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Douro River Cruise: Portugal
and Spain
Douro River
cruise from Porto, Portugal to Salamanca, Spain.
A trip up a pristine river to experience the treasures of
northern Portugal: Old World villages, ancient terraced vineyards,
castles and monasteries and the port wine trail.
Highlights of Itinerary
Day 1
- Sat: USA - Porto
Board your overnight transatlantic
flight to Portugal.
Day
2 - Sun: Porto
Arrive in Porto and embark the Douro Prince.
Two cities, Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto are divided by the
river and a number of impressive bridges span its high banks.
The Douro Prince is docked on the Vila Nova de Gaia
side. The view of the old city of Porto, across the river,
is spectacular. Relax or explore the city on your own before
a Welcome Aboard cocktail and dinner.
Day
3 - Mon: Porto - Bitetos
This morning, discover
Porto's wealth of historic sights on your city sightseeing
tour. Drive through its elegant residential section along
the Atlantic coast, and explore its Old City with steep medieval
lanes and alleys. Depart this afternoon for Bitetos, cruising
through delightful scenery. This evening's highlight is dinner
in the 14th century former Monastery of Alpendurada. Before
dinner, enjoy a Port wine cocktail on the monastery's terrace
with breathtaking views of the river valley below.
Day
4 - Tue: Regua - Vila Real - Palace of Mateus
Continue up the scenic Douro, arriving after lunch in
Regua. Drive to Vila Real, the capital of the Port wine region,
for a brief tour of this charming town. Continue to Casa de
Mateus, a beautiful 18th century palace, and one of the most
splendid examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Explore
its romantic formal gardens, which include a unique 100-foot
cedar tunnel. Continue to Solar da Rede, a beautifully restored
18th century manor house, with a spectacular location high
above the river. Here you will enjoy a Port wine cocktail
and dinner. The ship overnights in Regua.
Day
5 - Wed: Regua - Barca D'Alva
Sail past terraced vineyards, almond, olive, and cherry
orchards on a leisurely and tranquil journey. Arrive in Barca
D'Alva in the late afternoon. This tiny river village is only
a few hundred feet from the Spanish border.
Day
6 - Thu: Vega de Terron - Salamanca
Sail into Spain, then travel by motor coach from Vega
de Terron to Salamanca for a full-day tour. Salamanca has
been famous as a seat of learning since the early 13th century.
During a guided city tour, see the University buildings, the
12th century Romanesque church of San Martin and the unusual
twin-towered cathedral. Enjoy lunch (included) in a local
restaurant, with a free afternoon to shop or stroll the Plaza
Mayor, on of the most beautiful squares in Spain. Return to
the ship for dinner. This evening, a group of young Spanish
Flamenco dancers comes aboard to perform. Moor overnight.
Day
7 - Fri: Sao Joao da Pesqueira - Pinhao
Spend the morning cruising the delightful. After lunch,
stop at Ferradosa Quay for an afternoon tour to Sao Joao de
Pesqueira. See its charming Town Hall decorated with beautiful
tiled murals depicting Port wine scenes. Leave this small
town via steep, winding roads to the famous nine chapels of
Sao Salvador de Mundo.
The view of the river below is breathtaking. Drive to a local
quintoa (Port winery) for more breathtaking views, and a Port
wine lecture and tasting. Return to Pinhao where the ship
moors for the night. There is time to explore this delightful
small town before dinner. Tonight enjoy a performance onboard
by a local Portuguese folk ensemble.
Day
8- Sat: Lamego - Porto
After breakfast, disembark for a tour to Lamego, one of
the most attractive cities in Portugal. Visit the famous Gothic
church Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, situated high above the
city. Enjoy free time in this delightful city to shop or visit
its interesting museum. Rejoin your ship in time for lunch.
This afternoon, sail through the scenic Douro Valley to Porto,
set on Penaventosa Hill, high above the Douro. Sail for several
miles under the impressive bridges and past the fascinating
colorful Old Town. The quaint beauty of this city is a delightful
surprise. Enjoy cocktails onboard and a farewell dinner.
Day
9- Sun: Porto - USA
Your delightful holiday comes to an end this morning.
Disembark and fly home.
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