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Historic sights, superb climate, and sandy beaches
contribute to the timeless beauty and old-world charm of
Portugal. Your vacation begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s
capital city, where a local expert will guide you
through 16th century Jeronimo’s Monastery; the
impressive fortress of Belem Tower; and the historic
Moorish Alfama Quarter. Travel along Portugal’s lovely
“Silver Coast” and visit the medieval walled town of
Obidos and the coastal fishing village of Nazare. From
the big city excitement of a night tour and later
walking tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to
the tranquil and beautiful scenery along the Douro River
and valley, which you will experience on a 5-night
cruise, you’ll find northern Portugal is a region of
contrasting delights. Your cruise includes stops in
Villa Real, Vega de Teron, Salamanca, Lamego and Bitetos
where you will experience more than 1,000 years of
Portugal’s history in the Roman ruins, medieval churches
and Renaissance buildings you will encounter along the
way. In Coimbra, attractions include the historic 13th
century university and the 12th century cathedral before
a farewell dinner in Lisbon wraps up relaxing trip to
one of Europe’s most hospitable countries.
- During your city tour, a
local expert brings Lisbon's history, old-world charm and
traditions to life.
- Travel the "Silver Coast," a region known
for its charming villages, magical castles and mile after mile of pastoral
scenery.
- Visit one of Porto's most famous wine
making cellars for a tour and tasting of this "wine of royalty."
- Unpack once, sit back and relax during
your five-night Douro River Valley cruise.
- Experience an evening featuring delicious
Portuguese cuisine, wines, and traditional Fado music.
 Day
1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to Portugal, one of Europe’s most hospitable
countries. Enjoy the historic sights, superb climate,
sandy beaches and timeless beauty for which Portugal is
famous.
Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal
Your tour begins in Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon,
set on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Enjoy
some time at leisure to independently explore this
historic city. This evening, join your fellow travelers
for a special welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Lisbon
A local expert brings Lisbon to life on a city tour
highlighting 16th century Jeronimo’s Monastery, Monument
to the Discoveries, the impressive fortress of Belem
Tower and the historic Alfama Quarter. The remainder of
the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 4: Obidos - Nazare - Porto - Embarkation
Enjoy a wonderful day of sightseeing along Portugal’s
beautiful “Silver Coast”. Visit the enchanting,
medieval, walled town of Obidos, featuring tiny
whitewashed houses and balconies brimming with flowers.
Then travel to one of the most picturesque spots in all
of Portugal, the coastal fishing village of Nazare. Gain
insight into the fishermen who have plied this coast for
centuries during an interesting discussion with local
fishermen, followed by a knot-making demonstration. Your
journey continues to Porto, the second largest city in
Portugal and home of the famous port wine. Embarkation
is scheduled for late afternoon, followed by dinner and
a tour of Porto by Night. (B, D)
Day 5: Porto - Cruise to Regua
A guided walking tour of Porto features its spectacular
historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, learn
about the making and trade of port wine, followed by a
visit and tasting at one of Porto’s famous wine cellars.
Return to your boat for lunch and begin your wonderful
Douro River cruise. En route to Regua, you will pass
through the locks of Crestuma and Carrapatello, the
highest in Europe. Upon arrival in Regua, enjoy a
wonderful dinner accompanied by a local folk group. (B,
L, D)
Day 6: Regua - Vega de Teron, Spain
After breakfast visit Villa Real’s beautiful cathedral.
Join your guide for a lovely walk through the beautiful
gardens of Solar de Mateus. Return to your boat for
lunch in Pinhao. After lunch, cruise through the
wonderful high hills, in the very heart of the most
famous Porto vineyards, planted in terraces up to 2,100
feet high. Arrive in Vega de Teron where you will enjoy
dinner on board with your fellow passengers. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Vega de Teron - Salamanca
After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to the
Spanish city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest
universities in the world. This well-preserved city has
beautiful stone noblemen’s houses, convents and palaces
scattered among the faculty buildings. The architecture
reflects the city’s Roman, Arabic and Christian past,
and Salamanca holds what once was the most impressive
town square in the whole of Spain. Rejoin the ship in
Vega de Teron for a gala dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Vega de Teron - Pinhao, Portugal - Regua -
Bitetos
Spend the morning cruising through the stunning
countryside of the Duoro Valley, before arriving in
Pinhao after lunch. Enjoy a visit to a local vineyard.
In Lamego, you will discover the Nossa Senhora dos
Remedios Sanctuary, the medieval castle, the church of
Almacave, and the cathedral. Rejoin the boat in Regua
early evening and cruise to Bitetos. Enjoy dinner and an
evening of traditional folklore entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Bitetos - Porto - Disembark River Cruise –
Coimbra - Lisbon
Cruise to Porto, arriving after breakfast. Disembark and
travel south for a visit to the historic 13th century
University of Coimbra and its magnificent library. Other
Coimbra attractions include the 12th century cathedral
and the 16th century St. Sebastian’s aqueduct. Your day
ends in Lisbon with a farewell dinner celebrating the
end of a wonderful and relaxing trip to beautiful
Portugal. (B, D)
Day 10: Lisbon - Tour Ends
(B)
Add a pre or post night stay in Lisbon.
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Extend Your
Vacation with... |
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Optional
3-Night
Stay in Madeira Island
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double land and air included |
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Uniquely For You
Porto Vineyards |
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Although always popular, Portuguese
wines are being rediscovered. Wines from
the Douro region, the Port Vinho verde
(sparkling wine) and the light, fresh,
fizzy wines from the Porto region are
beginning to be accepted as some of
Portugal's finest. The Vinho verde
region is best known for its slightly
under-ripe wines, with a slightly
sparking character. They are mainly
white, and the best are made from the
alvarinho grape, as well as the azal,
lourerio and rabigato. Although
excellent white wines are produced here,
the area is best known for its great
reds. Experience the "taste for yourself
on a local vineyard tour and tasting. |
Base Rates Per Person
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Departure Date |
Double Rate |
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Sorry, No Departure Dates are currently
available, please call us. |
*Tour
prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to
change. Please call for triple or child
occupancy rates. Additional tour dates may be
available.
10 days, 19 meals
8 Buffet Breakfasts, 4 Lunch, 7 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Hotel Mundial, Lisbon
Day 4 - 8 - M.S. Magellan, CroisiEurope River
Cruises
Day 9 - Hotel Altis, Lisbon
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
NOTES:
- This tour only operates in the
months listed
- Single accommodations are
limited and available on request only. Triple
accommodations are not available.
- Ports of call are subject to
change based on pier availability and weather conditions.
- Lunch and dinner aboard the
river vessel do not include alcoholic beverages. Mineral water,
coffee or tea are included at all meals.
- Gratuities for cabin stewards,
bus boys and waiter on board the ship are not included.
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