Flavors of Portugal and Spain
Wine Douro River Cruise

7 night Vega Terron to Porto Cruise
Optional 3 night hotel stay in Madrid and 3 night hotel stay in Lisbon

 

Begin your journey in beautiful Madrid, Spain, known for its great cultural and artistic heritage. Travel to the Spanish border of Vega Terrón to embark on your Douro River Valley cruise. Traverse through one of Europe’s most pure and unspoiled rivers where Port wine vineyards wrap around every crew-cut hillside. Visit the small town of Pinhão, known as the wine lovers Mecca, then on to the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes. Explore the former Roman village of Bitetos and its 11th-century Alpendurade Monastery before visiting the northern capital of Portugal, Porto. Conclude your journey in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon.

 

MADRID - CRUISE - LISBON

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID

Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own. (B)

Day 2 MADRID

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

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 - SALAMANCA - VEGA TERRÓN - EMBARKATION

This morning, you will depart Madrid for a full-day tour of Salamanca. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salamanca is located at the center of the "Castilla y León" region of Spain. During your guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant for some deliciously authentic Spanish cuisine. Then enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. Perhaps visit the locals "living room," otherwise, known as the Plaza Mayor or stop by a café for a drink and some tapas. After your visit to Salamanca, transfer to Vega Terrón to embark your luxurious ship. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 5 VEGA TERRÓN - BARCA D'ALVA - PINHÃO

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 facade 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. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinho, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 6 PINHÃO

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinho Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station's main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, 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, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 7 RÉGUA

You have a choice of two excursions. 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 Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). For active adventurers, you can hike up the famed Lamego Steps, also known as the Holy Staircase. Later in the day, visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you can admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and spend some time exploring the palace?s magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel. (B,L,D)

Day 8 RÉGUA - ENTRE-OS-RIOS

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro from Regua to Entre-Os-Rios. This will be followed by a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 9 ENTRE-OS-RIOS - PORTO

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising on your way to Porto, then 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 So 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 a more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto; afterwards, indulge in a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 10 PORTO - GUIMARÃES - PORTO

Today, enjoy an excursion to Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Say farewell to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail. (B,L,D)

Day 11 PORTO – DISEMBARKATION – FATIMA - LISBON

After disembarking your ship, take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Lisbon to check into your hotel. (B)

Day 12 LISBON

Lisbon, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, lies on several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour visits Old Town and the spectacular 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Perhaps see the Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon's state of the art Oceanarium, or the famous Santa Justa Elevator that oversees the Castle of São Jorge, the river, and the famous Rossio Square. (B)

Day 13 LISBON – SINTRA

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 14 LISBON

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

 

LISBON - CRUISE - MADRID

 

Day 1 ARRIVE IN LISBON

Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own.

Day 2 LISBON

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 Jernimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastis de Belem, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal?s greatest maritime explorers.

Day 3 LISBON – SINTRA - LISBON

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 – FATIMA – PORTO – EMBARKATION

Check out of your hotel and take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Porto where you'll board your ship. (B,D)

Day 5 PORTO

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 So 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 6 PORTO

Visit Guimar?es, the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” on a very special excursion. Later in the day, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 7 RÉGUA

Venture to the town of Lamego, where you’ll see the “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies” on a city tour or climb the 686-step “Holy Staircase,” beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Blas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. (B,L,D)

Day 8 RÉGUA - PINHÃO

Visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you can admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and spend some time exploring the palace?s magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinh?o, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 9 PINHAÕ

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinh?o Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station?s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, 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, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 10 VEGA TERRÓN

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 11 VEGA TERRÓN - DISEMBARKATION - SALAMANCA - MADRID

Disembark the ship in Vega Terr?n 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 Le?n 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. Later in the day, you?ll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B)

Day 12 MADRID

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

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 Mar?a La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 14 DEPART MADRID

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

 

2023 Per Person Cruise Fares