Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Spain on this food-focused adventure.

Unlock the local delicacies and true character of sultry Spain.

Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Northern Spain on this food-focused adventure. Immerse yourself in local history and culture as you sample produce at Santa Catarina Market, whip up Catalan specialties in a cooking class, enjoy myriad tapas bars in Logrono, discover the medieval streets and underground wine caves of Laguardia, and venture north to San Sebastian where beaches and a thriving food and arts scene bask together under a beaming sun. Experience a traditional Asturian sidreria (cider house) near Oviedo, attend a centuries' old farmers market in the Potes and taste fresh seafood on the coast in Galicia. With Santiago de Compostela in your sights, your Spanish food pilgrimage is a path worth taking.

Why you'll love this trip

• Uncover the local specialties of Asturia and Galicia, sampling true Asturian cider poured in the traditional style, and eating fresh Galician mussels straight from the sea in A Coruna.
• Few places know how to do a farmer’s market better than Potes, so lap up all of the food traditions with an included market brunch of delicious regional offerings.
• Learn the difference between pinxtos and tapas with a number of opportunities to crawl around town, tasting the local fare – Logrono’s Old Town has some of the best in the country.
• In between market visits and tapas tastings, discover the medieval history and charming cobbled laneways of Northern Spain, stopping off for a glass of the local drop to soak up your surroundings.
• Learn from local experts with cooking demonstrations and classes, highlighting regional specialities like Cocido Lebaniego.

Is this trip right for you?

• This trip aims to give you an exciting, diverse and well-rounded experience of a country's cuisine. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. In many countries, dietary restrictions are not common or well understood. If you have dietary requirements, please advise your agent at time of booking to receive information on how this may impact on your ability to take part in included activities and meals. Come with an open mind and open mouth, and you won't be disappointed.
• Spanish cuisine can be quite meat and seafood-driven, which may mean a few restrictions for vegetarians. There's no doubt that the vegetarian dishes will be mouth-wateringly delicious too though.
• There's some transferring to-and-from different forms of transport on this trip. You'll need to carry your own luggage on and off transport, so make sure it doesn't exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
• Summer temperatures in the areas visited can be very high (up to 40 degrees Celsius), which can be uncomfortable. It's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
• You may also want to consider our trip Spain & Portugal Real Food Adventure if you have more time to explore Western Europe.

Inclusions

• Meals 2 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
• Transport Public bus, Taxi, Train, Private vehicle
• Accommodation Hotel (9 nights)

Included activities

• Barcelona - Cava or Vermouth tasting
• Barcelona - Santa Caterina Market Tour
• Barcelona - Catalan cooking demonstration and lunch
• Logrono - Tapas Crawl
• Laguardia - Wine cellar visit and tasting
• San Sebastian - Basque cooking class
• San Sebastian - Market tour
• Picos de Europa - Cocido Lebaniego cooking demonstration and dinner
• Potes - Market visit and brunch
• Arenas de Cabrales - Cheese tasting
• Oviedo - Asturian cider house visit and tasting
• Picos de Europa - National Park Visit
• Oviedo - Guided walk and market tour
• A Coruna - Fish market visit and seafood lunch
• Santiago de Compostela - City night walk
• Santiago de Compostela - Market visit and tasting tour

Book with Confidence :

Save your spot : For 5 days without paying a deposit.

No change fees : Change your travel plans up to 28 days before departure, with no fees.

Flexible deposit : Cancel up to 28 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Day 1 / Start Madrid

Welcome to Spain! Join up with your new crew tonight over your first Spanish dinner in the metro magic of Madrid. Tomorrow will be a whole world of discovery, so you'll be thankful for your hotel sleep.

Day 2 / Madrid to Bilbao via Burgos

The first leg of our Iberian roadtrip kicks off this morning as we travel north in search of Burgos and Bilbao.We couldn't race to our night's stop without letting you in on the pretty medieval town of Burgos. We'll marvel at the French Gothic cathedral with its intricate spires before rolling on to Bilbao.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 afternoon to play art critique and absorb Bilbao's pretty surrounds and architecture. Tonight we'll join up for an included dinner, feasting on regional delicacies at one of Bilbao's local restaurants.

Day 3 / Bilbao to Pamplona via San Sebastian

Adiós Bilbao! Thanks for a delicious evening in your super cozy, culture buzzing nest. Next stop, ocean hangs.What a way to start your day - dipping in the Bay of Biscay. San Sebastian is a postcard town where cobbled lanes slope towards pristine beaches. Take a dip, do some shopping, or sit in a bar eating endless plates of pinxtos (the basque word for tapas).Our next stop is the colourful Pamplona. Opt to venture through the well-preserved old town and its incredible gothic cathedral on our walking tour, maybe ending the historical fix with a spot of fresh trout and red peppers - a regional specialty.

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'll kick things off with a walk through the Gothic Quarter & La Rambla district - two of the city's must-do's for an instant look at this pretty spot, and a sure way to feel like a local in no time.

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. At lunchtime you'll have the option to join a cooking class at Espai Mescladis, one of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER™ experiences here in Barcelona. Not just a cute cafe, this is the flagship project of a social enterprise using food and drink as a way to foster social inclusion and hospitality training.

Day 6 / Barcelona to Ibiza

Today is a complete change of scene as we take flight to the legendary island of Ibiza, where the crystal clear waters, music and chilled out vibes are calling us for the next two nights.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.

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. Go snorkelling, explore Ibiza's cute old town and its little souvenir shops, take a trip to spiritual Es Vedra, or continue the night before with an optional boat party before watching the sun set on another perfect day with your Contiki crew.

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?

Day 9 / Valencia to Granada

It's been short but sweet, Valencia, and we won't forget you, but this morning we're 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! We'll join up tonight for an included dinner with the crew.

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!

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.Mosques, 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 10 life-changing days ago. 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.

Day 12 / End Madrid

Can you believe we started our Spanish adventures just shy of two weeks ago? Now that we're flooded with new memories & friends, it feels like a lifetime has passed. We'll say a sad adiós after breakfast this morning and be sure to start planning the reunion.

Prices listed are per person in Great British Pound, based on twin occupancy, rates for single occupancy may differ, Rates offered are including all discounts unless otherwise stated. All bookings are subject to availability. Other travel periods may be available. Some block out dates may apply. Rates may alter depending upon the dates requested and surcharges if applicable. Final booking confirmation only provided once payment has been processed. Contact our travel team for more details. Our Holiday Centre reserves the right to withdraw this promotion without notice at any time. Flights are not included. Pricing correct as at 4th Jan 2022