Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon

Day 1

LISBON, PORTUGAL Welcome to Lisbon.

Your day in Lisbon is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 2

LISBON Portuguese Treasures

CLASSIC Explore Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, with a Local Guide. Do not miss the must-see sights, including Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

This evening you might join an optional excursion including a traditional Portuguese dinner, followed by a live concert of traditional Portuguese Fado music.

(B)

Day 3

LISBON. EXCURSION TO SINTRA AND VISIT OF PALÁCIO NACIONAL A Resplendent Royal Residence

CLASSIC This morning, join us on a guided excursion to Sintra, where you will visit the National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, drive to Cabo da Roca and enjoy some free time in the Western most point of continental Europe.

You might opt to join an optional gastronomic walking tour to learn about the authentic flavors, aromas, and traditions of Portugal.

(B)

Day 4

LISBON–COIMBRA–PORTO (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

CLASSIC Stop in Coimbra for a guided city sightseeing tour. Accompanied by a Local Guide, you’ll explore the historical area of the city and learn all about the oldest university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in the world.

Transfer to Porto to board your Avalon Suite Ship®

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

(B,D)

Day 5

ENTRE OS RIOS. EXCURSION BRAGA AND GUIMARÃES Portuguese Panoramas

Visit the Adventure Center on board for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

DISCOVERY Step back in time within the walls of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque with a fascinating introduction to its symbolism and architecture. Enjoy an excursion with an exclusive visit to one of the most iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era with entrance to a XIII century church and be enchanted by sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir, OR:

CLASSIC Enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrate your experience with a stop at one of the area’s many wine farms and enjoy a tasting.

Sample green wine and famous pastries with stops en route to Régua.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO ANTIGO

(B,L,D)

Day 6

PESO DA RÉGUA Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal

DISCOVERY Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including an olive oil and wine tasting, OR:

CLASSIC Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua —with its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles, and stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral, followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego and sparkling wine in a local pastry shop.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhão to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terra cotta creations, and culinary delights, or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill.

This evening, consider an optional excursion to enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner hosted by the local farmers.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PINHÃO

(B,L,D)

Day 7

POCINHO Written in Stone

Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.

DISCOVERY Discover Vila Nova de Foz Côa at the eastern terminal of the legendary Douro Railway line. Marvel at the amazing archaeological site along the River Côa where a wealth of remarkable prehistoric rock paintings and carvings were discovered as the most significant collection of Palaeolithic figurations known today. Before returning to ship, enjoy hands-on workshop guided by an archeologist, OR:

CLASSIC Join a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains filled with vast vineyards and granite houses. This little suburb is filled with Roman, Medieval, and modern ruins.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA

(B,L,D)

Day 8

BARCA D’ALVA. EXCURSION TO SALAMANCA The Reign in Spain

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

CLASSIC Join our guide for a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey, OR:

CLASSIC Get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and "Plateresque" architecture. Dive into a delicious dish of the traditional Spanish delicacy, tostón asado (traditional roast suckling pig).

In the afternoon you might wish to join our optional excursion to enjoy a do-it-yourself workshop to learn how to bake traditional Florinhas (Portuguese pastries).

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN POCINHO

(B,L,D)

Day 9

CALDAS DE AREGOS. EXCURSION TO AMARANTE Painted Tiles & Passionate Tunes

During your morning sailing, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile) to take home a piece of Portugal’s tradition. You may alternatively join an optional excursion to 18th-century Casa de Mateus – birthplace of Mateus Rosé wine and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

CLASSIC Join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante – poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marão mountain and the Tâmega River, which courses through the heart of the city and assortment of houses lining the riverbanks.

Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.

Enjoy a scenic sailing to Porto for a free evening to explore the city.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

(B,L,D)

Day 10

PORTO Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde

ACTIVE Enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, on a bicycle and accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide, OR;

CLASSIC Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto – from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art, OR:

This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production. Perhaps simply spend time strolling through Porto’s cobblestone lanes, lovely shops, and tempting tapas bars this afternoon before experiencing the energy of Porto’s buzzing nightlife.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

(B,L,D)

Day 11

PORTO (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)