granada.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- 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
- Pamplona: Your Trip Manager will escort you into the heart of the city and give a brief orientation talk. After that, you're free to explore this quirky and colourful city in your own way.
- Bilbao: Home to world famous art museums and architecture that’s grander than grand. Today you’ll have plenty of time to explore Bilbao, taking in the mountains and the skyscrapers.
- San Sebastián: Where better to admire the sunset than on the beautiful beaches of San Sebastián? This resort town is known for its fantastic food too – so make sure you’re hungry!
- Barcelona: Enjoy an included dinner at Mescladis – a non-profit that’s all about social cohesion, doing their bit to enrich coexistence, with rights and opportunities for all.
- Barcelona: Combat boots at the ready, folks! Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are so cool, you won’t know what to photograph first!
- Valencia: Stand in awe of this medieval wonder. It’s said to be the home of the Holy Grail
- Granada: Probably the most Instagrammable palace that’s ever existed. Tour this Moorish marvel with an expert.
- Toledo: This medieval city is a cultural melting pot, with a mix of Spanish, Arabic and Jewish influences. Get some pics of the Alcázar Fortress and the gothic Cathedral.
Check out our Q&As
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Are vegetarian meal options available during the tour?
Yes, vegetarian meal options are available. You should inform your Trip Manager beforehand, and they will arrange it for you.
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Can I refrigerate my medication on the coach?
Yes, you can refrigerate your medication on the coach. However, the fridge is turned off overnight, so you will need to take your medication with you into your accommodation. It is recommended to bring a cooler bag as a backup.
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What kind of activities are available in Pamplona?
In Pamplona, your Trip Manager will give a brief orientation talk, after which you are free to explore the city on your own.
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What can I do in Bilbao?
In Bilbao, you will have plenty of time to explore the city, including its world-famous art museums and grand architecture.
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What is special about San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic food. It is a great place to admire the sunset and enjoy local cuisine.
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What are some must-see places in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, you can explore the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. You will also have an included dinner at Mescladis, a non-profit restaurant focused on social cohesion.
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What is unique about Valencia?
Valencia is known for its medieval architecture and is said to be the home of the Holy Grail. It is also the birthplace of paella.
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What can I expect to see in Granada?
In Granada, you will tour the Alhambra Palace, a Moorish marvel known for its intricate patterns and detailed architecture. You can also explore the Muslim quarter of Albaicin and the Capilla Real.
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What is the significance of Toledo?
Toledo is a medieval city with a mix of Spanish, Arabic, and Jewish influences. You can visit the Alcázar Fortress and the gothic Cathedral.
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What kind of activities are available in Ibiza?
In Ibiza, you can enjoy the nightlife with super clubs and DJs, or take a more relaxed approach by visiting beaches, coves, and local markets. You can also go snorkelling or explore the old town and its souvenir shops.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
