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Flavors of Portugal & Spain Cruise/Tour
Tuesday, August 13 – Saturday, August 24, 2024
DAY 1: TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL
Board the AmaVida to check in, ideally between 3pm and 5pm. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board at the Captain’s Reception. An after dinner drinks reception is included for members of the Brecon Estate Group. (D)
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
PORTO
Join a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; 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)
DAY 3: THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
PORTO – ENTRE-OS-RIOS
After free time further exploring the colorful “City of Bridges,” the ship will sail to 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: FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
RÉGUA
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)
DAY 5: SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
RÉGUA – PINHÃO
Visit the iconic Mateus Palace and Gardens, one of the most photographed European palaces. Admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and explore the magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão. Here a wine tasting awaits in a local quinta. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
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 da 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. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: MONDAY, AUGUST 19
VEGA de TERRÓN
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: TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
VEGA de TERRÓN – DISEMBARKATION – SALAMANCA – PENAFIEL
Disembark the AmaVida in Vega Terrón and board our motorcoach bound for Valladolid. En route enjoy a walking tour 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. Afterwards, be treated to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant specializing in prized Iberian ham. Later in the day, arrive Penafiel, in the heart of Spain’s Ribera del Duero wine region. Our accommodation here is truly unique, a 15th century monastery converted into a five star luxury hotel. (B,L)
OVERNIGHT: CASTILLA TERMAL MONASTERIO DE VALBUENA (2 nights)
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
PENAFIEL / LA RIBERA WINERIES
Today, visit two famous Ribera de Duero wineries today, with lunch at Bodega Emilio Moro. The big red wines here rival the best of Bordeaux at considerably less cost. Enjoy tastings and accompanying tapas dishes, with marvelous views of fantastic Peñafiel Castle, which we explore later this afternoon. (B,L)
DAY 10: THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
SEGOVIA TO MADRID
Depart Penafiel this morning for Segovia, with its 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct and Castle El Alcazar. Enjoy a brief walking tour of the central square, followed by a special luncheon at the famous asadore restaurant Meson de Candido. Experience the Conchinillo Ceremony, one of Spain’s most renowned culinary traditions. Afterwards, cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range into Madrid. (B,L)
OVERNIGHT:HOTEL VINCCI SOHO or similar (2 nights)
DAY 11: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
MADRID SIGHTS & PRADO MUSEUM
This morning enjoy a very special guided tour of the Prado, one of the great museums of the world. The afternoon is at leisure to shop or enjoy a lengthy Madrileno luncheon. Your escort will have many suggestions for both. Tonight a special farewell dinner is arranged at El Rincon de Esteban, one of Madrid’s great restaurants.(B, D)
DAY 12: SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
MADRID AIRPORT / HOME
You will be transferred to Madrid Barajas International Airport for your onward flight. (B)
PLEASE NOTE:
A reasonable degree of mobility is required for all passengers on this program. Most of the guided tours provided on your cruise are walking tours. Many historic villages in Europe are located on hilltops, where it is necessary to walk up and down hilly, cobblestone streets that may have narrow passageways. Ships docked in port are often rafted side-by-side to another river ship. Passengers are then required to ascend and descend flights of 12 or more stairs to walk up to observation deck, down to gang planks to enter or exit the rafted ships. To participate in tours and get on and off the ship, travelers must be able to walk unaccompanied.
Disabilities and Wheelchairs
Persons with a walking disability or an injury, or who require a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility device, must have another dedicated person traveling with them to assist/push etc. The ship’s crew and other cruise guests are not available to assist persons with limited mobility. On customized pre or post cruise land programs, the Expanding Horizons tour manager is authorized to remove, or ask to leave from the tour, any traveler incapable of, unwilling to, or impeding the overall movement and progress of the tour group.