7 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
Day 1: USA - Lisbon (Portugal)
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Lisbon
Arrival at the airport in Lisbon. You will be greeted by our local representatives after exiting the customs and transferred to your hotel in Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Portugal's capital city. (Dinner)
Day 3: Lisbon
Following breakfast, half-day guided city tour of Lisbon. In a maze of sloping alleys and serpentine staircases, life in the old town of Lisbon is rhythmed by the sound of colorful streetcars, a favorite means of transportation among locals. You will visit the Belem Cultural Center with the Tower of Belem, erected in the 16th century to control the entrance of the city from the sea, and the Jeronimos Monastery which is a resting place for numerous historic Portuguese characters. After lunch, panoramic tour of Lisbon, a city that has crossed history with brilliance, offering today the perfect combination between a rich history and an attractive modernity. You will see Alfama, the most authentic district in the city. Evening at leisure. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 4: Lisbon - Coimbra - Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure toward Coimbra, a friendly and rather quiet city whose charm has been praised in numerous works of Portuguese literature. Coimbra is the site of the oldest university in Portugal, founded in the 13th century, and the birthplace of the Fado, the music of Portugal characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics. After the guided tour, continuation to Porto where you will board the river cruise ship. After comfortably settling into your cabins, 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-Lunch-Dinner)
Beginning of your cruise.
Boarding: 05:00 pm
Day 5: Porto - Regua
Breakfast on board. Morning cruising toward Regua. Then, free time to explore the scenic landscapes made of lush, large vineyards or opt for an optional guided tour ($) of Lamego, a charming episcopal town famous for its sanctuary and the massive 686 steps baroque staircase leading up to the church, which was built in the 18th century. Enjoy an evening of dancing. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 6: Regua - Porto Antigo
Following breakfast, time at leisure to continue your exploration of the rolling countryside or opt for an optional excursion ($) to visit the Douro Museum to learn about the passionate history and winemaking heritage in the region. You will then leave by coach to discover the Quinta do Tedo, a magnificent 18th-century estate that offers dramatic views of rivers. Return on board. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7: Porto Antigo - Porto
Breakfast on board. Morning cruising back to Porto, the northern capital of Portugal built hillside on the mouth of the river Douro. Free time to explore this splendid city on your own or opt for our optional guided city tour ($). The old town, including the historic Ribeira district, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous landmarks include Porto Cathedral which was founded in the 12th century, the Stock Exchange building, and the beautiful Saint Francis Church which also known as the "Golden Church". (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 8: Porto
After breakfast, free time to continue your exploration of Porto on your own. Take advantage of this time at leisure to visit a local wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of the famous “Porto wine”. In the afternoon, you can opt for an optional guided tour of Guimaraes ($), where you will see the important Nossa Senhora de Oliveira church, the colorful city center of Braga and the impressive medieval Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, built in the 16th century on a walking tour. 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. Traditional folk entertainment follows this gala dinner. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 9: Porto - USA
After one last breakfast on board, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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*Please note that the itinerary is subject to change without notice.
