Day 1: PORTO

Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D) 

Day 2: RÉGUA

Begin your day with a tour of the 18th­ century Palacio Anadia, or Palace of the Counts, known for its beautiful interior and Baroque style. Inside the house, you’ll see intricate panels of blue and white tiles throughout the rooms and a striking vaulted ceiling that retell the history behind the palace. (B,L,D)

Day 3: RÉGUA

Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you’ll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer will want to climb on a guided hike. Concluding both tours, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry ­cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. You’ll then go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. Later in the day, savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port­ wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region. (B,L,D)

Day 4: VEGA DE TERRÓN

Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. (B,L,D)

Day 5: BARCA D’ALVA PINHÃO

Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d’Alva, where you will visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries ­old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views. You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce. Be treated to an exclusive dinner at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6: ENTRE­OS­RIOS

Entre­os­Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Entre­os­Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience. (B,L,D)

Day 7: PORTO

The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; 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. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike and then enjoy a Port wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore all of Porto’s charms on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 8: PORTO

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Note Meals code: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Pre Cruise Itinerary

 

ITINERARY

 

Day 1 l Lisbon                ​​​​​   October 25^th, 2022

 

Welcome to Lisbon!

Meet and greet by our local representative and transfer to your hotel. 

 

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

 

 

Before checking in at your hotel, enjoy a half day tour of Classic Lisbon.

Major sights on this tour include passing by: Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Monument to the Discoveries, Coach Museum, Alfama e Rossio. On today’s tour, you’ll discover the history and traditions as you take in monuments of the Portuguese discoveries. After the half-day tour, you can enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

 

Accommodation: Hotel Turim Avenida Da Liberdadeor sim 4*– Standard room                

Turim Av Liberdade Hotel – EN – Book your stay on the TURIM Hotels official webite! (turim-hotels.com)

 

Day 2 l Lisbon                       ​​​​​     October 26^th, 2022   

 

Breakfast. Departure from Hotel in Lisbon direction of the romantic Sintra, classified as UNESCO World Heritage since 1995, with its charming Palaces: in the center of the village the Sintra National Palace in Moorish style with its conic chimneys and Manueline style windows as well as its tile panels, reinforcing the interest for its interior and the majestic and the romantic Pena Palace situated in one of the highest peaks of mountain range (entrances fee NOT included).

Take some time to walk around the narrow streets of Sintra, full of small shops selling Portuguese tiles and ceramics, the walk itself is like walking back in time.

Taste the so well delicious tarts known as queijadas!

After proceeding to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe – stop for admiring the view.

Follow passing by Cascais, a lively, cosmopolitan place which retains a certain aristocratic atmosphere. Stop for some free time.

Cascais, traditionally a seaside fishing village, underwent significant development in the 14th century, when it was a busy port of call for ships on their way to Lisbon. But it was in the late 19th century, when sea-bathing became popular, that Cascais was transformed into a very fashionable seaside resort. 

A natural curiosity on the way of Cascais is the Boca do Inferno (Hell´s Mouth), a recess of the coast surrounded by craggy rocks and caves, providing a fantastic spectacle when the sea dashes against them on stormy days. 

Return to your Hotel

 

Accommodation: Hotel Turim Avenida Da Liberdade or sim 4* - Standard room Breakfast

 

Day 3 l Lisbon                       ​​​​​     October 27^th, 2022   

 

Breakfast. Day at leisure. 

 

Accommodation: Hotel Turim Avenida Da Liberdade or sim 4* - Standard room Breakfast

 

Day 4 l Lisbon - Porto                                                        October 28^th, 2022

 

Breakfast. Transfer to the train station to take the train to Porto (1^st class)

Arrival in Porto and transfer to the hotel for check in. 

 

Accommodation: Hotel Vila Gale Porto or sim 4*– Standard room         Breakfast

Vila Galé - Vila Galé Porto | Site Oficial (vilagale.com)

 

Day 5 l Porto                                                                      October 29^th, 2022

 

Breakfast. Transfer to the pier for your cruise embarkation. ​​​Breakfast

 

Price per person: $1320 CAD

 

The package includes:

➢ 04 nights’ accommodation in fist class hotel with breakfast included.

➢ Private transfers and tours as per the itinerary 

➢ Local English-speaking guide in all the tours

➢ Entrance fee to Sintra Palace

➢ Train ticket from Lisbon to Porto (1^st class)

➢ Hotel taxes and service charges

 

 

The package does not include:

➢ International airfare

➢ Additional excursions and meals other than those indicated.

➢ Other entrance fees not mentioned above.

➢ Porterage at the airport / hotels

➢ Telephone calls, laundry, and other items of a personal nature

➢ Local hotel tourist tax in Lisbon (Euro 2.00 per person per night- subject to change at anytime)

➢ Gratuities to drivers, guides, and restaurant staff.

➢ Bottled water aboard the bus

➢ Any travel insurance including Covid-19 tests and quarantine expenses. 

➢ Items not mentioned above.

 

Important:

➢ All prices are in Canadian Dollar funds based.

➢ The passport’s number is required in order to issue bus tickets, train tickets and /or airline tickets and entrance  tickets.

➢ Please let us know the name of the passengers as it appears in their passports to avoid any inconvenient with the train tickets, bus tickets, airline tickets, trekking permits, etc. (as once issued fees applied)

➢ Taxes and surcharges may change at any time without notice. 

➢ It is important to mention at time of booking the type of room (matrimonial or twin).

➢ Passports and Visas: It is your responsibility to ensure proper documentation. 

➢ For all other terms and conditions, please see our brochure.