Cruising the Douro River

(click here to see map)

A gentle and relaxing journey through Portugal's Douro River Valley, famous for its steep terraced vineyards of Port wine grapes. You will visit charming villages, sample the tasty cuisine onboard your ship and at local restaurants and enjoy local Portuguese and Spanish entertainment. The cruise begins and ends in the city of Porto, first settled over 5,000 years ago.

2010 Douro River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Porto

Board your ship this afternoon in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto. Vila Nova de Gaia is the home of the Port Wine Lodges. Many are open for tours and tasting. A welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. During your cruise you will experience many locks while traversing the dams, including the 1976 built Valeira, that tamed the wild Douro as you sail up and down the river.
Overnight onboard in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 2 Porto - Régua - Lamego

Sail to Régua, arriving after lunch. After docking, your tour today will take you to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient and picturesque Lamego houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Remedies), located on top of a seemingly endless staircase. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the town on your own to visit the gothic Cathedral or the town’s museums. You may also want to visit one of the cafés to sample a “bola de Lamego” (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, a sparking wine. Overnight in Régua.

Day 3 Régua-Barca d´Alva

Enjoy lunch onboard as the ship sails to the picturesque village of Barca d’Alva. Arrive this evening and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town on your own.  Overnight in Barca d’Alva.

Day 4 Salamanca, Spain-Vega de Terron, Portugal

After breakfast depart for Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City for a full day tour. The city is famous for its Renaissance architecture, 13^th century university and its unusual twin-towered cathedral combining an old 12^th century cathedral (Vieja) with a newer 16^th century cathedral (Nueva). Enjoy a typical Spanish lunch followed by free time in the afternoon to stroll through the city’s streets and plazas. Tonight will feature a flamenco show performed by four female dancers. Overnight Vega de Terrón

Day 5 Vega de Terrón-Pinhão

After breakfast, an excursion to Figueira Castelo Rodrigo, a typical Portugal-Spain border town with 16^th century walls and steep, narrow medieval streets. Many castles were built, besieged and rebuilt only to have the cycle repeated in the long border dispute in the area. Today, Figueira Castelo Rodrigo is a flourishing little town known for its almond blossoms in the spring. Return to the ship for lunch and to sail to Pinhão. This evening, enjoy wine tasting and dinner at a local “quinta” (wine estate). Overnight Pinhão

Day 6 Lamego-Bitetos

Set sail this morning to Régua and disembark for an excursion to Casa de Mateus and Gardens. This stunning and flamboyant example of Portuguese Baroque architecture is famous throughout the world as the label on Mateus Wine. The manor house was built in the early 18^th century and is still a working estate. Equally impressive are the gardens, which include the Cedar Tunnel. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of port and the breathtaking view of the river valley from the balcony of the 14^th century Alpendurada Monastery. Dinner will be at the monastery. Overnight Bitetos

Day 7 Bitetos-Porto

Depart for Porto today, sailing by the city’s colourful, medieval Ribeira neighbourhood. Your sightseeing tour of Porto will include 16^th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustav Eiffel. Drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you will find the Casa da Musica and museum of Modern Art.  Enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner onboard this evening.

Day 8

Your Douro River cruise comes to an end after breakfast.

2010 Douro River Cruise Departure dates:

Departures from Porto on Saturdays from April through October.

Prices are per person, double/twin occupancy.

USA Departure Date	Start City	Cruise Only	Cruise & Land	Air Cruise & Land */
4/13/2010	Lisbon	$2,199	$2,889	$3,839
6/1/2010	Lisbon	$2,499	$3,189	$4,289
6/29/2010	Lisbon	$2,399	$3,089	$4,189
7/27/2010	Lisbon	$2,399	$3,089	$4,189
8/24/2010	Lisbon	$2,599	$3,289	$4,389
9/7/2010	Lisbon	$2,699	$3,389	$4,339
10/5/2010	Lisbon	$2,499	$3,189	$4,139
10/12/2010	Lisbon	$2,399	$3,089	$4,039
Upgrade to Business Class ($1,450). One Way Single Supplement / Private Room ($749)

* Included airfare from New York is a current estimate. Actual airfares from all gateways will be advised at the time of deposit.

Port Charges: $133 per person Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price.

Single supplement for Land: $390 per person. Prices are per person in Category D in a deluxe outside stateroom with window. To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:

Cat.	Deck	Price
D	Main Deck w/ Large Picture Windows	$199
C	Upper Deck w/ Balcony	$499
B	Upper Deck w/ Balcony	$599
A	Upper Deck w/ Balcony	$699

NOTE: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

Cruise Includes:

• 7 nights accommodations in outside staterooms
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8.
• Unlimited quality local wines and port with dinner
• 3 special meals ashore
• 1 local show
• Shore excursions and activities per the itinerary
• Services of a Professional Cruise Director
• Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)

Not Included:

• Airfare (see * below)
• Gratuities
• Pre-cruise Lisbon package and post-cruise Porto package (see below)

* Pre-cruise package available for Lisbon including transportation between Lisbon and Porto. Post-cruise package available in Porto. Please contact us for details.

Cabin configuration

Main Deck cabins have large picture windows, private bathrooms with shower, TV and individually controlled heat and air-conditioning. Beds are either 2 twins or made up together to create a large bed (larger than a queen). Category D cabins are in the aft section of the ship. Category C cabins are mid-ship. Cabins are 12.5 sq meters.

Upper Deck cabins have private balconies with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, private bathrooms with shower, TV and individually controlled heat and air-conditioning. Beds are either 2 twins or made up together to create a large bed (larger than a queen). Category B cabins are in the aft section of the ship. Category A cabins are in the mid and fore sections. Cabins are15 sq meters with balcony.

Ship:

The ship features 4 passenger decks, 65 double cabins for a maximum of 130 guests, restaurant with one seating for meals, panoramic bar with dance floor, reception, sundeck with swimming pool and 2 Jacuzzis, gift shop and is fully air-conditioned. Elevator to all decks except the Sun Deck.

River Map:

Click here

For reservation and information click here to submit a request

You may call us at 800-652-9151 if you reside in the United States. From other countries call 1-209-667-2405