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Queen Isabel, Portugal Spain & Duoro River Valley ex Lisbon to Porto
Nights 10 Ship Queen Isabel Star Rating River Departs Lisbon, Portugal Sailing 2013: 28 Mar ,4 Apr ,11 Apr ,18 Apr ,25 Apr ,2 May ,9 May ,16 May ,23 May ,30 May ,6 Jun ,13 Jun ,20 Jun ,27 Jun ,4 Jul ,11 Jul ,18 Jul ,25 Jul ,1 Aug ,8 Aug More15 Aug ,22 Aug ,29 Aug ,5 Sep ,12 Sep ,19 Sep ,26 Sep ,3 Oct ,10 Oct ,17 Oct ,24 Oct ,31 Oct ,7 Nov Ports of Call Lisbon, Oporto (Porto), Bitetos, Regua, Pinhao, Vega Terron, Barca Dalva Select a sailing date for approximate pricing.
Prices are per person, twin share. When booking please check current cruise fare and inclusions. Prices are indicative only, subject to currency fluctuations and may change at any time without notice.
7 Night Cruise sailing from Porto roundtrip aboard Queen Isabel. 3 night hotel stay pre-cruise in Lisbon.
Travel Europe's most unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage-designated river valley through Portugal and Spain
The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe's most unspoiled regions and to Port country-the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Explore the seven hills of cosmopolitan Lisbon, uncovering a treasure trove of Old World architecture. Visit Coimbra, the "Birthplace of Kings"; Porto, the beautiful "City of Bridges," with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center and UNESCO Palacio de Bolsa; Guimarães, which has its own UNESCO-listed Medieval city center and is a 2012 European Cultural Capital; and Salamanca, Spain, another declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taste a variety of local wines from village vineyards, including Port wine, the region's sweet fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal with wine quinta overlooking the Douro Valley and enjoy a traditional Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show. Along the way,
uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking charm, and meet warm-hearted, friendly people with welcoming open arms.
Who will enjoy this cruise: This hidden gem is for those seeking to explore an unspoiled river valley with lovely vistas, storied towns, and lively cities. True wine connoisseurs and food aficionados will enjoy indulging in the region's celebrated Port wine and local cuisine.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Lisbon
Day 2: Lisbon
Your guided exploration of Lisbon takes you to the historic district of Belem and the Belem Tower, the traditional starting and ending point of Portuguese voyages of discovery. You'll then visit San Jeronimos Church, built in the early 16th-century. (BB)
Day 3: Lisbon
Spend leisure time enjoying this cosmopolitan city often referred to as the "City of Seven Hills.'' (BB)
Day 4: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto (embark)
In the morning, you'll head north to Porto. En route, you'll stop in Portugal's third-largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal's kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university is the Biblioteca Joanina, a gem of a library with books from the 12th-century. After your library visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the ship docked in Porto. (BB, L, D)
Day 5: Porto, Bitetos
Porto city tour OR choice of walking tour of Ribeira District and visit to Ferreira wine cellars (BB, L, D)
Day 6: Regua, Pinhão
After a morning lecture at the Douro Museum, visit the impressive Mateus Palace and Gardens, with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Later, enjoy dinner at the family-owned winery Quinta da Avessada in the heart of the Douro region, built a century ago, and producing Moscatel, the treasure of the region. (BB, L, D)
Day 7: Pinhão, Vega de Terron (Spain)
Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking, so it is only fitting you visit a quinta to learn the history of, and sample, the country's most celebrated beverage. In the afternoon, enjoy the breathtaking scenery while sailing the remote Douro Valley. (BB, L, Captain's Dinner)
Day 8: Vega de Terron (Salamanca, Spain)
From Vega de Terron, on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. This charming town is untouched in its architectural purity, and throughout the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow, giving the city the nickname the "Golden City." Visit Salamanca's historic university before having lunch with a flamenco show at
a local restaurant. (BB, L, D)
Day 9: Barca d'Alva (Castelo Rodrigo), Regua
Visit the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a charming and captivating place with Medieval streets, thick stonewall houses, and a remarkably distinctive fountain, Chafariz dos Pretos. (BB, L, D)
Day 10: Porto (Guimarães)
Sail along the Douro back to Porto, and then traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Visit the 19th-century UNESCO Palacio de Bolsa with its famous Arab Room. Later, enjoy a farewell evening and reception while sailing to the mouth of the Douro River. (BB, L, D)
Day 11: Porto (disembark)