Cruise the meandering Douro River through northern Portugal from Porto to the Spanish border and back (8 days - 7 nights). Taste the local port wines, tour historic sites in Portugal and Salamanca, Spain, and just enjoy the spectacular views.
The ship is an attractive 80-passenger river cruiser with elegant stained hardwood interiors. All upper deck cabins have a large picture window to view the passing countryside. Lower deck cabins have smaller windows but the rooms are larger.
The Portuguese section of the Douro River used to be famous for its tumultuous waters rushing down from the high plateau of Castilla y Leon in neighboring Spain. In the 1980's, nine dams were built to bring it under control and locks were installed to make river traffic possible up and down the new waterway. As a result, this once fast-flowing river is now a succession of peaceful lakes surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere.
2008 TYPICAL ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Day 1 - Friday: Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia). During the afternoon, board the ship at the Vila Nova de Gaia Quay on the south bank of the Douro River across from the city of Porto. Welcome drink, dinner and overnight on board.
Day 2 - Saturday: Vila Nova de Gaia to Bitetos. Tour of Porto. Cruise to Bitetos with lunch on board. Dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery.
Day 3 - Sunday: Bitetos to Pinhão. Cruise to Régua through the Carrapatelo lock, the highest in Western Europe with a rise of 141 feet. Lunch on board, followed by tour of Mateus palace and gardens. Return to the ship in Pinhão by late afternoon. Portuguese show and dinner on board.
Day 4 - Monday: Pinhão to Vega Terron. Morning at leisure. Visit to the Vintage House Wine Academy. Cruise to Vega Terron (Spain). This stretch of the river offers spectacular views of cliff formations, terraced vineyards and sprawling olive groves. Lunch on board. Late afternoon arrival in Vega Terron, the farthest navigable point up the river. Dinner and flamenco show on board.
Day 5 - Tuesday: Vega Terron to Barca d'Alva. Tour to Salamanca, a World Heritage city with an ancient university and a famous Plaza Mayor. This quintessential Spanish city is one of the country's finest showcases for Renaissance and Plataresque architecture. Typical Spanish lunch. Dinner on board and cruise back down the river to Barca d'Alva.
Day 6 - Wednesday: Barca d'Alva to Pinhão. Tour to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village with 13th century walls. Cruise to Pinhão. Lunch on board. Arrival in Pinhão late afternoon. Captain's dinner at the Vintage House Hotel.
Day 7 - Thursday: Pinhão to Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia). Morning cruise to Régua. Tour to Lamego, which offers a wealth of Baroque houses and churches. Lunch on board and cruise to Porto in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 8 - Friday: Vila Nova de Gaia. Breakfast and check-out.
Highlights
- Porto, "City of Bridges"
- Mateus palace and surrounding gardens
- Salamanca, a World Heritage city
- Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval town
- Lamego and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
Included:
- Accommodations with private shower
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
- Tours and activities as specified
- All local taxes and fees
Not Included:
- Drinks during meals (wine, water, etc.)
- Bar drinks on board the ship
- Crew gratuities (suggested 80-100 euros per passenger)
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points
- Health and travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Ship Features
- Size: 205 ft. x 30 ft.
- 24 upper-deck cabins - twin/doubles - 90 square feet
- 16 main-deck cabins - twins - 100 square feet
- Central heat, air conditioning and TV
- Sundeck, panoramic lounge, restaurant and gift shop
Departures every Friday except winter.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: US$1,845 per person double occupancy. Add $315 for superior room, $765 single supplement.
High season: US$1,925 per person double occupancy. Add $315 for superior room, $855 single supplement.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Barging
Food & Wine
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