DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Spain
Depart for Spain
DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Madrid
Arrive in Madrid, Spain's energetic capital, and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage in the hotel and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Madrid
DAY 3, Monday - Tour of Madrid
The discovery of Madrid begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. View the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe's second largest. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum. Stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments, and museums on your own, or join the optional tour to Toledo. Take a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece, and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe
Optional: Toledo Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Tuesday - Salamanca, Cruise Embarkation
This morning, depart Madrid and begin a scenic drive to Barca d' Alva, Portugal or Vega de Terron, Spain*. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Salamanca. The walking tour will lead you through the streets of its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the 12th century old cathedral, the Salina, and Monterrey Palace. Spend free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, arrive at the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner, as it sets the mood for your lovely Douro river cruise
*The ship will dock in Barca d'Alva or in Vega de Terron. Docking availability of this port is up to port authorities, there will be no change in the program.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Wednesday - Torre de Moncorvo
This morning disembark, and drive to the medieval town Torre de Moncorvo, known for its historic architecture. Stroll though the town's narrow streets, lined with traditional stone houses, and view the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao, an impressive example of Portuguese Gothic and Renaissance styles.This afternoon, sail towards Pinhão
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Thursday - Pinhão
Continue your scenic cruise, admiring the region's beautiful landscapes of terraced vineyards and lush valleys. This afternoon, arrive in Pinhão, Spend the afternoon at leisure, or participate the optional Wine Tasting and dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Visit the vineyard Quinta da Avessada and learn about wine production, aging, and bottling. Afterward, savor dinner with traditional Portuguese meals. Rejoin the ship later in the evening in Pinhão where it remains overnight
Optional: Wine Tasting and Dinner at Quinta da Avessada (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Friday - Sail to Regua, Douro Museum, Mateus Palace
This morning, continue cruising along the Douro River towards Regua. This historic town in the heart of Portugal's most famous wine region, has been the center of port wine industry for centuries. After lunch, disembark and visit the Douro Museum, housed in a restored former wine warehouse, learn about the winemaking industry of the area. Stroll through the exhibits providing information on the history of the Douro region, including the geography, climate and people. Later, embark on a tour of Mateus Palace, located in the city of Vila Real. Explore the beautiful Baroque palace with its elaborate carved ceilings and stroll through the manicured gardens The ship docks overnight in Regua
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Saturday - Lamego, Regua
Travel to Lamego, nestled amidst the lush vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region. The town is known for its stunning Baroque staircase leading to the iconic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Stroll around the town's historic center, characterized by its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and visit the Gothic Lamego Cathedral. Spend time at leisure before returning to the ship. The afternoon is free to relax on board. The ship docks overnight in Regua
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Sunday - Sail to Porto/Afurada & City Tour of Porto
Spend the morning at leisure, taking in the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, admire the views of Porto as the ship enters the city. Disembark for a city tour of Porto. Take a panoramic drive through the city center to Luis I Bridge. Then, embark on a walking tour where you will view Porto Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, the Stock Exchange, and the medieval São Francisco Church. The tour ends at the city center with free time to shop for souvenirs. Afterward head back to the ship
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Monday - Explore Amarante
Begin the day with a scenic drive to the medieval town of Amarante. On arrival, take a tour of the historic town center. Admire the stunning high arched São Goncalo Bridge spanning the Tamega River, and visit the São Goncalo Church, known for its intricate Baroque architecture, and ornate azulejo tiles. Free time to explore on your own before heading back. In the afternoon, choose the optional Medieval city of Guimarães. Explore the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its wealth of architectural treasures. Walk by the Guimarães Castle where Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was born. View and learn about the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. End the tour at the historical main square Oliveira and enjoy some free time before returning to the ship
Optional: Medieval City of Guimarães (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Tuesday - Disembarkation, Obidos en route to Lisbon
This morning, disembark the ship, and begin your scenic drive towards Lisbon. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Obidos, encircled by fortified walls, for lunch on your own. Spend free time to explore the town with its many Gothic, and Renaissance churches. Marvel at the Church of Santa Maria, with its beautiful Manueline architecture and stunning azulejo tiles. Later, continue the drive to Lisbon. Arrive, and check into the hotel. Tonight is free to discover Lisbon's vibrant nightlife
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Wednesday - Lisbon City Tour
Begin the tour of Lisbon with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to admire panoramic views over the hills of Lisbon, and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then, spend some free time in the Village Historical Center before returning to Lisbon
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Thursday - Depart Portugal
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material
provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates
are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
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