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9 Days Cruising Portugal’s Douro River Valley Cruise Vacation Package Duration : 9 days / 8 nights Priced From : $2,895 Dates : April - October   Discover the best of the Douro Valley from water’s edge during a relaxing cruise along the “River of Gold” — one of the Iberian Peninsula’s scenic gems, endowed with panoramas that stretch from stately Porto in Portugal’s center of port wine production to Spain. Bringing you to the doorstep of some of the loveliest landscapes, towns, and villages found anywhere in the world, this cruise promises a perspective of the region that is like no other. Flowing nearly 600 miles through both countries to the Atlantic, the once-wild Douro is now one of Europe’s most unspoiled, beautiful rivers. Glide past steeply terraced vineyards, hillsides dotted with white manor houses, and royal hideaways aboard your “floating hotel” — the 48-passenger Douro Prince, the most luxurious ship on the river. Besides comfort and convenience, you’ll find plenty of open deck space from which to view the scenery. The ship’s all-outside, spacious cabins and stylish public areas offer a comfortable “floating hotel” that frees you from the hassle of packing and unpacking, affording you time and leisure to experience each port of call to the fullest. Unique shore excursions, to such places as Spain’s ancient seat of learning in Salamanca, showcase the culture and history of the region. Itinerary Day 1 – Depart Home Leave your home city on a flight for Portugal. Day 2 – Porto (Embark), Portugal Upon arrival, embark the intimate Douro Prince for your relaxing cruise along the Douro River Valley — a truly unspoiled area of rich beauty. Tonight, you can independently explore this delightful city, famous for its port wine. View the cellars of the celebrated Sandeman vintner and admire the terraced rows of gabled houses. Also take the opportunity to cross Ponte de Dom Luis I, Porto’s emblematic iron bridge constructed by one of Eiffel’s pupils. Day 3 – Porto/Bitetos, Portugal Join a morning tour, learning about Porto’s fascinating history while strolling the medieval city center — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and during a helicopter flight over the city. End your tour at a port wine lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will be treated to a tasting. Enjoy lunch on board, then set sail for Bitetos. Upon arrival, attend a special dinner at the historic 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. Day 4 – Peso da Régua (for Lamego)/ Pinhão, Portugal Take advantage of a quiet morning, listening to your onboard experts as you cruise leisurely past Carrapatelo Dam and through panoramic landscapes en route to Peso da Régua. Upon arrival, transfer to Vila Real to visit the 18th-century manor house, Casa de Mateus, owned by the Count of Vila Real. Explore its spectacular gardens before returning to the ship for lunch and afternoon sailing to Pinhão. After dinner, enjoy the onboard entertainment of Portuguese fado. Day 5 – Pinhão/Vega de Terrón, Spain Join a morning visit to Pinhão’s Wine Academy, where you’ll be treated to a fascinating lecture and sampling of the region’s flavors. Also stroll Pinhão, enjoying the genuine nature of the local Portuguese people who love seeing new faces in the place they proudly call home. Later, relax on deck and gather at an reception while cruising toward Spain this afternoon. You’ll moor at Vega de Terrón. Day 6 – Vega de Terrón (for Salamanca, Spain)/Barca d’Alva, Portugal Travel overland to the medieval Spanish city of Salamanca, an ancient university town with outstanding architecture. Here, visit the historic university and stroll through one of Spain’s grandest squares — Plaza Mayor. Tour Salamanca’s two majestic cathedrals, Cathedral Nueva, completed in 1560, and Cathedral Vieja, a Romanesque jewel dating from 1160. Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella lunch at a local restaurant. Reboard the ship in Barca d’Alva for overnight. Day 7 – Barca d’Alva (for Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo)/Pinhão, Portugal Disembark this morning for a short journey to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, situated at the foot of Marofa Mountain, and tour the local cathedral there. Then explore Castle Rodrigo, a medieval, walled city with panoramic countryside views. Later, relax as you cruise back to Pinhão. Dine at the Vintage House Hotel tonight. Day 8 – Peso da Régua (for Vila Real)/Porto, Portugal Join today’s Lamego excursion to see the 18th-century pilgrimage church and shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. Then later, this afternoon, sail along the river dotted with vineyards and brilliant whitewashed estates. The Douro Prince returns to Porto, the “City of Bridges,” tonight. Day 9 – Porto (Disembark)/Return Home Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by a Europe river cruise vacation specialist. Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 10/08 |
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9 Days Cruising Portugal’s Douro River Valley Cruise Cruise Vacations Search here for your Cruises, Vacations and Tours
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