Flavors of Portugal & Spain

Day 1, EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL

Embark your luxurious ship in Porto. This evening, meet your fellow passengers. (D)

Day 2, PORTO

The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on a 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 at Graham’s Winery. Prefer to get more active, you can hike to Graham’s Winery, offering magnificent views over the Douro River. (B,L,D)

Day 3, ENTRE-OS-RIOS

Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 4, ENTRE-OS-RIOS – RÉGUA

Today, enjoy an excursion to the Palacio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork and hand-wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. (B,L,D)

Day 5, RÉGUA – PINHÃO

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 for the more active adventurer will want to hike. Concluding the walking and hiking 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. Afterwards, you’ll go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 6, PINHÃO

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station’s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta de Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de 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 7, VEGA TERRÓN, SPAIN

Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)

Day 8, VEGA TERRÓN – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark your cruise in Vega Terrón. (B)

Immersive tours are included in every destination.

3 Nights in Lisbon from $999 per person

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hote

Day 2: Lisbon – One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belem Tower, a fortified four-story tower made of limestone, and visit the Late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. (B)

Day 3: Lisbon – Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a visit to the Pena National Palace, a fairy tale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B)

Day 4: Embarkation in Porto with transfer included and Tomar Castle visit. (B,D)

3 Nights in Madrid from $999 per person

Day 1: Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you’ll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. You will have free time to explore on your own, followed by an escorted city tour that includes the New Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later in the day, you’ll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B, L

Day 2: Madrid – Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. (B)

Day 3: Toledo – Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 4: Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)