If you're sticking to mainland Spain for your holiday, there is huge choice of party towns, sexy beaches and fascinating culture to keep you busy for your entire holiday.
Madrid, almost slap bang in the middle of the country, houses one of the most famous football teams in the world, dozens of museums and galleries and some of the greatest components of flamenco music. Las Ventas Bullring is the birth-place of modern bull-fighting and definitely worth a visit during the right season.
Pubs in Madrid normally stay open until 3am, and clubs until 8am so the venues don't really see any real action until 11pm. There are numerous areas to hang out in from Plaza de Santa Ana which is full of themed pubs and bars to La Latina, an area aimed at an older crowd and Gran Via, which houses the newest nightclubs.
If you'd rather stay on the coast, then Spain's second city Barcelona has the beaches that Madrid misses, as well as dozens of festivals all year round including the Festes de Gràcia in August which results in a lot of all night parties. Continuing the party theme, Bcnjoy run famous party nights and pub crawls in three different areas.
Barcelona is a huge city so sticking to one district for eating, drinking and partying is a lot easier. Highlights include the Feng Shui-designed Shoko, the popular Catwalk and the go-go dancers of Sutton. Best also to keep an eye on your belongings in Barcelona as pick-pocketing here is a bit of an art form.
Cadiz is often overlooked as a destination but is in fact the oldest city in Western Europe, and celebrates a famous carnival usually in February every year. The event is amazing but will cost you twice as much to stay in the city that week than a normal week.
If you're looking for beaches, nightclubs, cheap sangria and bronzed bodies, then head south to either the Costa Del Sol, or north-east to Costa Brava. With the latter, the casino town of Lloret de Mar houses the young crowd, nightlife and pubs whereas the former destination has a number of party towns including Malaga, Marbella and the gay-friendly, water-park-infested Torremolinos.
If you're feeling exceptionally brave, other 'don't miss' events include the 'Running with the Bulls' in Pamplona in July and 'La Tomatina', a giant tomato fight festival in Buñol in August.
Experienced & professional Contiki Tour Manager City centre hotel accommodation, walking distance from the action Welcome party Walking tours of Pamplona and Bilbao Running of the Bulls t-shirt & Bilbao 3 Breakfasts Private coach transfer from Pamplona to Bilbao * 3 day festival ticket to BBK live .
Day 1 Arrive Pamplona Hola! Welcome to Pamplona! Get ready for the adrenalin pumping experience: the population of Pamplona explodes for this 9 day party, known as San Fermín, with around 350,000 travellers heading to this usually quiet town to experience a slice of the bull running action for themselves. On arrival check in to your hotel, meet your Tour Manager and fellow tour mates & head out to soak up the atmosphere. The vibe here is electric, and so your Tour Manager will offer you an orientation of the town before you get amongst the festivities yourself! Accommodations: Hotel
Day 2 Pamplona Get the party started this morning & live it like a local! Play a part in this 400 year old tradition, where bulls are let loose through the city streets. Don your red & white gear if you're game enough to get amongst it - or steer clear as a spectator - the vibes are just as exciting. After the run, the rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish. Check out the "Gigantes y Cabezudos" (Giants & Big Heads procession) or head down to Plaza de los Fueros for a look at some Basque rural sports, like stone lifting and wood cutting. Maybe check out a bull fight one evening or just hang around town for a couple of cocktails and soak up the atmosphere - this party is awesome, so let the good times roll! Accommodations: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (2 days)
Day 4 Pamplona to Bilbao This morning, it's time to move onto the next exciting festival. Mid-morning, we leave Pamplona and make our way to Bilbao. Later, we’ll get you kitted out with your festival wristband & head up to Kobetamendi Park, get stage-side & let the good times begin. Headlining this year are the Kings of Leon, plus with other confirmed acts including Green Day, Fatboy Slim, Editors, Biffy Clyro, Depeche Mode, The Hives, Two Door Cinema Club,(and many more), there’s loads to suit all tastes & this festival is going to rock! Thousands flock to Bilbao for the festival every year, and 2013 will be no exception. There's something for everyone, so get geared up for fun with fellow festival goers, great food & even better beats. Accommodations: Hotel Meals: Breakfast (1) day
Day 5 Bilbao For the next 2 days, wake up & start the day when you want, explore Bilbao or just kick back and get ready for more good times. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to give you an orientation tour of the city and let you know where the best places are to head to for some authentic & delicious Basque cuisine & where the best places to party are. You could also head to the Guggenheim Museum for a look at this architectural wonder or the Old Town to stroll the alleys and check out the cute little shops to pick up some souvenirs. Over these 2 days, the festival will include many awesome live acts. Spend the final festival evening partying & dancing & get out amongst the action. Accommodations: Hotel
Day 7 Depart Bilbao Today, it's time to farewell Spain & the festival fun of Bilbao – so swapping email, Facebook & Twitter addresses is a must. If you’ve got some spare time before your flight, then get local & head to the lively Sunday market in Plaza Nueva – it’s a total haven for the bargain hunter & the perfect spot to pick up some treats & treasures. Accommodations: Hotel
Bilbao Experience the awesome bands at Bilbao BBK Live - Spain’s famous music festival
Campsite accommodation at Pamplona with access to pool, bar, restaurant & shop facilities Hostel accommodation in mixed quad share dorms only a short walk from the festival grounds in Bilbao Large twin-share tents & comfy air mattresses – already set up for you in Pamplona Breakfasts daily Morning coach transfers to the bull run, plus regular FREE transfers to Pamplona’s city centre throughout the day Guided walking tour of Pamplona – see Plaza Castillo, the Baroque town hall, Estafeta Street & the famous bullring Welcome dinner & sangria party Experienced & professional Contiki Team Contiki Running of the Bulls t-shirt & pañuelo 3 day pass to Bilbao BBK Live & festival wristband .
Day 1 Arrive Pamplona Hola! Welcome to Pamplona! Get ready for the adrenalin pumping experience: the population of Pamplona explodes for this 9 day party, known as San Fermín, with around 350,000 travellers heading to this usually quiet town to experience a slice of the bull running action for themselves. On arrival your tent & airbed will be set up for you so you're ready to go (just don’t forget your sleeping bag!) Tonight gets the party started with our delicious dinner and sangria part! Accommodations: Twin Share Tent Meals: Dinner (1) day
Day 2 Pamplona The action kicks off early this morning, so jump on our free shuttle for the short ride to Pamplona itself. Live it like a local & play a part in this 400 year old tradition, where bulls are let loose through the city streets. Don your red & white gear if you're game enough to get amongst it - or steer clear as a spectator - the vibes are just as exciting. After the run, your choice to spend longer in town or take one of our free shuttles back to the campsite & take advantage of the great facilities on offer. Relax with your mates as you chill by the pool with a drink, or head to the campsite bar for a couple of cocktails. The party vibe at the campsite is awesome, so let the good times roll! Accommodations: Twin Share Tent Meals: Breakfast (1) day
Day 3 Pamplona to Bilbao This morning there is another chance to check out the bull run, before heading back to the campsite for breakfast. Then it's time to pack up and move onto the next exciting festival. Around midday, we arrive in Bilbao & make our way to our hostel accommodation. The hostel is not only conveniently located for walking to the festival, but also has easy access into the city centre, giving you the best of both worlds! Later, we’ll get you kitted out with your festival wristband & head up to Kobetamendi Park, get stage-side & let the good times begin. Headlining this year are the Kings of Leon, plus with other confirmed acts including Green Day, Fatboy Slim, Editors, Biffy Clyro, Depeche Mode, The Hives, Two Door Cinema Club,(and many more), there’s loads to suit all tastes & this festival is going to rock! Thousands flock to Bilbao for the festival every year, and 2013 will be no exception. There's something for everyone, so get geared up for fun with fellow festival goers, great food & even better beats. Accommodations: Hostel Meals: Breakfast (1) day
Day 4 Bilbao For the next 2 days, wake up & start the day out right with breakfast, then work on your tan, explore Bilbao or just kick back and get ready for more good times. Don’t forget to ask your Contiki on-site team where the best places are to head to for some authentic & delicious Spanish cuisine & where the best places to party are. You could also head to the Guggenheim Museum for a look at this architectural wonder or the Old Town to stroll the alleys and check out the cute little shops to pick up some souvenirs. Over these 2 days, the festival will include many awesome live acts. Spend the final festival evening partying & dancing & get out amongst the action. Accommodations: Hostel Meals: Breakfast (2 days)
Day 6 Depart Bilbao Today, it's time to farewell Spain & the festival fun of Bilbao – so swapping email, Facebook & Twitter addresses is a must. If you’ve got some spare time before your flight, then get local & head to the lively Sunday market in Plaza Nueva – it’s a total haven for the bargain hunter & the perfect spot to pick up some treats & treasures. Accommodations: Meals: Breakfast (1) day
Pamplona Free shuttle services from the campsite to Pamplona Dress up in traditional red and white and run like a local in the Running of the Bulls Watch the bulls run from the Plaza de Toros (bull ring) See Hemingway’s famous bar, Bar Txoko Bilbao Experience the awesome bands at Bilbao BBK Live - Spain’s famous music festival
There is no better city on the Mediterranean to explore by cycle. So join us as we uncover Barcelona by bike. With almost 150km of graded cycling lanes we have plenty to choose from. So, jump on two-wheels and enjoy the ride. Your English speaking guide will give you a good introduction to the story of Barcelona, stopping every couple of hundred meters to share stories, myths and slices of our city's history, as well as exciting local suggestions for other things to do in Barcelona.
We begin our Barcelona tour by jumping on our cycles at the Olympic Port, a landmark for contemporary Barcelona constructed for the 1992 Olympic Games. It was at this time the city started re-inventing itself, becoming a worldwide reference for successful urban transformation.
Your Barcelona travel adventure continues as we pass by the waterside and Frank O. Gehry's famous fish sculpture before heading to Park Ciutadela, the green lung of central Barcelona. The next stop is the Eixample, the city's 19th century extension. Discover a unique mix of grand apartment houses and modernist icons built by the likes of Antoni Gaudi and other architects of the time.
The Barcelona cycling tour then peddles on past the surreal buildings Casa BatllO and Casa MilA on Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's finest address for expensive designers. Later we reach the historic center from the Raval side, the city's most multicultural neighbourhood, and a Barcelona sightseeing must-see. Explore the labyrinth of small streets that still retain their olden day charm.
The Barrio Gotico is only a stone throw away and we'll get a glimpse of some of its hidden. Just around the corner there are remains from the days of the Roman conquest as well as the ancient "Barcino" - the origin of modern Barcelona. Then rest your hard working legs with a visit to a tapas joint, something not on most Barcelona tours.
Finally we arrive at Port Vell, Barcelona's oldest port. It was here in medieval times the Catalan merchants unloaded their freight and the mighty navy took sail. Cycling along a former fishing neighbourhood next to Barcelona's fantastic beach takes us back to our starting point, and brings an end to our Barcelona by bike adventure.
