8 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS
Day 1: Canada - Porto (Portugal)
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Porto
Arrival at the airport in Porto. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Porto. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Portugal's second largest city.
Day 3: Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day at your convenience to explore the splendid city of Porto, the northern capital of Portugal built hillside on the mouth of the river Douro. At the time indicated on your travel documents, you will be transferred from the hotel to the port to board the river cruise ship. After comfortably settling into your cabin, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail. In the evening, discover the facilities of the ship or opt for an optional panoramic city tour of Porto "by night". (Breakfast-Dinner)
Beginning of your cruise.
Boarding: 05:00 pm
Day 4: Porto
After breakfast, free time to continue your exploration of Porto on your own or you can opt for our optional guided city tour ($). The old town, including the historic Ribeira district, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous landmarks include Porto Cathedral which was founded in the 12th century, the Stock Exchange building, and the beautiful Santa Clara Church which facade is covered in blue tiles.
Afternoon free to do as you please. Take advantage of this time at leisure to visit a local wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of the famous “Porto wine”. Following dinner on board, evening of Fado entertainement, the music of Portugal characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 5: Porto - Regua
Breakfast on board. In the morning, you can opt for an optional guided tour of Guimaraes ($), where your will see the important Nossa Senhora de Oliveira church, the colorful city center and the impressive medieval Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, built in the 16th century on a walking tour.
Afternoon cruising toward Regua. Enjoy an evening of dancing or a stroll through Regua and the scenic landscapes made of lush, large vineyards. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 6: Regua - Vega de Terron (Spain)
Following breakfast, time at leisure to continue your exploration of the rolling countryside or opt for an optional excursion ($) to discover the formal gardens at Mateus Palace and Vila Real. Afternoon cruising toward Spain. Enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7: Vega de Terron - Salamanca
Breakfast on board. Today, opt for our full-day optional visit ($) of Salamanca, a young and vibrant city and capital of the Spanish community of Castile and Leon. Salamanca's life revolves around its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe. The monumental Plaza Mayor, a baroque-style square from the early 18th century, is the busiest place in the city and it is worth a visit. In the heart of the Old Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, you will see the large romanesque/gothic cathedral which was built between the 12th and 18th centuries. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 8: Barca d'Alva (Portugal) - Ferradosa - Pinhao
Breakfast on board. Morning cruising westward. In the afternoon, opt for an optional tasting tour ($) to discover the Porto wines in this incredible vineyard extending over 100 km along the Douro river. You will also visit San Salvador do Mundo and Sao Joao da Pesqueira, two typical small towns set among the vineyards in the Rio Torto valley.
This is the night we like to dress up, although no dress code is imposed. The crew, all in their dress uniform, are presented to the passengers who are invited to have a drink with the captain. That evening, the chef will serve a banquet paying a special tribute to the world of French gastronomy. Dancing follows this gala dinner in the lounge bar. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 9: Pinhao - Porto
Following breakfast, free time to explore one last vineyard on your own or opt for an optional guided tour ($) of Lamego, a charming episcopal town famous for its sanctuary and the massive 686 steps baroque staircase leading up to the church. This ensemble was built in the 18th century. Enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 10: Porto - Canada
After one last breakfast on board, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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