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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 Port country-the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Day 1: Depart home gateway city to Lisbon
Day 2: Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon's Portela Airport where you'll be transferred to the hotel.
Day 3: Lisbon
Your guided exploration of Lisbon takes you to the historic district of Belem and the Belem Tower, the traditional starting and ending point of the Portuguese voyages of discovery. You'll then visit the magnificent cloister of San Jeronimos, built in the early 16th century as a celebration of Portugal's territorial expansion and an expression of a unique national style. (BB)
Featured Excursion: Lisbon city tour
Day 4: Lisbon
Spend leisure time enjoying this cosmopolitan city often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills.'' Uncover a treasure trove of old world architecture, or simply relax in one of the many cafès in Lisbon's popular Rossio Square. (BB)
Day 5: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto
In the morning, you'll head north through the picturesque countryside to Porto. En route, you'll stop in Portugal's third largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal's kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university is the Biblioteca Joanina, a gem of a library with books that date back to the 12th century. After your library visit, you'll stop for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to the ship docked in Porto. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Coimbra tour with family-style lunch
Day 6: Porto, Bitetos
Traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Later, sail to Bitetos where you'll indulge in a country-style dinner at the former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Porto city tour and dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery
Day 7: Bitetos, Règua, Pinhão
Cruise from Bitetos to Règua. Visit the impressive Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens, with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Mateus Palace and Gardens
Day 8: Pinhão, Vega de Terrón (Spain)
Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Visit a quinta (vineyard) where you'll learn the history of, and sample, the country's most celebrated beverage. Later in the day, cruise from Pinhão to Vega de Terrón. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Winetasting at a local quinta
Day 9: Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d'Alva
From Vega de Terrón, on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the historic university before having an authentic lunch with a flamenco show at a local restaurant. Enjoy free time in this magical city. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Salamanca tour with traditional Spanish lunch and flamenco show
Day 10: Barca d'Alva (Castelo Rodrigo), Pinhão
Visit the picturesque Medieval walled 12th-century city of Castelo Rodrigo. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner complete with wine at the Vintage House hotel, a magnificent converted 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Castelo Rodrigo tour and dinner at the Vintage House hotel
Day 11: Règua (Lamego), Porto
Tour the old Episcopal city of Lamego with its impressive 18th-century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, and visit the local museum (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Lamego city tour
Day 12: Depart Porto
Disembark the ship and transfer to Porto Airport for your flight home.
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