Tour Overview:
Set sail along the UNESCO-designated Douro River. Taste new wines from Old World villages and sample the flavors of Portuguese cuisine. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, the “White Village”; enjoy an immersive lunch at a quinta in Pinhão; see Lamego, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites; and marvel at a centuries-old Portuguese monastery. Plus, enjoy two nights in Porto to this fascinating “City of Bridges.” Historic places, unspoiled beauty and distinctive wines are yours to be enjoyed as you savor the flavors of Spain and Portugal.

Day 1 (Jul 27, 2021): Vega De Terrón – Embarkation

Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D)

Day 2 (Jul 28, 2021) Barca D’alva – Pinhão, Portugal

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. (B,L,D)

Day 3 (Jul 29, 2021): 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, a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 4 (Jul 30, 2021): Régua

Begin your day with a tour of the 18th-century Palacio Anadia, or Palace of the Counts, known for its beautiful interior and stained-glass windows. Later in the day, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (Jul 31, 2021): Régua – Entre-Os-Rios

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. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Aug 01, 2021): Entre-Os-Rios – Porto

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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 (Aug 02, 2021): Porto

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 8 (Aug 03, 2021): Porto – Disembarkation

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

Optional Pre-Cruise: 3 nights hotel in Madrid at the Westin Palace (or similar), including city tour, Toledo excursion and daily breakfast. Transfer from Madrid to Salamanca with city tour, flamenco show and lunch, and then on to the ship in Vega Terrón

Optional Post-Cruise: 3 nights hotel in Lisbon at the Intercontinental Lisbon (or similar), including city tour, Royal Sintra excursion and daily breakfast. Transfer from the ship in Porto to Lisbon via high-speed train.

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