APR 23:  Depart US

Day 1 APR 24: LISBON – ARRIVAL (D)

Welcome to Portugal. After arrival transfer to hotel for check in. Rest of the day at leisure.  Dinner in local restaurant or hotel. Accommodations at Hotel Pestana Palace.

Day 2 APR 25: LISBON –  (B, L, D)

Land portion of the tour will start in Lisbon where we’ll visit the historic district of Belém, some of the most prestigious monuments of the city, including the Jerónimos Monastery (exterior) and Belém Tower (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries (exterior). We’ll take a tuk tuk ride to the top of the hill to discover the Castle (entrance fee included) to discover the view and of course the history of this important monument.  Dinner in local restaurant or hotel.  Accommodations at Hotel Pestana Palace.

PS.- 25th of April is a very important holiday in Portugal to celebrate the anniversary of Portugal’s independence.  Freedom Day in Portugal commemorates, the Carnation Revolution that took place in the country.  Several activities in the city can change the sense of the tour on this day.

Day 3, APR 26: SINTRA/ CABO DA ROCA /CASCAIS / ESTORIL (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the medieval village of Sintra, former Royal summer residence and chosen to inspire writers and poets, such as Lord Byron who named it “the Garden of Eden”. Its exceptional location at the foot of the mountain that bears his name, has been for centuries the privileged residence of princes, artists, and writers.

Visit of the palacio da villa, well known by its chimneys, is one of the most important Palaces of Portugal

Continue to the Cape “da Roca”, the most western point in continental Europe. Drive along the beaches of Guincho and visit of Cascais and Estoril, renamed seaside resorts close to Lisbon. Return to Lisbon at the end of the day. Dinner in a local restaurant or hotel. Accommodations at Hotel Pestana Palace.

Day 4, ARR 27 LISBON/ OBIDOS /SANGALHOS/ GUIMARÃES (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Óbidos and stop at this medieval village surrounded by the walls of its castle and typical for its white limed houses. Tasting of "ginjinha" (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup.

Continuation to Sangalhos to discover the Underground Museum where sparkling wines, wines and spirits are aged in perfect union with 8 artistic collections!

Continuation to the north and arrival at Guimarães at the end of the day.

Dinner and accommodations at Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães.

Day 5, APR 28: Guimarães/ Barcelos / Viana do Castelo / Ponte de Lima/ Guimarães (B, L, D)

Breakfast and depart to discover the region of Minho, in the far northwest of Portugal, takes its name from the river Minho that forms the northern border with Spain. We star our visit in Barcelos which still retains a pleasant mediaeval atmosphere, and amidst which are scattered manor houses and other historic residences. Proceed to Viana do Castelo, blessed with an appealing medieval center, an attractive riverfront, and lovely beaches just outside the city. The old quarter showcases leafy 19th-century boulevards and narrow lanes crowded with Manueline manors and rococo palaces, all dramatically presided over by the pearly white, neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia church on the hilltop high above town. And then, Ponte de Lima, with the Roman bridge that gave its name to this very ancient and very beautiful town, which received its first charter in 1125 from D. Teresa, the mother of the first king of Portugal (several years before the foundation of the kingdom). Return to Guimarães for dinner and accommodations at Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães.

Day 6, APR 29 : GUIMARÃES / BRAGA/ PORTO – EMBARKATION (5PM) (B, L, D)

After breakfast start with Guimarães, the cradle of Portuguese nation and, according to tradition, the birthplace of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Visit to its historic center which was declared a UNESCO Heritage site, with its intertwined and very well-kept streets and medieval aspect. Highlights to the Castle (exterior) and the Ducal Palace (exterior). Continue to Braga, episcopal city rich in religious buildings. Explore the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its spectacular baroque staircase. It is a symbol of Baroque in the north of the country, made of austere grey granite. Lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards transfer to ship for embarkation. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Day 7, APR 30: PORTO – REGUA (B, L, D)

Guided Tour of Porto and Wine Tasting {about 4 hours}

Departure by coach from the Villa Nova de Gaia Quay, facing Porto from across the Douro river and the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, built between 1881 and 1886 by French engineer Theophile Seyrig, one of Gustave Eiffel's pupils. Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, stands out from the steep banks of the Douro river with its mixture of grey facades and red tiles interspersed with unusual architectural masterpieces. Its historical center was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. We'll discover The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building), built in 1834 by the city's Commercial Association. It has remained their headquarters to this day. After climbing up the beautiful granite and marble stairway, we'll visit the former Tribunal Room, the Golden Room and the Arab Room, decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style. Afterwards, we'll visit the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), also known as the "Golden Church”. It was originally a modest convent founded by Franciscan monks in the 12th century, before being further altered by prominent Porto families in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were responsible for the Baroque style interior which mingles with the large, elaborate rose window in Gothic style on the main façade in a fascinating mixture of styles reflecting the various eras it went through. We'll cross the Dom Luis I Bridge again back to Villa Nova de Gaia for the visit of a wine cellar. Porto's pride notably stems from its famous wine known the world over, which you will get to taste*. We'll return on board by coach.

Day 8, MAY 1: REGUA - VEGA DE TERRON (B, L, D)

Today we visit Vila Réal, a town with a great variety of religious buildings and architecture. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to the heart of the most famous vineyards in Porto to Vega de Terron. We'll arrive in the evening. Enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment.

Vila Real and Mateus Palace {about 4 hours}

We'll leave from Regua or Pinhão for Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 18th centuries. The architecture of the religious buildings is here extremely varied. We'll take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo. We'll then set out to explore Mateus Palace, the most beautiful and astonishing manor in all of Northern Portugal. This 18th- century beauty is set in a hilly landscape reminding us of Mexico. The subtle mixture of granite, white walls and extravagance from the Age of Enlightenment such as ledges covered in statues and Baroque style pilasters is a striking feature. Behind the manor is a delightful garden with box hedges, more statues, and a spectacular 115-foot cedar tunnel. After our tour, we'll return to our ship in Regua or Pinhão.

Day 9, MAY 2: BARCA D'ALVA – SALAMANCA (B, L, D)

Guided Tour of Salamanca (lunch included) {about 10.5 hours}

Departure by coach towards Salamanca where you'll meet up with your guides. Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. We'll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic to Baroque, including Renaissance. Afterwards, we'll visit one of the world's oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. Also known as "Escuelas Mayores”, the University building has a sumptuous gate adorned with the city's most famous design: a frog atop a skull - symbolic of the sin of lust being punished after death. Its wonderful library brims with old manuscripts dating back from prior to the 19th century. You'll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron

Day 10, MAY 3: BARCA D'ALVA - FERRADOSA – PINHAO (B, L, D)

This morning will be spent cruising. The afternoon is reserved for our "wines of Porto" excursion followed by a wine-tasting session*. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.

Wine Trails of Porto {about 4 hours}

Departure from Ferradosa for our excursion along the Porto wine route. We'll discover this incredible vineyard extending over 100 km along the Douro river all the way to the Spanish border. We'll visit San Salvador do Mundo and Sao Joao da Pesqueira, two small towns set among the vineyards in the Rio Torto valley. In Sao Joao da Pesqueira, you will have the opportunity to explore the arcaded main square, the chapel and the white houses with their balconies. You will visit a quinta (wine cellar) to taste the famous Porto*. We'll return on board in Pinhao or Folgosa.

Day 11, MAY 4: PINHAO – PORTO (B, L, D)

The morning is reserved for a guided tour of Lamego. This afternoon will be spent cruising. This evening enjoy Fado-themed entertainment.

Guided Tour of Lamego {about 4 hours}

Departure by coach from Regua to Lamego for a guided tour of the city center by coach and on foot. Lamego is a charming episcopal and commercial town where you'll get to discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary. This 18th century church stands out with its white façade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulejos. The first stone was laid on February 14th, 1750 and gave way to the construction of a massive temple overlooking the city and providing a breathtaking view over the misty mountains of the surrounding landscape. Return on board in Regua.

Day 12, MAY 5: PORTO (B, L, D)

Today take a full day at leisure to explore Porto on your own, shop ‘till you drop for those last minute souvenirs or sip a cocktail at an outdoor café watching the world go by! Alternatively, In the afternoon, join us for an optional excursion. After dinner time to watch some traditional folk entertainment.

Day 13, MAY 6: PORTO – DISEMBARKATION - FLY BACK HOME (B)

Bid your crew and new found friends goodbye as you enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00AM and transfer to airport. “Viagem Seguras” (Safe Journeys!)

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

LAND:

• Group arrival transfer airport to hotel (on April 24)

• 05-night accommodation in bed and breakfast

• 04 dinners at local restaurants or at the hotel

• 05 lunches at local restaurants

• GT Bus during the tour as mentioned at the program

• English Speaking Guide as mentioned at the program

• Tasting Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon (02 per person)

• Tuk Tuk ride to the Castle in Lisbon

• Tasting of "ginjinha" (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup in Obidos

• Entrance fees at the following monuments:

• S. Jorge Castle / Lisbon

• Vila Palace / Sintra

• Underground Museum with wine taste

• 01 bottle of water per day/person on the bus

CRUISE:

• Accommodations for 7 nights in cabin category of your choice (subject to availability)

• A total of 20 meals ( 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners,)

• FREE house drinks for lunch and for dinner including wine, beer, sodas, water

(excludes high-end spirits and brand name alcohol)

• Captain’s welcome cocktail and Captain’s Gala Dinner with drinks

• Total of 5 included shore excursions including transportation, entrance fees and local guides.

• All on board activities and entertainment as outlined

• Services of an English speaking Cruise manager and English speaking guides throughout.

• Free WI-FI (subject to signal and sailing conditions)

• Group departure transfer (ship – Porto airport)

• Port charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare – can be quoted separately

• Meals and activities other than those outlined as included

• Drinks during meals while on bus tour except dinners

• Optional excursions

• Cost of items of a personal nature such as high-end liquor, souvenirs, telephone, laundry etc.

• Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

• Gratuity (recommended $10.00 per day for both bus tour and cruise)

  13 DAYS/12 NIGHTS LAND AND CRUISE

CABINS:

• 2 Low deck/window $4320 pp

• 7 Middle Deck/French Balcony: $4620 pp

• 7 Upper Deck/French Balcony” $4720 pp

Single supplement:

• Single room at hotel and twin cabin for single occupancy (2 single max): $1380pp

Payment Information:

• Deposit: $250.00 per person at the time of booking.

• Final payment 90 days prior departure.

• Cancelation Policy: Up to 90 days prior loss of down payment; 89 to 51 days: cancel fee 50%; 50 to 30 days: cancel fee 75%; 29 or less days: cancel fee 100%