Portugal Spain and the Douro River Valley

PORTUGAL, SPAIN & DOURO RIVER VALLEY
12 DAYS FROM $2,099 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676

The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country—the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

Who will enjoy this cruise:

This is a hidden gem for those seeking an unspoiled river valley with lovely vistas, storied towns, and lively cities. True wine connoisseurs and food aficionados will enjoy indulging in the region’s celebrated Port wine and local cuisine.

DAY 1:
Depart home gateway city to Lisbon

DAY 2: Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon’s Portela Airport where you’ll be transferred to the hotel.

DAY 3: Lisbon
Featured Excursion: Lisbon city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: 3/4-Day Sintra and Cascais evening Fado Dinner
Your guided exploration of Lisbon takes you to the historic district of Belem and the Belem Tower, the traditional starting and ending point of the Portuguese voyages of discovery. You’ll then visit the magnificent cloister of San Jeronimos, built in the early 16th century as a celebration of Portugal’s territorial expansion and an expression of a unique national style. (BB)

DAY 4: Lisbon
Spend leisure time enjoying this cosmopolitan city often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills.’’ Uncover a treasure trove of old world architecture, or simply relax in one of the many cafés in Lisbon’s popular Rossio Square. (BB)

DAY 5: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto
Featured Excursion: Coimbra tour with family-style lunch
In the morning, you’ll head north through the picturesque countryside to Porto. En route, you’ll stop in Portugal’s third largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university is the Biblioteca Joanina, a gem of a library with books that date back to the 12th century. After your library visit, you’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to the ship docked in Porto. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6: Porto, Bitetos
Featured Excursion: Porto city tour and dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery
Traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Later, sail to Bitetos where you’ll indulge in a country-style dinner at the former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada. (BB, L, D)

DAY 7: Bitetos, Régua, Pinhão
Featured Excursion: Mateus Palace and Gardens
Cruise from Bitetos to Régua. Visit the impressive Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens, with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. (BB, L, D)

DAY 8: Pinhão, Vega de Terrón (Spain)
Featured Excursion: Winetasting at a local quinta
Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Visit a quinta (vineyard) where you’ll learn the history of, and sample, the country’s most celebrated beverage. Later in the day, cruise from Pinhão to Vega de Terrón. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

DAY 9: Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva
Featured Excursion: Full-day Salamanca tour with traditional Spanish lunch and flamenco show
From Vega de Terrón, on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the historic university before having an authentic lunch with a flamenco show at a local restaurant. Enjoy free time in this magical city. (BB, L, D)

DAY 10: Barca d’Alva (Castelo Rodrigo), Pinhão
Featured Excursion: Castelo Rodrigo tour and dinner at the Vintage House hotel
Visit the picturesque Medieval walled 12th-century city of Castelo Rodrigo. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner complete with wine at the Vintage House hotel, a magnificent converted 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. (BB, L, D)

DAY 11: Régua (Lamego), Porto
Featured Excursion: Lamego city tour
Tour the old Episcopal city of Lamego with its impressive 18th-century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, and visit the local museum (BB, L, D)

DAY 12: Depart Porto
Disembark the ship and transfer to Porto Airport for your flight home.

Cruise Highlights include:

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the intimate Douro Queen

3 nights at the deluxe Tiara Park Atlantic Hotel (or similar) in Lisbon with breakfast

All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients

Complimentary fine wine with dinner during your cruise

8 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions

2 dinners and 2 lunches onshore featuring traditional cuisine in unique settings

Captain’s Farewell Dinner

Captivating onboard local entertainment

Signature lecture: “The Magical Douro River Valley”

An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff

All transfers on arrival and departure days

Departures:
March - October

Prices
From $2,099 US approx per person double occupancy

Many other tours of Spain and Portugal and combinations including Morocco and France available
Contact us for more information