Flavors Of Portugal & Spain River Cruise 2019

Overview Flavours of Portugal & Spain

CRUISE YEAR

2018 |2019

7-NIGHT CRUISE

7-NIGHT CRUISE WITH 3 NIGHTS LISBON PRE-CRUISE AND 3 NIGHTS MADRID POST-CRUISE

CRUISE FROM : Porto to Vega de Terrón

Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities.

COUNTRIES: Portugal, Spain

RIVERS: Douro

Flavours of Portugal & Spain At A Glance

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Porto to Vega de Terrón
Vega de Terrón to Porto

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Day 1

Porto

EMBARKATION

Embark your luxurious ship in Porto. This evening, meet your fellow passengers. (B,L,D)

Day 2

Porto

“City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting

OR Porto hike and Port wine tasting

Join a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Porto

Free time

Entre-os-Rios

Dinner at Alpendurada Monastery

After free time further exploring the colorful “City of Bridges,” the ship will sail to Entre-Os-Rios, where you’ll go to dinner at the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery. Savor a pre-dinner glass of Port and the breathtaking view of the river from the terrace of the monastery before having a traditional “home cooked” meal. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Régua

Mateus Palace

Enjoy an excursion to the Palacio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork and hand-wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Régua

Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Scenic cruising

Pinhão

Free Evening

Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you’ll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which for the more active adventurer will want to hike. Concluding the walking and hiking tours, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Afterwards, you’ll go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Pinhão

Quinta de Avessada lunch

Quinta do Sexio Port wine tasting

Enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run Quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to a wine tasting at the charming Quinta do Seixo. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Pinhão

Scenic sailing

Vega de Terrón

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Vega de Terrón

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón. (B)

Day 1

Vega de Terrón

EMBARKATION

Embark your ship in Vega de Terrón and meet your fellow travelers on board. (D)

Day 2

Vega de Terrón

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Barca d’Alva

Quinta do Seixo (or similar) wine tasting

Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century façade and Manueline-style windows. If you prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike up to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. Set sail to Pinhão where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting at charming Quinta do Seixo (or similar). (B,L,D)

Day 3

Pinhão

Mateus Palace and gardens

Wine tasting and lunch at Quinta de Avesseda

Enjoy an excursion to the palace and gardens known as the Palacio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork and hand-carved wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. During the afternoon, enjoy lunch at Quinta da Avessada. Here, you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Régua

Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Your first option is an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafés. Active adventurers can also choose to hike up the famed Lamego Steps, also known as the Holy Staircase. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Caldas de Aregos

Caldas de Arego Vineyard hike

Scenic cruising

Entre-os-Rios

Dinner at Alpendurada Monastery

Enjoy a morning hike through the vineyards, and then set sail along the scenic Douro River. Later in the day, savor a pre-dinner glass of Vinho Verde wine from the terrace of the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery. This will be followed by a traditional “home-cooked” meal. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Porto

“City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting

OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting

Day 7

Porto

Free time

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Porto

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your cruise in Porto. (B)

Lisbon to Madrid
Madrid to Lisbon

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Day 1

Lisbon

Hotel check-in

Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.

Day 2

Lisbon

“City of Seven Hills” tour

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belem Tower, a fortified four-story tower made of limestone, and visit the Late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. (B)

Day 3

Lisbon

Royal Sintra excursion

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting and a view of the Pena National Palace, a fairy tale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B)

Day 4

Lisbon

High-speed train to Porto

Porto

EMBARKATION

Check out of your hotel and transfer via a high-speed train to Porto where you’ll board your ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Porto

“City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting

OR Porto hike and Port wine tasting

Day 6

Porto

Free time

Entre-os-Rios

Dinner at Alpendurada Monastery

Day 7

Régua

Mateus Palace

Day 8

Régua

Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Scenic cruising

Pinhão

Free Evening

Day 9

Pinhão

Quinta de Avessada lunch

Quinta do Sexio Port wine tasting

Day 10

Pinhão

Scenic sailing

Vega de Terrón

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Day 11

Vega de Terrón

DISEMBARKATION

Full-day excursion with flamenco show and lunch

Transfer to Madrid

Madrid

Hotel check-in

Disembark the ship in Vega Terrón and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you’ll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. You will have free time to explore on your own, followed by an escorted city tour that includes the New Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Afterwards be treated to a delicious lunch and Flamenco show. Later in the day, you’ll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B)

Day 12

Madrid

City tour

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. (B)

Day 13

Madrid

Toledo excursion

Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 14

Madrid

Return flight home

Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

Day 1

Madrid

Hotel check-in

Arrive in Madrid and check in to your hotel.

Day 2

Madrid

City tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Madrid, Spain’s capital since the Spanish Golden Age and now its largest city, a place with broad avenues, grand museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars. Known for its historic districts, art, music and epicurean delights, Madrid is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a vibrant nightlife scene. The city’s top landmarks include the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and such renowned art galleries as the Prado Museum and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. (B)

Day 3

Madrid

Toledo excursion

You’ll have an excursion today to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches that once inspired Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your guided tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo (one of the world’s greatest Gothic structures) as well as the Synagogue Santa Maria La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 4

Madrid

Transfer to Salamanca

Salamanca

Full-day excursion with flamenco show and lunch

Transfer to Vega Terrón

Vega de Terrón

EMBARKATION

This morning, you will depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Afterwards, have lunch and be treated to a Flamenco show. Later, you will be transferred to Vega Terrón to board your river ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Vega de Terrón

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Barca d’Alva

Quinta do Seixo (or similar) wine tasting

Day 6

Pinhão

Mateus Palace and gardens

Wine tasting and lunch at Quinta de Avesseda

Day 7

Régua

Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Day 8

Caldas de Aregos

Caldas de Arego Vineyard hike

Scenic cruising

Entre-os-Rios

Dinner at Alpendurada Monastery

Day 9

Porto

“City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting

OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting

Day 10

Porto

Free time

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 11

Porto

DISEMBARKATION

High-speed train transfer to Lisbon

Lisbon

Hotel check-in

After disembarking your ship in Porto, take the train through the Portuguese countryside to Lisbon for your post cruise stay. (B)

Day 12

Lisbon

“City of Seven Hills” tour

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll see the fortified Belem Tower and visit the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery, a Late Gothic-style structure. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, the river and Rossio Square. (B)

Day 13

Lisbon

Royal Sintra excursion with Pena National Palace visit

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a visit to the Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time. (B)

Day 14

Lisbon

Return flight home

Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

Experience More Connections

EXPLORE MORE

City Of Gold

Known for being one of the most stunning Renaissance cities throughout Europe, Salamanca was first founded in the pre-Ancient Rome era in roughly the 2nd or 3rd century BC.

Discovering Lisbon

Lisbon is currently one of the hotspots of European travel so take a page from the daring explorers that set sail from this magnificent city during the Age of Discovery...

The Art Of Flamenco

The rhythmic stamping of feet and soulful clapping of hands, the expressive arc of the arm and flick of the wrist, the emotional intensity and the fiery passion…

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Flavours of Portugal & Spain At A Glance