Spain & Portugal Highlights (Winter)

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 start with a walking tour to fall head over heels with Córdoba, and a trip to the Mezquita (Mosque of the Caliphs) 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. (D) Stay: Hotel el Monasterio de San Francisco (or similar)

Ready to explore more of Andalucía? This morning we'll leave historical Córdoba with our sights set 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 on Seville's rooftops. (B) Stay: YIT Via Sevilla Mairena (or similar)

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, before settling down to an included dining experience together tonight. (B/D)

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

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. (B) Stay: VIP Inn Berna (or similar)

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. (B)

After breakfast this morning we'll head up the coast 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 a stop-off at Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra's mesmerising castle.

Our first 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. 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, and for those especially keen you can embark on the Eating Europe Food Tour for the occasion to try local food in local spots. 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. (B) Stay: Ibis Porto Gaia (or similar)

Alive with galleries & coffee shops, the city of Porto is basically a dream. We'll find heritage in the old wooden tram that rattles along the streets & in the UNESCO stamped alleys of Ribeira. You'll have the chance to explore Porto in your free time today, seeing all the main sites like the lavish São Fransisco Church and 19th century Palácio da Bolsa and wandering the picturesque coastline. (B/D)

See ya Portugal, you've shown us all your best places and we're feeling very thankful! 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. (B) Stay: Hotel Vincci Ciudad De Salamanca (or similar)

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 and find ourselves some lunch 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 final night together with an optional dinner of traditional food at an iconic Spanish restaurant near the Plaza Mayor. (B) Stay: Occidental Castellana Norte (or similar)

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. (B)