Flavors Of Portugal & Spain - Porto To Vega De Terron

PORTO TO VEGA DE TERRÓN

7- Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Madrid Post-Cruise

Two iconic cities, Lisbon and Madrid, provide the perfect start and end to a grand journey through Portugal and Spain. Cosmopolitan Lisbon offers a treasure trove of Old World architecture and a wealth of stories about its famed explorers; and then there is the seaside town of Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities: the golden-hued city of Salamanca, the ancient walled city of Toledo, and cosmopolitan Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars.

MAP

LISBON TO MADRID

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL - Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
• 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 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. (B)
• DAY 3 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 visit to 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 – 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 São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. (B,L,D)
• DAY 6 ENTRE-OS-RIOS - Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)
• DAY 7 RÉGUA - Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D)
• DAY 8 RÉGUA – PINHÃO - 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 Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)
• DAY 9 PINHÃO - Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão 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 de 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. (B,L,D)
• DAY 10 PINHÃO-BARCA D’ALVA, PORTUGAL - Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d’Alva. 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 DE TERRÓN – DISEMBARKATION – SALAMANCA – MADRID - Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón 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 León 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, L)
• 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 - 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 María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)
• DAY 14 DEPART MADRID - Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

MADRID TO LISBON

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN - Arrive in Madrid and check in to your hotel.
• 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, Puerta 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 visit 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 - Depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later, you will be transferred to Vega de Terrón to board your river ship. (B,L,D)
• DAY 5 BARCA D’ALVA – PINHÃO, PORTUGAL - 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 façade 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 Pinhão. (B,L,D)
• DAY 6 PINHÃO - Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão 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, a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)
• DAY 7 RÉGUA - Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and gardens. Later in the day, 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 Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). For active adventurers, you can hike up the famed Lamego Steps, also known as the Holy Staircase. (B,L,D)
• DAY 8 RÉGUA – ENTRE-OS-RIOS - Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro from Régua 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. The second largest city in Portugal, this coastal destination is home to iconic historic landmarks, impressive cuisine, and, of course – Port wine. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine and sample its rich flavors. (B,L,D)
• DAY 10 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 São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. 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 11 PORTO – DISEMBARKATION – 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 - One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll see the fortified Belém Tower and visit the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery, a late Gothic-style structure. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, the river and 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 visit to the Pena Palace, a fairytale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time. (B)
• DAY 14 DEPART LISBON - Your journey comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Dates & Prices