Spain & Portugal Panorama - 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 make our way to the Mezquita (The Great Mosque of Cordoba), the perfect way to spend a few hours. We’re keeping it cosy this evening, with a tasty included dinner. Good food, great company!

• Visit the Great Mosque of Córdoba

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.

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.

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!

• Get to know Belém

This morning, we'll hop on a train to Sintra, trading city streets for colourful palaces, winding lanes and a slower pace of life. Spend some time exploring this storybook town, where grand architecture, leafy hillsides and charming cafés make it easy to see why it's one of Portugal's most-loved destinations. Looking for things to do? We recommend a stop-off at Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra’s mesmerising manor house. Back in the capital, the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Wander Lisbon's atmospheric neighbourhoods, settle into a local café, hunt down another pastel de nata, or simply soak up the laid-back Portuguese way of life. With free time on your side, there's plenty of opportunity to explore at your own pace, or opt in to join us for delicious seafood at a local restaurant.

• Explore Sintra
• Get to know Lisbon

After breakfast this morning we'll head north to Porto, but not before stopping en route at Cascais. Our 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. We'll arrive at the home of... you guessed it... Port. Relax and chat about tomorrow's Porto plans, or opt to catch a traditional Portuguese singing show!

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. 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.

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 (with the option of learning about the women who shaped its history) we'll have some free time to find some food (think cheeses, cured meats, wine & sweet almond cookies) and explore more this evening.

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.

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.