Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship. Save $1,000 per person on this sailing. Join Vantage on this picturesque cruise into the heart of the Douro Valley, where generations of winemakers have created some of the worlds finest vintages and views. The oldest images etched into the schist walls around the river date to approximately 22,000 to 20,000 BC, with younger carvings ranging from the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages to the 17th centuryimages that represent human interaction with the natural world for more than 30,000 years. Tonight, witness Spanish history come to life during a stirring flamenco dinner show, with dinner. Included Features: Discover Porto and enjoy a port wine sampling at a local wine cellar. Later, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park. Following breakfast on board, get to know Porto better with a full city tour and panoramic drive, including a visit to the historic center a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the market area. Rove with your guide from the castle toward the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and to the splendid Monastery and Church of Our Lady of Oliveira and the 14th-century Gothic Padro do Salado. Enjoy a guided tour of the marvelous Mateus Palace in Vila Real. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with fellow travelers tonight. Or opt for a leisurely walking tour through Ribeiras quaint cobbled streets. The food was good. More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Thank you for your interest in Vantage Deluxe World Travel. One issue: It was reported on the itinerary that we would visit a cork factory. For more information, please see our cookie policy. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore. I have been dealing thru GET for my travels for 10-12 yrs, would not use anyone else. Peruse the covered market at the edge of the Old Town and visit a traditional wine cellar to savor the islands titular Madeira wine. Definitely would, and have,recommended GET to others. In the afternoon, head off on a short walk to Rgua and visit its Museu do Douro to learn about the storied Douro River during a lecture and wine tasting. Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, Monograms Pre- & Post-Cruise Land Packages, Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals. The evening is at leisure with dinner on your own. Enjoy a Welcome Briefing and Dinner this evening. Enjoy both the best value out of the competition and Vantage Exclusives including a lunch at the Quinta da Avessada winery as well as explorations away from the crowds in small groups and exclusive Harvest departures. We did verify that the Travel Director did attempt to make concessions for the cancelled excursions. Continue below for a few more ideas of the experiences available on a Douro River cruise with Viking River Cruises: Douro River cruises with Viking River Cruises are filling up fast. We had booked our Portugal river cruise travel months in advance. Not all landmarks are architectural, however. A distinctive region with its own language and unique Catalan culture, Catalonia also hosts the glittering Costa Brava and the mountainous outpost of Montserrat. Included Features: Lamego's highlights, a regional quinta tasting, and an evening of traditional entertainment. Learn about the Portuguese economy and lifestyle with lectures on tea and cork production. The labyrinthine streets of Lisbons Arab-flavored Alfama District carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed in the Age of Discovery. Experience your own Age of Discovery with a full day to explore Lisbon however you wish. Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital. Experience a different side of Spain on this enriching extension to Catalonia. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. Scenic, mountainous countryside. Vantage Deluxe World Travel. One taste of this creamy egg custard wrapped in buttery, flaky crust, and youll see why this is Portugals favorite treat! Lunch (typically tapas) will be on your own. Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugals picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel. The city hosts remarkable museums and excellent shopping, and natives of Lisbon boast that they have the best food in the world. On the way to Porto, explore bidos on a walking tour before venturing to Nazar, a beach town famous for its monstrous waves and surfing culture. 8614 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 800, Tysons, VA 22182 The Portuguese claim to have a cod recipe for every day of the year. Youll begin this journey enraptured by the seaside splendor of Barcelona, where. Learn about and sample the varieties of thisdigestifwhile enjoying views of Porto and the Douro River. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure by exploring Lisbons cobblestoned charm on your own, or perhaps join your Cruise Director for a pub crawl. Best river cruise line Iknow of. The portion of the trip located in Lisbon was excellent. This lovely 14th century baroque-style shrine is ornately decorated, inside and out. However you choose to spend the morning, youll return to the ship for lunch and scenic sailing toward Bitetos with live commentary. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lisbon Portela Airport for your flight home. Enjoy lunch on board and an afternoon at leisure, during which youll cruise to Pinh. Cod is king in Portugal not only is it the most popular dish, it's also a major export. In the evening, a special Captains Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you. Enjoy your choice of excursions today: A morning guided tour of the UNESCO-listed historical center and castle of Guimares, a preserved medieval city; or, discover more of Porto with a walking tour of its oldest district, Ribeira. Return home, or head to Barcelona on an optional extension. Later, enjoy a special Captain's Dinner. The water surrounding and flowing through Portugal has really shaped this nation. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, our representative will meet you outside the arrivals area at the airport and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees. Take in the amazing view from the ancient stone walls, then step down through the tiny cobbled lanes of the village, passing the old pillory, the Manueline church, and the towns market square. I was only disappointed that the ship I traveled on did not have butler service and I felt my GE travel guy should have know this. Then, embark on a panoramic drive and walking tour that includes the Atocha Station, Retiro Park, Gran Va, and an outside look at the Royal Palace. Scenic Sailing: Douro River & Barca d'Alva, Portugal. It does appear that there were a few airline flight time changes between the time you booked and your departure. *Note that on our special harvest itineraries, winery visits may occur on days other than advertised. A plethora of cultural delights awaits you today! Portugal was born here. So the sign on the city wall proclaims. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Alongside tastings at renownedquintasand wine estates, youll revel in bucolic landscapes where latticed vineyards lead to medieval hillside towns. /images/CC_Porto_Cityscape_Rabelos_SKY_478x345_tcm21-9366.jpg. Tour Lisbons famed monuments and sample a culinary favorite. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the hotel this afternoon, which is yours to spend as you please. Your health and well-being are our priority, Powered by our not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight. Worked with me to secure the date of travel (River Cruise) and available accommodations that I wanted. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested. Today, head to the port wine capital of Porto, Portugals second-largest city featuring a charming tangle of alleyways, a walkable historic city center, and an unmistakably hip vibe that makes a delightful contrast to the citys medieval walls and myriad architectural styles. Vantage Exclusive: Enjoy a free day to pursue your own interests with recommendations provided by your Cruise Director. All Included Douro River Cruise - 8 Days on the Spirit of Chartwell, including Salamanca Spain, Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise), Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Best Two-Week Europe Itineraries: Where should you go. Some were friendly, others were aloof. As you journey through the hills to Quinta do Seixo, a prestigious Port wine estate, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. Porto is known not only for its wine, but also for a heritage that combines ancient churches and monuments. All rights reserved. The group will enjoy a panoramic view from the Cathedral S then windits way down through narrow old town alleys before stopping for a refreshment at Portuguesa da Gema. Along the way, youll be able to juxtapose the bustling cultural cities of Lisbon and Porto with the serene and picturesque Barca dAlva, located amongst some of the areas most beautiful orchards and vineyards. Find a River Cruise that explores Portugal And Spain. Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary. Click here to see all river cruises. They were very helpful in the planning. There are 66 cruises to choose from, that range in length from 6 days up to 21 days. The river cruise portion: The staff were efficient. Later, delve into the recipe behind pastis de nata, one of Portugals favorite treats, during an onboard cooking lesson. Why? Our Travel Specialists make planning your trip fun and hassle free, Top 10 advantages of taking a guided tour, As you plan your trip read our unedited guest reviews. The arrangements were good. When you gaze out at the Tagus River, tile-roofed houses climbing the hills behind you, you are looking at the port where Portugals empire began. Expert guidance for your cruise vacation! Welcome to Lisbon! Cruise the Douro River Valley, the worlds oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. What makes Port the wine it is? How many people will be travelling privately? Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. It will be an illuminating adventure. Tour downtown Lisbon and see the citys famous late Gothic architecture featured prominently throughout the Jeronimos Monastery and Tower of Belem. Ready for an expedition worthy of Indiana Jones? For more than 40 years, Grand European Travel has been providing a wonderfully simple, and genuinely personal, way to travel. Explore Guimares, the town where Portugal was born. Discover one of Europe's most pristine destinations, Portugal. Grand European Travel, Porto, Regua, Pocinho, Salamanca, Barca dAlva, Lisbon, Prices exclude additional port charges of $200 per person. Most of the rest of us didn't know what that was all about. We had to request the travel itinerary to be sent earlier than Grand European had scheduled because we would be traveling in Spain at that time. Explore two of Iberias oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Depart the U.S. and board an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Youll also get to sample delicious local treats, such as honey, almonds, olive oil and cheeses, and a newly restored tea-house invites you to relax over a cup of tea or a cool drink. Visit a local workshop in Gondomar to learn about Portuguese Filigree. Following dinner, enjoy a lively performance by a local tuna band. Do you see the square tower rising from the water? The ship's dining room had separate areas where a couple of groups dined. Vantage Exclusive: Journey back to medieval times in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Head ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. It's just a little bit ironic that Portugal, which is known for a strong history of discovery and exploration, is barely visited by Americans. The sleepy town of Pinho is situated at the epicenter of the valleys port wine-making. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension to Madeira, Portugal. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. New measures have been added to elevate hygiene standards for every facet of the onboard experience. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. During your city tour, youll sample a classic Portuguese pastry: the mouthwatering pastis de Belm. Included Feature: Discover Salamancas Old City, then head to Madrid. Or, you can head over to the Castelo neighborhood for a trek up to the Moorish So Jorge Castle, which offers stunning city overlooks and shopping opportunities for everything from local pottery to Portugals famousazulejo tiles. Belm (the name comes from Bethlehem) Tower, built in the 16th century to guard the port, has housed cannons, prisoners and royalty over the centuries; its ornamented faade might strike you as unusual for a fortress, but that is typical of Lisboneven fortresses have beautiful ornamentation. Discover the magic of Salamanca on a coach and walking tour. We are very sorry for that miscommunication, but glad to see that it did not spoil your trip and you enjoyed the Spain and Portugal Cruise. Today, choose between two distinctively Portuguese ways to explore Porto. Important Notice: The above day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. Uniworld has added new measures to elevate hygiene standards for every facet of the onboard experiencefrom the introduction of innovative, non-toxic cleaning solutions to hand sanitizer stations throughout the ship. Especially popular is the old fishing village of Foz do Douro, where the towns elite maintain their summer homes. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain. Explore Lisbon, then see unspoiled vistas, stop at ports of call largely unchanged for centuries and sample the local cuisine and port wines on your Douro River cruise. The Clrigos Tower is an unmistakable landmark, visible from almost anywhere in the Old Townin fact, at one time sailors used it as a guide to navigate their way through the estuary. Embark on a full-day tour to Salamanca, Spain where youll take in a tremendous flamenco show during lunch. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. Spend the morning at the magnificent 18th-century Mateus Manor House and Garden. Portugal has the highest fish consumption per capita of any other European nation. From $549 | 2 Nights, From $999 | 3 Nights, From $649 | 2 Nights. After, experience the tradition of Portuguese fado music as you enjoy a local performance. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously profoundly urban and moodily romantic. Enjoy breakfast and a morning at leisure as your ship sails from Pinho to Barca d'Alva (where travelers can see Spain in the distance!). To ensure a beautiful cruise into the heart of Portugal, be sure to book your cruise today with the expert consultants at The Cruise Web. The ornate plateresque faade is stunning, and the interior rooms you see are equally beautiful. Included Feature: Sample local vintages at Aveleda Winery before touring Rgua. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Ca River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer and aurochs that span eons. While we experienced significant rain, five excursions were canceled and the ship wasn't able to return to Porto so we were bused back. Please Note: Port times & itineraries are subject to change. We got most of the details, but not all, so in some cases we had to try to figure it out on the road. Just fill out our catalog request form. Well depart for Madrid after lunch; practice your pronunciation during the drive with a Spanish language lesson and an introduction to Spain. Sometimes it was only open to some guests, but not to others. Learn about the regions unique geology and winemaking historyRomans planted vines in this region 2,000 years agoat the Douro Museum. After all, its here where youll find the award-winning vineyards and wineries that make Portugals famous wine and Port. In the evening, a special Captains Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you. The fertile lands surrounding the Douro River Valley are also vital to the Portuguese. It was to follow another tour in Spain. Sail in elegance on them/s Douro Serenity, and make the most of your journey with optional pre- and post-trip extensions to Madeira and Barcelona. Book by August 31, 2022 and pay in full at time of booking to be eligible for this offer. Portugals second largest city, Porto lends its name to the nations port wine. Then, you can descend all 700 steps and admire the surrounding gardens filled with monuments, terraces, fountains, and pretty tile mosaics. Knowledgeable agents and variety of trips/cruises is endless. Up to FREE Business Class. Portugal, which sits on the edge of the Iberian Peninsula, is a popular vacation spot for Europeans, with its beautiful beaches, romantic architecture and delicious seafood. Visit Portos austere hilltop cathedral before driving down to the Ribeira. Although some 80 varieties of grapes are approved for the creation of Port, six grape varieties dominate. Sometimes it seemed like Daniel took a long time to get back to us, but he did his job. From town to country, uncover culture, cuisine, and varietals with 28 included features and Cultural Connections. After lunch on board, turn back the clock 600 years on a combined coach and walking tour that brings you to the fortified hill town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and its old walls, the 16th-century pillory, and the local parish church. Before dinner on board, learn about Portugal's thriving cork industry in the lounge; then, let music transport you back in time when local performers come on board to play favorites from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Protect your vacation with travel insurance. That may not have been your fault. Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Youll also visit the Lamego Museum, which houses a collection of works by Portuguese painter Gro Vasco. Then you can go out with your knowledgeable guide into the valley to see these sites for yourself. All in all, the river cruise portion of the Uniworld experience didn't fit the standard we were used to. Back on board, as we sail to Rgua, you will enjoy an authentic Portuguese tea experience complete with delectable pastries while learning about the traditions surrounding tea drinking and tea production. Alternately, skip the museum and explore more of the town on an active walk. Another landmark nearby, the 20th-century Monument to the Discoveries, commemorates these voyagers and their founding patron, Prince Henry the Navigator. Would you like a FREE color catalog? Explore historic Guimares or join a walking tour of Porto's Ribeira district. Here the kings of the newly independent nation launched an age of explorationand then poured the profits of their new trade routes and colonies into their capital. Wherever you long to explore, Vantage Deluxe World Travel can help you experience it in ultimate luxury. All Rights Reserved. Exhibits laid out in buildings that were once home to Port winemaker Real Companhia Velha let you see how the process of making Port evolved over the centuries: Youll find the tools of the trade and even a rabelo (a boat that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto) on display. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Site Map Use down arrow key to expand the menu and up arrow key to collapse the menu and hit enter to select the link. The wonderfully well-preserved Old Town, with its unique architecture (houses here combine granite with half-timbering) and charming little plazas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; overlooking it is the grand castle that appears on Portugals coat of arms. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. River Heritage Club members save $100 on this sailing. Information and questions before trip answered in a timely manner well use get again in the future this is about our 7th or 8th trip with them we would also recommend to our friends and family. The shuttle service to and from the downtown area was excellent. Your visit starts at the Ca Museum, where you can see both reproduction and original rock art and learn about the amazing area. Attend afadoperformance in Portugal and enjoy a passionate flamenco dinner show in Spain. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. There didn't appear to be a schedule. Youll also discover the revered cultural capitals of Spain and Portugal, including Lisbon, Madrid, and Porto, home to its signature port wine. Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro. The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Further immerse yourself by adding a extension to your journey, FROM: $1099 PER PERSON | 4 DAYS | $275 PER DAY. Vega de Terrn serves as a Douro River gateway to the fascinating Spanish city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Then, explore its UNESCO-listed Old City and see the towns grand cathedral and baroque Plaza Mayor, where you can seek outchurros and do some shopping and independent wandering along the town's main street. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Superb Customer Service and booking/handling of the selected trip(s) is seamless. No visit to Porto is complete without enjoying its signature wine, of course! A day at leisure lets you enjoy more time in Lisbon. Please provide this promotion code to your Vantage call center agent. Sip local wines onboard your Viking river cruise ship while enjoying panoramic views of the terraced vineyards and rolling hills and mountains of the Douro River Valley. Or continue your travels by next heading to Barcelona on an optional extension. On a walking tour, discover this sweeping baroque property and palace, including a maze of manicured hedgerows, elegant parterres, and a lake reflecting the palace in its mirror-still surface. Taste delicatejamnand tapasinside Madrids Mercado Central and pay a visit to Nazar, where legions of extreme surfers arrive each year to ride the towns legendary swells. You need to be logged in or registered with MyPortfolio to email or refer friends. We'll reach Madrid and check into our centrally-located hotel close to many restaurants, the Royal Palace, and the famous El Corte Ingls shopping mall (just across the street). Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Youll tour the state-of-the-art facility and sample some exceptional Ports in a tasting room whose wall of windows looks out over spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Portugals second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nations most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Discover which ones are grown here and learn why. Explore Madrid's landmarks, try traditional tapas at the Mercado Central,and experience the passion of flamenco. Walk through the painstakingly landscaped gardens and wander throughout the mansion to admire the artwork and architecture. So not only will you enjoy the scenic views of the Douro Valley, you'll also get to taste its bounty! We're very sorry that the weather did not cooperate with your visit. Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. You can feel fully confident retaining your travel arrangements and monies with Grand European Travel and The Travel Corporation, 100 years of travel experience and industry partnerships, A global business, owned and led by the Tollman family, TTC is debt-free, financially responsible and fully accredited. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley. Our records show that Uniworld emailed those to you but please accept our apologies if you did not receive them. Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Your tour begins at the church. Early this evening, head to another quinta to sample more fantastic regional wines in yet another breathtaking Douro setting. So, youll seek out port-wine at one of the citys best-known cellars. Lunchtime brings you to Quinta da Avessada, where youll meet the winery host, view generations of wine production, and come closer to a true understanding of this region's way of life. Call today and experience a World of Choices Made Easy! Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Viking River Cruises along the Douro River transport guests to the regions most fascinating and important cities, including Lisbon, Porto, Pinhao, Regua and more. Its fun and informativeplus you can sample some regional Douro wine. Note: Discounted pricing shown above is inclusive of Cruise Back into Travel offer savings. Guimares was home to the first king of Portugal, Afonso I, who managed to win his kingdoms independence in the 12th century from neighboring suzerains. ADMIRE STUNNING SCENERY AS YOU CRUISE ONE OF EUROPES MOST PICTURESQUE LOCALES: THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY, DISCOVER MADRID, ONE OF EUROPES MOST HISTORIC AND COSMOPOLITAN CAPITALS, VISIT MATEUS MANOR HOUSE AND GARDEN, A MAGNIFICENT 18TH-CENTURY HISTORIC ESTATE (NON-HARVEST DEPARTURES ONLY), EXPLORE THE CHARMING TOWN OF LAMEGO, INCLUDING THE IMPRESSIVE NOSSA SENHORA DOS REMDIOS SHRINE, ROUND OUT THIS REMARKABLE JOURNEY WITH AN EXTENSION TO TO BARCELONA, SPAIN. The trip was great. Lisbon boasts the Jernimos Monastery and Belm Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture to the world. Tonight, regroup for a Farewell Dinner at the hotel. The maid staff were excellent. Take a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in the small town of Lamego. You have time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor and enjoy a tapas lunch on your own (your guide can recommend some great places to dine). But remember that despite these historic beauties, Guimares has the youngest population of any city in Europe, so the pedestrian area is full of lively and fun cafs and shops. Begin the day in Bitetos, where a short drive brings you to Aveleda Winery for a tasting of Vinho Verde and snacks before returning to the ship for lunch. Ride through wonderfully scenic countrysidethe region is noted for its honey, which derives its flavor from the fields of wild lavender and the almond groves youll passto Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both a castle and the village it shelters. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. The hotel was very nice, and the tours and city guidance were thorough. After dinner tonight, gather in the lounge for a movie and popcorn. The water has also helped Portugal sail the world in search of new trade routes and territories, like the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, along with Brazil, the largest nation in South America. Today youll explore the quaint town of Lamego, filled with terra-cotta rooftops, tree-lined streets, and a 700-step staircase that leads to the grand Santurio de Nossa Senhora dos Remdios. Featuring year-round balmy weather and a trademark fortified wine, the Portuguese island of Madeira also boasts a lushness that earned its label as the Floating Garden of the Atlantic. During your stay in the lovely capital of Funchal, youll enjoy a half-day city tour and immersion into local island life. In addition, should there be an extreme change in water levels, Vantage will do everything possible to provide either the included excursion or an alternate excursion at Vantages discretion. Called the Golden City for its tawny sandstone buildings, Salamanca boasts a dozen beautiful and historic churches, including two cathedrals: the new one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and can only be entered from the New Cathedral.
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