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Day 1, Tue. Depart USA
Day 2, Wed. Lisbon.
Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own.
Day 3, Thu. Lisbon.
Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, lies on several hills along the River Tagus. Take a city tour of Old Town and visit the spectacular 16th century Jerónimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Perhaps see the Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon’s state of the art Oceanarium, or the famous Santa Justa Elevator that oversees the Castle of São Jorge, the river, and the famous Rossio Square. (B)
Day 4, Fri. Lisbon – Csascais & Estoril – Sintra.
Enjoy an afternoon excursion along the coast to Cascais and Estoril. Cascais, a former fishing village, was Portugal’s Royal Family resort until the early 19th century and is one of its wealthiest municipals. Continue on to Serra de Sintra, which is one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Castelo da Pena, which is a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. See this fairy tale castle, then take a guided tour of this picturesque city and experience firsthand the bewitching beauty that inspired poets such as Lord Byron. (B)
Day 5, Sat. Lisbon – Coimbra – Porto.
Leave Lisbon this morning and drive north through Portugal’s countryside towards Porto. Stop along the way to spend several hours in the historic city of Coimbra. Not only were six Portuguese kings born here, but it also has one of the oldest universities in the world, which was founded August 13, 1290. Explore the city at your leisure, then continue on to Porto where your ship awaits you. Relax or explore the city on your own before gathering onboard for a Welcome Cocktail. (B, D)
Day 6, Sun. Régua - Casa Mateus - Pinhão.
After lunch, arrive in Régua and drive to Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes just outside the city of Vila Real. After your tour, rejoin the ship in Pinhão. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet meal at the esteemed Vintage House Hotel which lies on the very edge of the river surrounded by the world’s oldest distinguished wine region. The ship moors overnight in Pinhão. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Mon. Pinhão - Barca d’ Alva.
Spend your morning at your leisure to explore the city on your own, and perhaps see the railway station that is beautifully inlayed with panels of Azulejos. Before lunch, visit the Vintage House Hotel for a Port wine lecture and wine tasting. Return to the ship and sail to Vega de Terrón. The ship moors overnight in Barca d’Alva. (B,L,D)
Day 8, Tue. Salamanca, Spain – Vega de Terrón, Portugal.
Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the "Castilla y León" region of Spain. During a guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12th century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant for some deliciously authentic Spanish cuisine. There will be some time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship. Perhaps visit the locals “living room,” otherwise known as the Plaza Mayor or stop by a café for a drink and some Tapas. Tonight, enjoy a flamenco show by four traditional female dancers performing to an array of popular Spanish songs. The ship moors overnight in Vega de Terrón. (B,L,D)
Day 9, Wed. Vega de Terrón – Pinhão.
After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop. See 16th century walls and walk down very narrow and steep medieval streets and the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain decorated in black faces which stoically sits in the market square. Return to the ship for lunch to sail to Pinhão. Onboard this evening, enjoy a show by a folklore Portuguese troupe. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Thu. Lamego – Bitetos.
Spend a leisure morning soaking up the beauty of the Duoro River as you sail to Regua. Then, drive to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient and picturesque, Lamego houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The remainder of the morning is yours to explore the town on your own to visit the gothic Cathedral or the town’s museum. You may also want to visit one of the cafés to sample a “bola de Lamego” (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, Lamego’s very well-known sparkling wine. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Tonight, appreciate a traditional “home cooked” meal at the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery. Before dinner, savor a glass of Port wine and a breathtaking view of the river valley from the Monastery’s terrace. The ship moors overnight in Bitetos. (B,L,D)
Day 11, Fri. Porto.
During your sightseeing city tour, you will see 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustav Eiffel. Drive through its elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore its Old City with steep medieval lanes and alleys. If you’re looking for some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you’ll find the Casa da Musica and the museum of Modern art. Tonight, say goodbye to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail. (B,L,D)
Day 12, Sat. Porto.
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)
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Portugal & Spain
