Flavours of Portugal & Spain

Day 1, LISBON

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city is a gorgeous blend of colourful old quarters, lively squares and cafes, and historic sites. Check in the luxurious Sofitel Liberdade Hotel and enjoy Welcome Fado Dinner & Show at a local venue. (D)

Day 2, LISBON

Join your guide for a city tour to include Belem Tower and the gothic Jeronimo’s Monastery in the Belem quarter, followed by a tasting of Pasteis de Belem – a typical Portuguese pastry… visit Discovery Monument built in honour of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure .We meet again in the evening, and we will proceed to a local venue for a classical music concert, subject to scheduling. (B)

Day 3, LISBON

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting and a tour of the Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle situated high on a rocky peak. (B)

Day 4, PORTO

Check out of your hotel and take a motor coach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, and continue to Porto where you’ll board your ship. (B,D)

Day 5, PORTO

The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on a guided tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the So 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 on to the world of wine. Prefer to get more active, you can hike in Porto offering magnificent views over the Douro River.

(B,L,D)

DAY 6 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 7, REGUA

The breathtaking Douro River Valley is on full display as you sail along beautiful stretches of the river. Once arriving in Entre-os-Rios, you’ll be taken to Quinta da Avelada, a historic, family owned wine estate known as one of the best wine producing estates in the Vinho Verde region. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a tour followed by a delicious wine and cheese tasting and then a special dinner. While here, wander through the Quinta Aveleda’s gardens, where you’ll find a thatched house for geese, peacocks and graceful swans. (B,L,D)

Day 8, RÉGUA – PINHÃO

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 9, 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 10, BARCA D’ALVA, PORTUGAL

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 11, DISEMBARKATION, SALAMANCA, MADRID

Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you’ll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castillay 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. Later in the day, you’ll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B, L)

Day 12, MADRID

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. In the evening, join your group  for Flamenco Dinner & Show at local venue. (B,D)

Day 13, MADRID

Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. In the evening, join the group again for an evening classical music concert or opera performance, subject to scheduling. (B)

Day 14, DEPART Madrid

This morning our journey ends and we transfer to the airport for our return to Toronto. (B)