Flavours of Portugal & Spain

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

The colourful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on a escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; 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 at Graham’s Winery. Prefer to get more active, you can hike to Graham’s Winery, offering magnificent views over the Douro River.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to take in more of Porto’s charm before cruising to Entre-Os-Rios, where you will enjoy a special Portuguese dinner at a local Quinta.

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.

Revel in a visit to Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you’ll admire beautiful 16th-18th century furnishings and hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine. You’ll also have some time to stroll among the gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiaries and an impressive cedar tunnel. Later, enjoy a wine tasting at a local quinta.

This morning, hike to the 19th-century Pinhão Railway Station, once used to transport wine. Admire the more than 20 historic azulejos (hand-painted tiles) that depict various aspects of the town’s grape harvest.

During the afternoon, enjoy lunch at Quinta da Avessada. Here, you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. 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.

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. Set sail to Vega de Terrón where you’ll be treated to a Port wine tasting.

Disembark the ship and prepare for your onward journey. Transfer to the amazing university city of Salamanca where you will enjoy an included tour before continuing your journey to Madrid. Settle into your hotel.

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 and transfer to the airport 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.

After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small. fortified village perched high on a hilltop with steep, narrow streets and incredible views. We will stop to taste some of the area’s freshly harvested produce. Or hike up to Figueira de Castella for stunning views. Rejoin the ship in Barca d’ Alva and enjoy lunch on board before departing early this afternoon for Pinhão. The ship moors overnight in Pinhão.

This morning, enjoy an excursion to the palace and gardens known as the Palacio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork and hand-carved wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. Later be treated to 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.  

This morning, you may choose one 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). Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafés. Active adventurers can also choose an escorted hike up the famed Lamego Steps.

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising along a lovely stretch of the Douro. Today you’ll take an excursion to Quinta de Avelada, a historic family-owned wine estate near the city of Penafiel. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a tour of the winery followed by a delicious wine and cheese tasting. Afterwards you will have some free time to explore the grounds and admire the estate’s famous gardens before returning back to your ship. The ship moors overnight in Entre-os-Rios

This morning, we depart for Porto, the country’s northern capital, arriving early afternoon. Your guided tour of the historical quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes 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. Alternatively, take a short journey to a nearby coastal town for your Tastes of Matosinhos tour. We will visit a traditional restaurant for a sardine and bacalhau cooking demonstration and tasting. Or take part in an escorted hiking tour of Porto and explore the old harbour quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. Your ship overnights in Porto.

Today, enjoy an excursion to Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture in 2012. The birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães claims to be “the cradle of the nation” and boasts a historic centre that is one of the most attractive and best preserved in all of Portugal. You may also opt for a seaside walk along the Atlantic Ocean with a café stop in Alfurada. Say farewell tonight to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail. The ship moors in Porto overnight

Disembark your cruise in Porto.

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.