| Countries Visited:
Spain |
Tour Type: Time Out In-Depth (18-35 years)
Tour Duration: 14 Days (13 Nights)
From: Madrid to Madrid
Tour Code: WWEH
Operator: Contiki |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
There's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the culture, language and way of life of a country but sometimes it's difficult to know where to begin. The Spanish Spree is the perfect blend of culture and party, both of which Spain has in abundance. See the Royal Palace in Madrid, the Alhambra in Granada and the Rock of Gibraltar, enjoy traditional Flamenco dancing in Seville and live la vida loca in Barcelona. What's Included
- 13 nights twin or triple-share hotel accommodation
- 13 continental breakfasts & 4 three-course dinners
- A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver
- Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach
- Ferry crossing
- Sightseeing tours of all major cities
- Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
- Entry & guided tour of Madrid's Royal Palace
- Alahambra entry & guided tour
- Entry into Mosque of Caliphs in Cordoba
Highlights
Madrid
- See the Gran Via, the Puerta del Sol & Plaza de Espana
- Only Contiki: Guided tour of Royal Palace in Madrid
Zaragoza
- See the monumental cathedral
Barcelona
- See Gaudi's Art Nouveau Cathedral & the 1992 Olympic Games complex
- Walk the Gothic Quarter & La Rambla district
Valencia
- See the Medieval Cathedral & bell-tower
Granada
- Only Contiki: Alhambra entry & guided tour
Costa del Sol
- Scenic drive past Marbella and Malaga
Gibraltar
- Visit the rock that is still under the Sovereignty of the British
Seville
- See the Cathedral, Alcazar & Plaza de Espana
Cordoba
- Only Contiki: Entry into the Mosque of the Caliphs in Cordoba
Toledo
- See the Alcazar Fortress and Gothic Cathedral
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Day
1 |
Arrive Madrid
Check-in to the hotel and head straight out into Madrid to get a feel for the city's high energy life style. Moving to a whole lot of different beats, Madrid is packed with diverse barrios (neighbourhoods), lively plazas and a healthy nightlife. Later, meet up with the other Contiki travellers and your Tour Manager over dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Dinner (1)
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Day
2 |
Madrid
This morning, get inspired as your Tour Manager opens up Madrid's heart with a look at its bustling centre, complete with the Gran Via, the Plaza de Espana and Puerta del sol. Step inside the largest palace in Europe with our Local Guide, and experience a slice of the royal lifestyle as our expert shows you through the Royal Palace's lavish rooms. If there's a state function happening, we'll head to the world-famous Prado Museum instead. In your free time, snack on a local favourite, churros (Spain's version of the donut), or grab a chilled cerveza (beer) and put your feet up. Otherwise there's time to explore more of Madrid's arty side and visit its world class galleries, like the Reina Sofia National Art Museum. Relax with an early evening siesta and head out with the group later for an optional traditional Spanish tapas dinner (a feast of plate sized nibbles) in the heart of the city, right on the famous Plaça Mayor. This city never sleeps, so get some pointers on the city's hot spots, head to a little wine bar or check out some traditional salsa. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
3 |
Madrid To Bilbao
Head North to Bilbao, the Basque country's busiest city. Stop by the pretty cliff-top town of Segovia, with its grand mansions and many squares. See the jaw-droppingly beautiful Roman aqueduct, made up of 166 arches and granite. This bridge is an impressive feat of ancient engineering. Onwards to Bilbao. An up-and-coming cultural hub, Bilbao is the down-to-earth home of one of the world's most famous and iconic museums, the Museo Guggenheim. Use your free time to check out its amazing collection of 20th Century art and keep a camera handy for the extraordinary architecture of the museum itself. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
4 |
Bilbao To Pamplona
Start the day off with free time in San Sebastian - beach resort and surf hot spot. With one of the world's most stunning urban beaches, a gorgeous Art Nouveau shopping district, loads of restaurants and the best tapas (plate size nibbles) in Spain, you've got many ways to spend your time here. Later, pull into Pamplona, home to the extreme festival of the Running of the Bulls. Your Tour Manager will walk you along the route taken for the Running of the Bulls and show you the bull ring, as well as the well-preserved old town and its incredible Gothic cathedral. Then take some time to explore Basque culture at the table by tasting regional specialties like barbecued lamb, fresh trout and red peppers. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
5 |
Pamplona To Barcelona
Chill-out on the coach, plug in your headphones and watch the world go by. Heading to the coast, our next stop is the baroque city of Zaragoza, set on the banks of the Rio Ebro. Check out the town's fantastic cathedral, with its colourfully tiled cupolas and towers. For lunch, you could grab a table in the casco (old town), order a traditional Spanish tortilla and take in the unique, historic architecture and atmosphere. Next up is Barcelona. A sizzling, festive capital any night of the week, Barcelona is all about action. In Spain, fiesta time starts late, so settle in at one of Barcelona's many outdoor squares to enjoy a glass of sangria, before a fun night out exploring the city's nightlife with your new friends. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1), Dinner (1)
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Day
6 |
Barcelona
First stop: Mont Juic. The hilltop has full-blown vistas of the city and it's where we stop to check out the 1992 Olympic Games complex. Afterward get a look into the wild imagination of famous Spanish architect, Gaudi, with his art nouveau masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Your Tour Manager walks you through the cobbled lanes of Barcelona's oldest district, the Gothic Quarter. Then there's free time to discover more of Barcelona's creative core. Pick up some quirky buys in the side streets or hit the big label shops on Plaça de Catalunya. Take in all of Barcelona's buzzing street life on the tree-lined La Rambla - a boulevard packed with street performers, artists, shops and stalls. Other ideas for your afternoon off include hanging out in the colourful gardens of Parc Guell or kicking back with the locals on the beach and taking a swim in the Mediterranean sea. There's plenty of delicious local seafood to try like Spain's signature dish, paella. Tonight's optional dinner and show is a perfect way to finish off your time in this hot city and a chance to get into the local flavours with a Flamenco dance performance and some sangria. Afterward, get the low down on Barcelona's hottest spots and maybe hit the pumping clubs of Port Olympico, by the water. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
7 |
Barcelona To Valencia
Cruise down to the Orange Blossom Coast and its capital, Valencia, home to the Holy Grail. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
8 |
Valencia To Granada
Continue west as we make our way to the once Moorish City of Granada Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1), Dinner (1)
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Day
9 |
Granada
Start the day with an optional excursion through the old Muslim quarter of Albaicin. Walk past historic mansions with walled gardens and find cute little tea and cake shops on the cobbled streets. Our Local Guide will show the group through La Cartuja Monastery and the Cathedral where you'll see the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella - heads of the fallen Spanish empire. Next up: the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Alhambra. We've got a specialist Alhambra guide who will bring the magic of this former home of the sultans to life. Take a walk through the complex of fortifications, sumptuous palaces and gardens. Tonight, learn why Granada's got such a reputation for amazing food. Try their fresh seafood, eat some more tapas (perfect for trying a bit of everything) and for dessert, the specialty Arab pastries are just right! Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
10 |
Granada To Seville
Pass the port cities of Marbella and Malaga. We stop in the unusual and quirky territory of Gibraltar, with its interesting mix of British culture, Spanish influence and some North African wildlife! Make sure you check out Gibraltar's world-famous monkeys and learn about the legends surrounding how they got here all the way from Morocco. On a clear day, you'll get views across the strait to the continent of Africa. back on the mainland, unwind on the coach and take in the pretty Costa del Sol and the Sierra Nevada mountains, before our final stop in Seville. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1), Dinner (1)
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Day
11 |
Seville
Today take the opportunity to visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the famous Giralda. Perhaps join us for a visit to the Plaza de Toros before indulging in some of the local tapas. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
12 |
Seville To Cordoba
We spend the morning in the region's stylish capital, Seville. It's a fun, laid back city where the locals focus on the good life - siestas, late dinners, long lunches and dancing. With a run down on Seville's background, your Tour Manager will show you the flamboyant Plaza d'Espana, the world's 3rd largest cathedral, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Alcazar, still used by the royal family. In your free time, you could visit Christopher Columbus' tomb, or check out one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. For something different, head to El Jueves street market and pick out some bargains. We keep travelling into the heart of rural Andalusia, through to Cordoba. It's soaked in history and serves up an old-world atmosphere, with little patios, time-worn lanes and flower-filled balconies. Your Tour Manager kick starts your experience of the city by taking the group to the Mezquita (Mosque of the Caliphs). This famous site combines Islamic and Roman Catholic structures in a stunning series of buildings, complete with an orange tree garden and courtyards. Then there's free time to wander around Cordoba's historic centre and to take in its famously beautiful streets, like the Calle de Flores (street of flowers). Otherwise, learn about Spain's checkered past with a visit to the 13th century Alcazar fort, the former hub of the Spanish Inquisition. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
13 |
Cordoba To Madrid
Hit the road and travel to the hill-top town of Toledo. With its mix of mosques, churches and medieval buildings, this gorgeous town is known as the "Imperial City" and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see Toledo's enormous gothic cathedral, El Greco's house and the site of sieges, revolutions and treason: the Alcazar Fort. Then it's back in to the Spanish capital. Make your last night on tour one to remember and head out with the group into town. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Day
14 |
Depart Madrid
Your tour ends after breakfast and it's time to say farewell to your new friends. Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1)
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Itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the 2012/11 brochure online. NB: 2013 itinerary may vary to above & will be released in September 2012. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Contiki Sale! Save up to $60 per person. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 22 Oct 2012 |
04 Nov 2012 |
AU $1,665 | AU $2,250 | Save $60 |
AU $1,605 |
| 26 Nov 2012 |
09 Dec 2012 |
AU $1,645 | AU $2,230 | Save $60 |
AU $1,585 |
| 17 Dec 2012 |
30 Dec 2012 |
AU $1,689 | AU $2,274 | Save $60 |
AU $1,629 |
| 27 Dec 2012 |
09 Jan 2013 |
AU $1,689 | AU $2,274 | Save $60 |
AU $1,629 |
| 07 Jan 2013 |
20 Jan 2013 |
AU $1,689 | AU $2,274 | Save $60 |
AU $1,629 |
| 11 Feb 2013 |
24 Feb 2013 |
AU $1,595 | AU $2,180 | Save $55 |
AU $1,540 |
| 11 Mar 2013 |
24 Mar 2013 |
AU $1,595 | AU $2,180 | Save $55 |
AU $1,540 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Contiki
Contiki create hassle-free vacations with an unbeatable mix of sightseeing, culture, people your own age & free time. Contiki are the worldwide leader in tours for 18-35's, operating in over 40 countries around the world. Travel with Contiki & you'll make friends from all over the world & share some incredible times together.
Tour Type: Time Out In-Depth
Contiki In-Depth Regional tours are about really going local & getting to the heart of the places you visit, but with the same great standard of accommodation as Contiki Multi-Country Time Out tours. With loads of 2 & 3 night stops, you can explore destinations in-depth, find out what really makes these regions tick & meet more locals along the way. Contiki also include some extra special local meals too, so you can experience authentic cuisine at some of our favourite local restaurants – like tapas in Barcelona, French cuisine in Nice & a traditional Greek dinner in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yeah they do, and they have an amazing time! About 50% of Contiki travellers are on their own, but not for long! The experience of travel builds lasting relationships which you'll cherish for your lifetime. If you're concerned about travelling alone, don't be, you're making one of the best decisions of your life.
Contiki are the original travel company for 18–35s. For Contiki, travelling is all about discovering amazing places with a bunch of like-minded people and having a great time doing it. To cater to this market and provide a product which not only meets, but exceeds your expectations, Contiki tours are only available to those between 18 and 35. In some circumstances, a passenger aged 17 will be accepted onto Contiki tours under the supervision of another passenger over 18 and with the consent of their parent or guardian.
On Europe Concept and Time Out tours luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized, non–expanding suitcase size up to 29" x 20" x 10" (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) and a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs), plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. No metal frame backpacks please, their bulky shape makes coach packing difficult and they are likely to damage other luggage. On Camping tours, the maximum dimensions are 28" x 18" x 9" (70cm x 45cm x 23cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs). On European ski packages, you may bring one pair of skis & ski boots. Note: Baggage is carried at the owner's own risk and insurance is strongly recommended. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour.
Like spending money, everyone's bound to be different depending on how many unique outfits you want to wear, what the weather is going to be like, how often you're willing to do washing - (most of the places Contiki stay at have the facility to do washing). A great tip is to pack a range of things that can mix, match and layer!
We're all different; some of us want souvenirs, some of us want to indulge in nights out and some want to shop til they drop and some just want to experience it all! Travellers cheques in small denominations (in a main currency) are the safest way to carry your personal spending money. For example in Europe, carry travellers cheques in US$, GBP$, or Euros. In America, carry US$ travellers cheques. You can also get cash at local ATMs along the way if needed. Remember that you'll need to allow enough to cover lunches, some dinners, shopping, entrance fees to some attractions, optional activities and activities, souvenirs, drinks and evening entertainment/nightclubs. A full list of optional activities and approximate costs will be sent to you with your travel documents.
If departure dates are not showing up in the month you wish to travel, it's because the tour does not depart during that time due to operational or seasonal reasons.
The majority of Contiki tours start at the Contiki Hotel where you will spend your first night on tour. This information will be on your Contiki tour documents which will be issued to you 21 days prior to departure.
Global Journeys will send your documents 21 days prior to your departure from Australia. Bookings made less than 21 days prior will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
All Optional Activities are booked and paid for on tour with your Tour Manager. Usually on the first day you'll have a chance to discuss what's available and then, when it comes time to book, your Tour Manager will collect a cash payment for the activities.
Contiki schedules plenty of free time during your trip so that you can also explore on your own. If you're concerned about having too much free time, Contiki offers fabulous optional activities. Also if at any time you feel like even more 'you' time, just have a chat with your tour manager about meeting up with everyone later. You can tailor your trip how you like; it's YOUR holiday!
You will need a valid passport. Obtaining correct visas is your own responsibility. Not having correct visas could mean you missing out on part or all of your trip. Please refer to the Visa section on our website - which should be used as a guide only. Then, double check with the individual Embassies before you depart, remembering that visa requirements can change at short notice. For most of the countries where visas are required, it is NOT possible to obtain the visa whilst on the trip and some visas take 3-4 weeks to obtain.
Contiki Holidays are inclusive of all transport once the tour begins. On tour, all coaches, trains, ferries, tuk tuks, bicycles, internal flights, whatever, are included in the cost of your tour. Everything you need to get around from the first to last day of tour. However, flights to and from your home city are NOT included. Global Journeys can also organise your flights if you wish, & we also recommend booking with your favourite airline online.
Weather is tricky as everywhere is different and it's always changing. Luckily, Global Journeys provide temperature, and rainfall averages on every itinerary webpage. Look to the right of this page!
Most prices are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. For example, Most Concept tour prices are based on quad share with twin room bookings on a request basis incurring a surcharge. Some tours offer single occupancy for an additional cost, or triple– or quad–share for a reduced price.
Contiki operates tours year-round, however some months are better for group travel than others. The chart below indicates “peak” months when travel can be more expensive and hotel availability may be more difficult to accommodate large groups. “Best time” to travel refers to when we suggest organizing your group travel for better availability, prices and less crowds.
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Peak Time |
Best Time |
| America & Canada |
May - Sep |
Mar - Apr; Sep - Oct |
| Europe |
Jun - Aug |
Apr - May & Sep - Nov |
Pre Departure Information
Detailed departure information will be supplied with your travel documents,which Global Journeys will send to you approx 21 days prior to your departure from Australia.
Departures from London
Many Contiki European tours start in London and depart from the Royal National Hotel at Russell Square.
Time Out Tours depart at 6:45am.
Other Cities
Exact information will be made available in your Contiki Travel Documents closer to the time of departure. It is also possible to meet up with your tour at the first city after London (eg Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels). Please request this option when enquiring. There are no discounts for joining the tour at the first city after London.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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