Explore Valencia’s old town on a guided orientation walk, tracing elegant plazas and sunlit lanes from the Plaza de la Virgen to the Gothic skyline of the Valencia Cathedral. Stroll by the lively Central Market and café-lined corners where orange trees scent the air.

Hear how the city flourished through trade at the La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a UNESCO-listed gem of stonework and twisted columns. This walk blends architecture, everyday life, and Mediterranean spirit to help you find your bearings with ease.

Discover the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, where Santiago Calatrava’s sculptural buildings gleam beside mirror-like pools. Wander the open spaces, pause for photos, and appreciate the sci-fi silhouettes that have become Valencia’s modern calling card.

Get your bearings among icons like the Hemisfèric, the Museu de les Ciències, the Umbracle, and the Palau de les Arts. Nearby stands L’Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium. This dramatic complex showcases Valencia’s knack for marrying design, sunlight, and public space.

Walk the storied heart of Spain’s capital, from the bustle of Puerta del Sol along the grand facades of Gran Vía to arcaded squares and stately avenues. This guided overview helps you map out the neighborhoods you’ll want to explore further.

Soak in centuries of urban drama at Plaza Mayor before viewing the ornate exterior of the Royal Palace. Hear how Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties shaped the cityscape, and note cafés, markets, and galleries to revisit during your time in Madrid.

Pedal effortlessly on a guided bike tour through the labyrinthine lanes of the Gothic Quarter, green avenues of Ciutadella Park, and the palm-dotted promenade of Barceloneta by the sea. Stop for photos beneath the Arc de Triomf and along breezy waterfront paths.

Hear stories spanning Roman Barcino to modernisme as you roll between landmarks and local haunts. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; it’s a relaxed, scenic way to cover more ground in Barcelona’s cooler-season light.

Visit Parc Guell, Antoni Gaudí’s hillside wonderland of whimsical forms and trencadís mosaics. Wander landscaped paths to the famed serpentine bench, meet the mosaic “dragon” at the grand stairway, and take in the skyline of spires, sea, and mountains.

Part of the UNESCO-listed Works of Gaudí, the park reveals his organic, nature-inspired vision at every turn. Linger over sweeping city views from Carmel Hill and capture color-drenched photographs. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Learn the secrets of authentic paella from Valencia in a convivial, hands-on cooking class. Toast the rice, build a saffron-rich stock, and master the wide paella pan as you cook alongside local experts before sitting down to enjoy your creation.

Hear how the dish emerged from the rice fields near Albufera and why the prized golden socarrat is the mark of a perfect paella. Share a relaxed dinner with the group. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Dine on the historic Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand arcaded square framed by ochre facades and evening lamplight. Settle into a traditional restaurant for hearty Castilian flavors, local wines, and lively conversation as street musicians provide a gentle backdrop.

Built in the 17th century under the Habsburgs, this emblematic square has hosted markets, festivals, and royal ceremonies. Savor the warm, lively tavern atmosphere that defines Madrileño nights. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Taste Barcelona’s seasonal flavors with an included group dinner at Mescladís, a convivial social kitchen known for Catalan classics and globally inspired small plates. Settle into a cozy, creative space as sharing plates arrive, pairing market-fresh produce with warm hospitality and local wines.

Discover how Mescladís champions social inclusion through food, funding training and community projects that support newcomers to the city. Enjoy the buzz of central Barcelona while dining with purpose—good cuisine that does good—making this welcome meal both delicious and meaningful.

Contiki

• 1 Dinner (D)
• 5 Breakfast (B)

• 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.
• Valencia: Explore Valencia’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a striking complex of bold architecture, open spaces, and reflective pools. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it’s home to science exhibits, an opera house, and Europe’s largest aquarium — and yes, the photo ops are epic.