Day 1 - Saturday - Sep 21, 2024
Arrive in Lisbon and check into your hotel.
Day 2 - Sunday - Sep 22, 2024
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 Jeronimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pasteis de Belem, before going to the Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal's greatest maritime explorers. (B)
Day 3 - Monday - Sep 23, 2024
Enjoy a morning excursion to 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 - Tuesday - Sep 24, 2024
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)
Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D)
Day 5 - Wednesday - Sep 25, 2024
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 Sao 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. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Thursday - Sep 26, 2024
Entre-os-Rios translates to "between the rivers", and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tamega 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 - Friday - Sep 27, 2024
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 - Saturday - Sep 28, 2024
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 bolas 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 Pinhao, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Sunday - Sep 29, 2024
Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhao 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, which 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 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Monday - Sep 30, 2024
| Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal |
|
|
Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhao 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. Preferring 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 - Tuesday - Oct 1, 2024
Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terron. (B); DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.
Disembark the ship in Vega de Terron 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 Leon 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 - Wednesday - Oct 2, 2024
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, Puerta del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, and Plaza Mayor. (B)
Day 13 - Thursday - Oct 3, 2024
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 Maria la Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)
Day 14 - Friday - Oct 4, 2024
Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B); DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.
