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VIDA PORTUGAL - VINEYARDS & VILLAGES ALONG THE DOURO CRUISE
8 DAY RIVER CRUISE PORTO TO PORTO FROM $3,299 US
Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Like a blue ribbon threading through the green Douro Valley, the River Douro carries you through some of Portugal's most legendary landscapes. Meaning "River of Gold," the Douro River lives up to its name by revealing priceless gems along sloping vineyards and sleepy villages where rugged landscapes have been tamed for centuries to produce a bounty of wines and cuisine. Welcome aboard the newest addition to our award-winning fleet of Ships - to be swept away by Douro's timeless treasures and traditions, family farms and fevered Fado music, and mouth-watering culinary creations in the world's oldest demarcated wine region.
Embark on your Ship in the city of Porto with the opportunity for an optional guided culinary tour to indulge in the city's world-famous cuisine. Take a guided tour to Braga and Guimaraes or explore ancient architecture, including a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque. Enjoy a guided tour in the charming towns of Peso da Regua and Lamego, where historical sights are mixed with delicious tastings, or meet the owner of one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley to sample the proud traditions of olive oil and wine.
Take a guided tour of Freixo de Numao, where vineyards and granite houses dot the river shores. Consider a fascinating guided tour to Vila Nova de Foz Coa, home of the remarkable Coa Valley Palaeolithic discoveries - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Freixo de Espada a Cinta, a cozy village with narrow streets, flowered houses, and grand Gothic Manueline windows. Choose a full-day experience in Spain with a guided sightseeing excursion to Salamanca. Immerse yourself in an emotionally stirring experience in Portugal's city of Amarante. Your Douro River cruise returns to Porto to soak in the scenic mysteries of this city's Historical Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These and countless other treasures await you on the River of Gold in Portugal's dazzling Douro Valley.
Day 1: Arrive in Porto - Portugal
Welcome to Portugal. Your Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Porto must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day in Porto is free to explore at your leisure. You may choose to join an afternoon guided optional culinary tour if arriving early today. Experience some of Porto's most famous sights and most delectable dishes with regional wine. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO - (D)
While we include your choice of many excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options for your free time. Below is a selection of excursions that may be available for purchase on your cruise.
Option - Bites & Highlights of Porto
Indulge your palate with local mouth-watering tastes of Porto amidst amazing stories, beautiful scenery, and timeless traditions. 3h 0m
Welcome to France. Your Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm.
Day 2: Porto - Porto Antigo
Portuguese Panoramas
Visit the Adventure Center on board for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
Discovery Excursion
Step back in time within the walls of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque with a fascinating introduction to its symbolism and architecture. Enjoy an excursion with an exclusive visit to one of the most iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era with entrance to a XIII century church and be enchanted by sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir, OR:
Classic Excursion
Enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrate your experience with a stop at one of the area's many wine farms and enjoy a tasting.
Sample green wine and famous pastries with stops en route to Regua.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO ANTIGO - (B,L,D)
Day 3: Porto Antigo - Pinhao
Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
Discovery Excursion
Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including an olive oil and wine tasting, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Regua - with its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles, and stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral, followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego and sparkling wine in a local pastry shop.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhao to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terra cotta creations, and culinary delights, or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley's "liquid gold" at a traditional olive-oil mill. This evening, consider an optional excursion to enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner hosted by the local farmers.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PINHAO - (B,L,D)
Option - Magnificent Casa de Mateus
Visit Casa de Mateus the 18th-century palace and birthplace of Mateus Rose wine. 2h 0m
Option - Douro, Land of Oil
Visit a traditional olive-oil farm and villa with tasting above the Douro River. 2h 0m
Option - Taste of Portugal
Break bread with a homemade dinner and stories on a Douro Valley farm. 3h 0m
Day 4: Pinhao - Pocinho - Barca D'Alva
Where Wine and Happiness Flow
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho.
Discovery Excursion
Discover Vila Nova de Foz Coa at the eastern terminus of the Douro Railway line. Marvel at this unique site complete with prehistoric rock art, including the most important collection of Paleolithic figurations known today. Before joining your ship, enjoy a hands-on workshop guided by an archaeologist, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided Tour of Freixo de Numao, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains, filled with vast vineyards and granite houses. This little suburb is filled with Roman, Medieval, and modern ruins.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D'ALVA - (b,L,D)
Day 5: Barca D'Alva - Pocinho
The Reign in Spain
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
Classic Excursion
Join our guide for a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada a Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey, OR:
Classic Excursion
Get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and "Plateresque" architecture. Dive into a delicious dish of the traditional Spanish delicacy, toston asado (traditional roast suckling pig).
In the afternoon you might wish to join our optional excursion to enjoy a do-it-yourself workshop to learn how to bake traditional Florinhas (Portuguese pastries).
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN POCINHO - (B,L,D)
Day 6: Pocinho - Porto
Painted Tiles and Passionate Tunes
During your morning sailing, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile) to take home a piece of Portugal's tradition. You may alternatively join an optional excursion to 18th-century Casa de Mateus - birthplace of Mateus Rose wine and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
Classic Excursion
Join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante - poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marao mountain and the Tamega River, which courses through the heart of the city and assortment of houses lining the riverbanks.
Later, feel the passion of Portugal's soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board. Enjoy a scenic sailing to Porto for a free evening to explore the city.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO - (B,L,D)
Day 7: Porto
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
Active Excursion
Enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, on a bicycle and accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide, OR;
Classic Excursion
Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto - from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art, OR:
This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production. Perhaps simply spend time strolling through Porto's cobblestone lanes, lovely shops, and tempting tapas bars this afternoon before experiencing the energy of Porto's buzzing nightlife.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO - (B,L,D)
Option - Canals, Culture, and Traditions of Aveiro
Explore the traditions and natural beauty of Aveiro on a canal cruise. 4h 30m
Option - The Ancient Art of Corks & Barrels
Visit a family-owned cork factory to discover Portos ancient cork and cooperage history. 3h 30m
Day 8: Porto - Home
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals
Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners as indicated (B,L,D)
DEPARTURE DATES
April to September
PRICES
From approx $3,299 US
per person double occupancy
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