Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D),
Join a guided tour of Porto's historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see the cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafés; 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. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. (B,L,D),
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),
Entre-Os-Rios is a small town located at the confluence of the Duoro and Tamega Rivers. Enjoy magnificent views of vineyards and fruit trees, and utter relaxation while strolling through this charming town.
Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus rose wine and spend some time exploring the palace's magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D),
Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.
Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus rose wine and spend some time exploring the palace's magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D),
Mateus is a charming portuguese village, which owes its fame to the nobility of the region. Visitors may visit the Mateus palace and view the baroque architecture, valuable paintings, and small private museum. There are also beautiful gardens for visitors to admire and enjoy. Mateus is also known for its wine industry and produces a variety of wines showcasing the Mateus palace on the face of the unique bottle.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies" on a city tour or climb the 686-step "Holy Staircase", beautifully decorated with white-and-blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies" on a city tour or climb the 686-step "Holy Staircase", beautifully decorated with white-and-blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Overlooked by one of Portugal's most important shrines, Lamego is an ancient episcopal city lying within the Upper Douro's demarcated Port wine area. Located in a fertile valley, it is a delightful Baroque town with a central square laid out as a public garden surrounded by elegant 17th-century buildings. Its most significant role in the country's history was as the site where, in 1143, the cortes met for the very first time to declare Afonso Henriques as Portugal's first king.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies" on a city tour or climb the 686-step "Holy Staircase", beautifully decorated with white-and-blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.
This morning, hike to the 19th-century Pinhão Railway Station, once used to transport wine. Admire the more than 20 historic azulejo murals (hand-painted tiles) that depict various aspects of the town's grape harvest. During the afternoon, enjoy lunch at Quinta da Avessada. Here, you'll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da 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),
Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.
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 façade 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. Set sail to Pinhão where you'll be treated to a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D),
This tiny village, only a few hundred feet from the Spanish border, sits on the banks of the Douro River. The Douro River Valley is famous for its vineyards and port wine grapes. Also see almond, olive and cherry orchards lining the valley.
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 façade 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. Set sail to Pinhão where you'll be treated to a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D),
Your journey comes to an end in Vega de Terrón as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B),
Tours of the wine country along the Douro River often include stops at this peaceful town on the way to Salamanca, Spain.
Itinerary subject to change without notice. Please confirm itinerary at time of booking.