Portugal, Spain & The Douro River Valley

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enquire now 11 Days From NZD $9,099 pp twinshare
 Cruise
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An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers.

Following the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Dine on traditional fare in majestic Coimbra, the birthplace of six Portuguese kings; enjoy private tastings of Port; and explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. In Salamanca, Spain, you’ll see the city’s famous university. Return to Portugal with a visit to the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo and historic Guimarães. Your journey ends in Lisbon, the city that launched some of the world’s most renowned explorers. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!

Uniworld also offers an 8-day cruise-only version of this itinerary. 

ITINERARY 

PORTO TO LISBON

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

DAY 1: Porto (Embark)

Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro.

Note: For Arrival, Departure and Transfer details, please visit Uniworld.com/transfers. For Port Location details, please visit Uniworld.com/ports.

DAY 2: Porto, Entre-os-Rios

Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose between two distinctively Portuguese ways to explore Porto.

Choice of Porto city tour or “Do as the Locals Do” Porto walking tour

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 3: Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Pinhão

Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum.

Featured Excursions:
Douro Museum
Lunch at a local quinta

DAY 4: Pinhão, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón

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. 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.

Featured Excursion:
Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
Choice of Quinta do Seixo guided tour with tasting or Vineyard hike and wine tasting at a local quinta

DAY 5: Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva

Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.

Featured Excursion:
Salamanca – the Golden City and Spain’s oldest university

DAY 6: Barca d’Alva, Régua

Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish.

Featured Excursion:
Castelo Rodrigo

DAY 7: Régua (Guimarães), Porto

Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. Or opt for a leisurely walking tour through Ribeira’s quaint cobbled streets.

Choice of Guimarães city tour or Ribeira walking tour

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 8: Porto (Disembark), Transfer to Lisbon

Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal’s picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel.

DAY 9: Lisbon

Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally made pastry.

Featured Excursion:
Lisbon city tour

DAY 10: Lisbon

Experience your own “Age of Discovery” with a full day to explore Lisbon however you wish. The city hosts remarkable museums and excellent shopping, and natives of Lisbon boast that they have the best food in the world.

DAY 11: Lisbon (Depart)

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.

INCLUSIONS

DINING

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Welcome and Farewell Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

EXCURSIONS

  • 8 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Guided “Do as the Locals Do” program
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions

ACCOMMODATIONS

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic S.S. São Gabriel
  • 3 nights in Lisbon at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon (or similar) with breakfast
  • Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites with hotel-style beds, draped in fine linens with a choice of pillows
  • Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

EXPERIENCES

  • 2 countries: Spain and Portugal
  • 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Cultural enrichment

 

Images courtesy of The Travel Corporation

UNIWOR

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