Spain & Portugal Highlights | Winter | 2024/2025
Spain & Portugal Highlights | Winter | 2024/2025
$1994
Spain & Portugal Highlights | Winter | 2024/2025
10 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Córdoba, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WEPMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the cultural heartlands of Spain and Portugal with the "Spain & Portugal Highlights | Winter | 2024/2025" tour. Begin your adventure in Madrid, exploring the historic charm of Córdoba and its stunning Mezquita. Discover the vibrant city of Seville, with its grand cathedrals and Mudéjar palaces, before crossing into Portugal's enchanting capital, Lisbon. Wander through the picturesque streets, savoring local delicacies like petiscos and pastéis de nata. Continue to the fairytale town of Sintra and the coastal beauty of Cascais, before arriving in Porto, a haven for art lovers and foodies. Return to Spain, visiting the medieval marvels of Salamanca and Ávila, before concluding your journey back in Madrid. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant cultures of these Iberian gems.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid To Córdoba
Location: Córdoba
Accommodation: Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2: Córdoba To Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)
Accommodation Name: YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)
Accommodation Name: YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)
Meals Included: 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.
Day 4: Seville To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: 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!
Day 5: Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: VIP Executive Zurique Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: 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.
Day 6: Lisbon To Porto Via Sintra & Cascais
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)
Meals Included: 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. Alive with galleries and coffee shops and amazing food culture, the city of Porto is basically a dream for art lovers and foodies alike. You’ll have the chance to explore Porto in your free time, discover heritage in the old wooden tram that rattles along the streets and in the UNESCO stamped alleyways of Riberia. Walk along the picturesque coastline, and view the main sites like lavish São Francisco Church and 19th century Palácio de Bolsa.
Day 7: Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)
Meals Included: 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. 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
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bardo Recoletos Coco (or similar)
Meals Included: 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.
Day 9: Salamanca To Madrid Via Ávila
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel Praga (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Praga (or similar)
Meals Included: 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.
Day 10: End Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: 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.
What's Included
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Included Dinner
Enjoy an included dinner at a 15th Century monastery with vaulted ceilings and an internal courtyard in Córdoba.
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Guided Stroll in Seville
Experience a guided stroll of Seville, admiring the city's river, Mudéjar palaces, and aristocratic mansions.
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Córdoba Mosque Visit
Visit the Mezquita, the Great Mosque of Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Moors.
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Lisbon Orientation
Take an orientation in Lisbon's 'museum district', including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
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Lisbon Sightseeing
Explore Lisbon's coastal capital, including Castelo de São Jorge, the Praca do Comércio, Rossio Square, and Praca da Figueira.
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Accommodation
Stay in various accommodations such as Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco, YIT Via Sevilla Mairena, VIP Executive Zurique Hotel, Ibis Porto Gaia, and Hotel Praga.
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Meals
Enjoy 2 dinners and 9 breakfasts during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Optional EatWith Dining Experience
The EatWith dining experience in Seville is optional and not included in the tour price.
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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 is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the street art tour in Cascais and the food tour in Porto are not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 9 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
- 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 Praca 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Spain and Portugal in comfort with coach transfers between cities, allowing you to explore iconic destinations like Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, and Porto with ease and convenience.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of history and comfort with stays at Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco, YIT Via Sevilla Mairena, VIP Executive Zurique Hotel, Ibis Porto Gaia, and Hotel Praga, offering unique atmospheres and modern amenities throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations, including a 15th Century monastery in Córdoba, hotels like YIT Via Sevilla Mairena in Seville, VIP Executive Zurique Hotel in Lisbon, and Ibis Porto Gaia in Porto. The accommodations are typically hotels or similar establishments.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, there is an included dinner on the first night at a 15th Century monastery in Córdoba. Additionally, there is an optional EatWith dining experience in Seville, which offers an authentic feast.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be a guided stroll in Seville where you can admire the city's river, Mudéjar palaces, and aristocratic mansions.
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Is there free time to explore on my own during the tour?
Yes, there are several days with free time for you to explore on your own, such as in Seville, Lisbon, Porto, and Salamanca. You can choose to visit local attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, or participate in optional activities.
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What are some of the key attractions we will visit in Lisbon?
In Lisbon, you will have the opportunity to explore attractions such as Christo Rei, Rossio Square, the Belém District, and the monastery where Vasco de Gama's tomb is held.
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What unique experiences are offered in Sintra and Cascais?
In Sintra, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Quinta da Regaleira castle. In Cascais, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and seafood, and there is an optional MAKE TRAVEL MATTER™ experience, which is a street art tour hosted by local residents.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in Madrid, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional dinner at an iconic Spanish restaurant near the Plaza Mayor.
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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.
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Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.
