Flavours of Portugal & Spain

Overview

Set sail along the UNESCO-designated Douro River. Taste new wines from Old World villages and sample the flavors of Portuguese cuisine. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, the White Village; enjoy an immersive lunch at a quinta in Pinho; see Lamego, one of Portugals most important pilgrimage sites; and marvel at a centuries-old Portuguese monastery. Plus, enjoy two nights in Porto to this fascinating City of Bridges. Historic places, unspoiled beauty and distinctive wines are yours to be enjoyed as you savor the flavors of Spain and Portugal.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Vega de Terron

Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Vega de Terron & Pinhao

Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the White Village because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century faade and Manueline-style windows. If you prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike up to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinho, where a traditional dinner will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Pinhao

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinho Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The stations 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 da Avessada, where youll 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 youll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Regua

You have a choice of two excursions. Your first option is an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remdios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). For active adventurers, you can hike up the famed Lamego Steps, also known as the Holy Staircase. Later in the day, visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you can admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and spend some time exploring the palaces magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Regua & Entre-os-Rios

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro from Rgua to Entre-Os-Rios. This will be followed by a traditional home-cooked meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Entre-os-Rios & Porto

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising on your way to Porto, then join a guided tour of Portos historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Youll see the Cathedral, one of the citys oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafs; and the So Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Youll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugals most renowned contribution to the world of wine. For a more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto; afterwards, indulge in a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Porto

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Porto

Your journey comes to an end in Porto as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)