FEATURED GETAWAYS
Enticing Douro Wine Cruise
Sailing from April to October 2022
OVERVIEW
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms 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 world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Visit colorful Lisbon, the city that launched countless explores; Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; and Salamanca, the “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
DAY 1
DEPARTURE DAY
Take an overnight flight to Lisbon.
DAY 2
LISBON
Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel. It is a day at leisure.
DAY 3
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 Belém Tower, a fortified 4-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.
DAY 4
LISBON - Royal Sintra excursion
Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron once called it “perhaps the most delightful village in Europe.” High up on a rocky peak, you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period.
DAY 5
LISBON - Check out of your hotel, and take the High-speed train to Porto to embark on your ship. Check out of your hotel and board a high-speed train to Porto to embark on your ship.
DAY 6
PORTO - Choice of included Excursions:
“City of Bridges” tour with Port wine tasting
OR
Porto hike with Port wine tasting
Guimaraes tour with wine tasting
The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; 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. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike and then enjoy a Port wine tasting. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Portuguese dinner with your fellow travelers in Entre-Os-Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.
DAY 7
Régua - Choice of included Excursions:
Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting
OR
Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting
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 the more active adventurer will want to climb on a guided hike. Concluding both 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. You’ll then go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. Later in the day, savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port-wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region.
DAY 8
Barca d’Alva - Choice of included Excursions:
Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare
OR
Castelo Rodrigo hike with a tasting of regional fare
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d’Alva, where you will visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views. You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce.
DAY 9
Vega de Terrón
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. You can also enjoy a traditional flamenco show and lunch in Salamanca.
DAY 10
Pinhão
Be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where 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. In the afternoon, admire the beautiful interior of the Baroque-style Mateus Palace as well as its gardens, among some of the most beautiful in Portugal.
DAY 11
Porto
Visit Guimarães, the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” on a very special excursion or enjoy a free afternoon in Porto.
DAY 12
Porto
Disembark the ship and you prepare for your flight home.
-
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
-
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
-
3 nights pre-cruise accommodations in Lisbon - standard Double room
-
Computer for internet access
-
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
-
Bottled water replenished daily
-
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
-
Internet and Wi-Fi access
-
Sun deck with pool
-
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
-
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
-
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
-
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
-
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner during river cruise
-
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast during river cruise.
-
Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
-
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
-
Immersive tours in every destination
-
Guided hikes, Special Interest Tours, Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
-
Knowledgeable guides
-
Personal headset for easy exploration
-
Airport transfers
-
8 nights accommodations
-
Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B), 8 Afternoon Tea, 12 Dinners
-
Arrival and departure transfers.
-
Return flights: Toronto to Lisbon
Travel Dates:
Sailing Dates: April to October 2022
Allow 3 days for Lisbon extension
