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CRUISE |
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Main
Deck | Upper
Deck | Single | |
| 2012 | $1,595 | +$135 | +$725 |
Transfers between the cruise start/end point and the Porto airport, train station, or hotel can be arranged for an additional charge.
Note: Prices on board are in Euros. You will sign for any purchases or services during the cruise and pay by credit card at the end. Gratuities should be paid in cash (Euros only). Travelers' checks are not accepted.
Porto - Spreading along the banks of the Douro River, Porto, a World Heritage city, owes its history and development to the river that runs through it. A Celtic settlement at first, it became a prosperous Roman village thanks to its busy harbor. As a medieval town of fishermen, sailors, merchants and ship builders, it contributed to the great success of the Portuguese world discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 18th century, Porto gave its name to some of the finest wines in the world: port.
The tour will take you through narrow streets to view 16th-century arcaded buildings and ornate Baroque churches. You'll cross a 19th-century iron bridge, built by disciples of the famed French engineer Gustav Eiffel. In Foz, at the mouth of the Douro River, you'll see old villas and gardens belonging to wealthy Porto residents. Next, drive through the newest part of the city with the strikingly modern building that houses the Casa da Musica. Stop at the Cathedral, which was built from the 12th to the 17th centuries, for a guided tour. End with a visit to one of the port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will see old casks full of port and sample this delicious world-famous wine of Portugal.
Alpendurada Monastery - Dating back to 1024, this convent was used by pilgrims on their way north to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela (St. James). In this peaceful environment they could rest for a few days before their final stages to the holy city in the Spanish province of Galicia. Today the monastery has been remodelled into a modern hotel where the monks' cells accommodate a different type of travellers. The hallways, corridors and lounges are all decorated with furniture, chandeliers and tiles from the 17th and 18th century. The medieval kitchen is still in use, and its firewood oven is still used to roast the meat you will be served at dinner. Enjoy the simplicity of a meal cooked in traditional Portuguese style.
Lamego - Lamego is a very old historical town. Small but picturesque, warm and very charming, it houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies (Nossa Senhora dos Remédios). Built during the second half of the 18th century, it is a good example of the Portuguese Baroque style. Embracing the whole town from the top of the hill, its impressive staircase, with almost 700 steps, is beautifully decorated with enormous panels of blue and white tiles (the famous azulejos). Thousands of pilgrims gather here at the beginning of September every year to seek healing and consolation.
Besides the shrine, you will have free time to visit the Gothic cathedral and the museum or just wander around the narrow, winding streets or watch the world go by in one of the outdoor cafes. Lamego is also famous for its gastronomy: smoked ham, "Bola e Lamego" (bread filled with smoked ham), oven-roasted lamb, regional cakes and the well-known sparkling wine called "Raposeira."
Salamanca - Salamanca is a city full of traditions, located at the center of the "Castilla y León" region of Spain. It was founded by Celtic tribes on the banks of the river Tormes and was later occupied by the Romans and the Arabs. It was finally reconquered by the Christians in the 12th century. During the 13th century the oldest university of the Iberian Peninsula was founded there. The city was visited many times by kings, princes, bishops and artists who contributed to its enrichment over the ages.
The visit of Salamanca (a World Heritage city) vividly reminds us of the Middle Ages. The monuments are impressive, but so is the large modern university of some 40,000 students coming from all over the world. (The city itself only has 160,000 inhabitants.) The walking city tour will take you to the New Cathedral, the University, the House of Shells and, of course, the beautiful "Plaza Mayor."
Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo - Castelo Rodrigo is up in the hills at about 2,200 feet above sea level. The steep and narrow streets, the 16th century façades of the buildings and the Manueline windows give this village a uniquely medieval atmosphere. The Romans were the first to build a fortress there. In 1209 king Alfonso IX built the walls around the fortress. The village became part of the Portuguese territory in 1297. For centuries, Jews, Arabs and Christians peacefully coexisted in this small town, and signs of this can still be seen in Sinagoga Street. Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is also known for its many almond trees scattered around the village.
The region's economy is primarily based on agriculture: grain, olives, cattle and cheese. Wine has been produced in the region by monks since the 12th century. Every year, Figueira welcomes the beautiful storks that stay in the village for about 9 months. (The stork is the symbol of the village.)
Mateus Palace and Gardens - The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes just outside the city of Vila Real. Built in 1745, this magnificent mansion is considered a perfect example of Baroque architecture. Start the excursion with a panoramic bus ride along the river banks, through quaint villages and grandiose vineyard-covered terraces. In the gardens of the palace of Mateus you will find out about the history of Mateus rosé wine and its connection to this 18-century mansion. The property is still owned by the current Count of Vila Real but a cultural foundation called "Casa de Mateus" is now in charge of preserving the palace and its archives and promoting a variety of cultural, scientific and educational activities. Several concerts take place there every year, during the "Festival Mateus" in the summer.
Inside the palace, you will visit the library, a small museum with liturgical vestments, a collection of silver reliquaries from the 18th century, a 17th century woodcraft altar, ivory images of Our Lady of Conception (17th century), and a "Descent from the Cross" (18th century), among many other artifacts. You will also have a chance to see Portuguese, French and English furniture, mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a few paintings from the same periods.
DEPARTURES
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PRICES
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