Day 1 – Depart via overnight flights to Portugal
Meals and services per airline policy.
Day 2 – Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto), Embarkation after 5pm (D)
Check in after 5 pm. Prior to dinner, meet your fellow passengers and Cruise Staff for a cocktail and crew before your first dinner onboard.
Day 3 – Porto – Regua (B, L, D)
Guided Tour of Porto and Wine Tasting (about 4 hours)
Departure by coach from the Villa Nova de Gaia Quay, facing Porto from across the Douro river and the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, built between 1881 and 1886 by French engineer Theophile Seyrig, one of Gustave Eiffel’s pupils. Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, stands out from the steep banks of the Douro river with its mixture of grey facades and red tiles interspersed with unusual architectural masterpieces. Its historical center was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. We’ll discover The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building), built in 1834 by the city’s Commercial Association. It has remained their headquarters to this day. After climbing up the beautiful granite and marble stairway, we’ll visit the former Tribunal Room, the Golden Room and the Arab Room, decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), also known as the “Golden Church”. It was originally a modest convent founded by Franciscan monks in the 12th century, before being further altered by prominent Porto families in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were responsible for the Baroque style interior which mingles with the large, elaborate rose window in Gothic style on the main façade in a fascinating mixture of styles reflecting the various eras it went through. We’ll cross the Dom Luis I Bridge again back to Villa Nova de Gaia for the visit of a wine cellar. Porto’s pride notably stems from its famous wine known the world over, which you will get to taste*. We’ll return on board by coach. Tonight we set sail to Regua.
Day 4 – Regua – Vega de Terron (B, L, D)
Today we will explore Vila Réal, a town with a great variety of religious buildings and architecture. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to the heart of the most famous vineyards in Porto to Vega de Terron. We’ll arrive in the evening. Enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment.
Vila Real and Mateus Palace {about 4 hours}
We’ll leave from Regua or Pinhão for Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 18th centuries. The architecture of the religious buildings is here extremely varied. We’ll take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo. We’ll then set out to explore Mateus Palace, the most beautiful and astonishing manor in all of Northern Portugal. This 18th- century beauty is set in a hilly landscape reminding us of Mexico. The subtle mixture of granite, white walls and extravagance from the Age of Enlightenment such as ledges covered in statues and Baroque style pilasters is a striking feature. Behind the manor is a delightful garden with box hedges, more statues, and a spectacular 115-foot cedar tunnel. After our tour, we’ll return to our ship in Regua or Pinhão.
Day 5 – Barca d’Alva – Salamanca (B, L, D)
Full day to visit Salamanca, SPAIN! We’ll return on board in Barca d’Alva.
Guided Tour of Salamanca (lunch included) {about 10.5 hours}
Departure by coach towards Salamanca where you’ll meet up with your guides. Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. We’ll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic to Baroque, including Renaissance. Afterwards, we’ll visit one of the world’s oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. Also known as “Escuelas Mayores”, the University building has a sumptuous gate adorned with the city’s most famous design: a frog atop a skull – symbolic of the sin of lust being punished after death. Its wonderful library brims with old manuscripts dating back from prior to the 19th century. You’ll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron.
Day 6 – Barca d’Alva – Ferradosa – Pinhao (B, L, D)
This morning will be spent cruising. Then we will depart on the “wines of Porto” excursion followed by a wine-tasting session*. Tonight’s our gala dinner and evening.
Wine Trails of Porto {about 4 hours}
Departure from Ferradosa for our excursion along the Porto wine route. We’ll discover this incredible vineyard extending over 100 km along the Douro river all the way to the Spanish border. We’ll visit San Salvador do Mundo and Sao Joao da Pesqueira, two small towns set among the vineyards in the Rio Torto valley. In Sao Joao da Pesqueira, you will have the opportunity to explore the arcaded main square, the chapel and the white houses with their balconies. You will visit a quinta (wine cellar) to taste the famous Porto*. We’ll return on board in Pinhao or Folgosa.
Day 7 – Pinhao – Porto (B, L, D)
The morning is reserved for a guided tour of Lamego. This afternoon will be spent cruising. Tonight enjoy an evening of Fado-themed entertainment.
Guided Tour of Lamego {about 4 hours}
Departure by coach from Pinhao to Lamego for a guided tour of the city center by coach and on foot. Lamego is a charming episcopal and commercial town where you’ll get to discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary. This 18th century church stands out with its white façade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulejos. The first stone was laid on February 14th, 1750 and gave way to the construction of a massive temple overlooking the city and providing a breathtaking view over the misty mountains of the surrounding landscape. Return on board in Regua.
Day 8 – Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto) (B, L, D)
Full free day to explore Porto on your own, shop ‘till you drop, or partake in the afternoon optional excursion to Guimaraes. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
Discover Guimaraes {about 4 hours}: Optional: €48 euros per person
We’ll leave by coach from Porto for Guimarães. With our guide, we’ll begin the tour of this university town on foot to discover its historical treasures. We’ll get the chance to discover the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Church (outdoors), the most important religious building in the city. The medieval heart of Guimarães is a labyrinth of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century buildings. We’ll continue on to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza with striking architecture. The palace is closed on May 1 and Easter Day. At the end of our visit, we’ll return on board in Porto.
Day 9 – Porto, Disembark at 9:00am (B)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast and bid your crew goodbye as you disembark with a suitcase full of memories. BON VOYAGE!
