Best of Spain

Best of Spain


(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $3,134

12 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

There's no better chance to live your best Spanish life than 12 days drifting around Spain.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Sep 2025

Experience 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

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

  • London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
  • 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.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 16987

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Deluxe

TransportTransport: Private

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Contiki (CA)

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: 484.1929A

StartStarts: Madrid, Spain

FinishFinishes: Madrid, Spain

DurationDuration: 12 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,134 ($261 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Start Madrid

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Praga (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

2
Day 2: Madrid to Pamplona via Burgos

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.

Accommodation: AZZ Pamplona Norte (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

3
Day 3: Pamplona (Including Bilbao and San Sebastián)

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.

Accommodation: AZZ Pamplona Norte (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

4
Day 4: Pamplona to Barcelona via Zaragoza

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5
Day 5: Barcelona

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Park Putxet Barcelona (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

6
Day 6: Barcelona to Ibiza

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.

Accommodation: Ryans Lolas (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

7
Day 7: Ibiza

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. Explore the UNESCO world heritage old town or chill on the nearby beaches.

Accommodation: Ryans Lolas (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

8
Day 8: Ibiza to Valencia

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?

Accommodation: Hotel Mas Camarena Valencia (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

9
Day 9: Valencia to Granada

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!

Accommodation: Macia Condor (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

10
Day 10: Granada

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!

Accommodation: Macia Condor (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

11
Day 11: Granada to Madrid via Toledo

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.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Madrid Airport (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

12
Day 12: Depart Madrid

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.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Contiki (CA)

Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]

In Business Since 1931

Reviews

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, December 2024

I wish it were clearer which trip are modular (people joining/leaving mid-trip). Great trip, Spain is lovely, great pacing.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/13/2024

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, November 2024

I loved the areas covered during the trip. The trip manager and driver were so efficient in getting us everywhere and we had enough time for all our activities.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/14/2024

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, October 2024

Very warm and professional tour manager and driver. Great immersion into the local culture. Visited the biggest cosmopolitan cities in Spain as well the more quiet beautiful little towns in Spain. Got the best experience out of it highly recommend.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/15/2024

 

Georgina  -  Traveled, May 2025

Super easy to book and keep in touch with! Honestly so difficult to pick one. Would have to say the tour manager because she was not only lovely but she had an incredible depth of knowledge about all of the places we visited and I left the tour with so much gained!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/16/2024

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, July 2024

Made lifelong friendships, memories, and travel experience. And they are fantastic!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/17/2024

 

Trishana  -  Traveled, June 2024

The trip was amazing, with lots of good food and drinks, beautiful site seeing and partying, information about the history of Spanish culture, and sufficient time to explore each stop. The trip was planned very well and we did not have to be on the road for to long but rather had more time to see the places we stopped at.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/18/2024

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, May 2024

I liked the pace. The fta were good except the one in San sebastian which was underwhelming.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/19/2024

 

Lucy  -  Traveled, April 2024

Booking the trip was extremely easy. We booked as a group of three and had no troubles throughout the booking process. I absolutely loved the Best of Spain trip. I saw so many incredible sites in such a short amount of time. We went to places and took part in activities that I would never have thought of planning myself. I saw so many incredible landscapes both rural and city so I felt like I had a good view of the two sides of Spain. It was such a good overview of the country and this trip has definitely made me want to go back. The people you meet as you travel on the Contiki is 100% the biggest highlight.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/20/2024

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, March 2024

The Best of Spain was an awesome adventure of a trip, especially the second half! Visiting Alhambra Castle and the Flamenco night were definitely the highlights! Was easy and efficient couldn’t of went any better.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/21/2024

 

Anonymous  -  Traveled, March 2024

I received way too many emails asking to confirm my information when online it said I had until 30 days before the start of the trip. Our guide and coach driver were amazing but there were barely any included activities besides walking tours. Hotels were usually far from central areas.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/22/2024

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