The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe�s most unspoiled regions and to Porto country�the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Day 1:
Depart Home Gateway City to LisbonDay 2:
LisbonArrive in Lisbon where you�ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 3:
LisbonYour guided exploration of the city takes you to one of the most historical districts of the city, Belem, where you�ll see the Belem Tower, a fortress that kept careful watch over the great navigators who left Portugal to seek their fortunes elsewhere. You�ll relive the opulence of the former times with a visit to the Royal Coaches Museum and the 16th-century ornate Jer�nimos Monastery. (BB)
Featured Excursion: Lisbon city tourDay 4:
Lisbon (Coimbra), Porto (embark)En route from Lisbon to the Douro Queen in Porto, you�ll learn about Portugal�s third largest city on a tour of Coimbra, the birthplace to six of Portugal�s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Be amazed by the Biblioteca Joanina, the jewel of Coimbra University. You�ll enjoy lunch in a local pousada before continuing on to Porto to meet the ship. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Coimbra tour with family style lunchDay 5:
Porto, BitetosThe �City of Bridges,� Porto, is Portugal�s second largest city. Its charm stems from its dramatic position above the river, with gabled houses closely terraced on the hill. You�ll be guided through the medieval city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then on to see the Romanesque cathedral. During the afternoon, we�ll sail to Bitetos, where you�ll spend an evening dining at the former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada, perched high above the river in a stunning setting. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Porto city tour and visit to Ferreira wine cellars. Dinner at Alpendurada MonasteryDay 6:
Bitetos, R�gua (Lamego), Pinh�oBe amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley as we cruise from Bitetos to R�gua in the morning. During the afternoon, tour the old Episcopal city of Lamego, with a wealth of baroque buildings, including tour to Mateus Palace and Gardens. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Tour to Mateus Palace and Gardens.Day 7:
Pinhao, Vega Terron (Spain)Day 8:
Vega de Terr�n (Salamanca, Spain)The ship will dock in Vega de Terr�n, Spain, in the morning, and from here, you'll travel overland to the Spanish city of Salamanca, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain. You�ll visit the historic university founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of Le�n, and you�ll stroll through one of Spain�s largest and grandest squares�Plaza Mayor with its warm, gold-colored sandstone. After a typical Spanish lunch at one of the city�s wonderful restaurants, enjoy some free time before returning to the ship in Vega de Terr�n. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Salamanca city tour with typical Spanish lunch and Flamenco Show.Day 9:
Vega de Terr�n (Spain), Pinh�oVisit the small town of Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval walled city with a parish church perched high on a hilltop that dates back to the 12th century. In the evening, you�ll be treated wine tasting and a delicious dinner at the Vintage House Hotel. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Tour to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Dinner at the Vintage House Hotel.Day 10:
Pinh�o, R�gua, PortoTour Lamego with its impressive 18th century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Rem�dios, which is an 11th century castle.(BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Tour to Lamego, including museum and castle visit.Day 11:
Porto (disembark), transfer to airportDisembark the ship and transfer to the Porto Airport for your flight home.