Flavours of Portugal & Spain

Embark your luxurious ship in Porto. This evening, meet your fellow passengers.

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.

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.

After free time further exploring the colorful “City of Bridges,” the ship will sail to Entre-Os-Rios, where you’ll go to dinner at a local quinta to enjoy a traditional “home cooked” meal.

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.

Visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you can admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel.

Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta.

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, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own.

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.

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

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.

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.

Check out of your hotel for your flight home.

Arrive in Madrid and check in to your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own.

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.

Later in the day, visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you can admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel.

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.

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising on your way to Porto, then 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 cafés; and the São 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 a more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto; afterwards, indulge in a Port wine tasting.

Enjoy a day at leisure.

Your journey comes to an end in Porto as you prepare for your homeward flight.

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River.  On your escorted tour, you’ll see Bel em Tower and visit the late Gothic Jeronimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. Taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pasteis de Belem, before visiting Discoveries Monument, built in honour of Portugal’s greatest Maritime exploreres.  Enjoy a morning excursion to Sierra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favourite summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family for more than 500 years.  High up a rocky peak, you will tour Pena National Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period.

Prices from £692 per person