DAY 2. REGUA

Join us for the excursions proposed:

GUIDED TOUR OF PORTO AND WINE TASTING: CLASSIC EXCURSION: Duration 4H00:
Departure by coach from the Villa Nova de Gaia Quay, facing Porto from across the Douro river and the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, built between 1881 and 1886 by French engineer Theophile Seyrig, one of Gustave Eiffel’s pupils.
Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, stands out from the steep banks of the Douro river with its mixture of grey facades and red tiles interspersed with unusual architectural masterpieces.
Its historical center was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. We’ll discover The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building), built in 1834 by the city’s Commercial Association. It has remained their headquarters to this day. After climbing up the beautiful granite and marble stairway, we’ll visit the former Tribunal Room, the Golden Room and the Arab Room, decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), also known as the “Golden Church”. It was originally a modest convent founded by Franciscan monks in the 12th century, before being further altered by prominent Porto families in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were responsible for the Baroque style interior which mingles with the large, elaborate rose window in Gothic style on the main façade in a fascinating mixture of styles reflecting the various eras it went through.
We’ll cross the Dom Luis I Bridge again back to Villa Nova de Gaia for the visit of a wine cellar. Porto’s pride notably stems from its famous wine known the world over, which you will get to taste*. We’ll return on board by coach.

DAY 3. REGUA – PINHAO – VEGA DE TERON (SPAIN)

VILA REAL AND MATEUS PALACE EXCURSION: Duration: 4H00:
We’ll leave from Regua or Pinhão for Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 17th centuries. The architecture of the religious buildings is here extremely varied. We’ll take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo.
We’ll then set out to explore Mateus Palace, the most beautiful and astonishing manor in all of Northern Portugal. This 18th-century beauty is set in a hilly landscape reminding us of Mexico. The subtle mixture of granite, white walls and extravagance from the Age of Enlightenment such as ledges covered in statues and Baroque style pilasters is a striking feature. Behind the manor is a delightful garden with box hedges, more statues, and a spectacular 115-foot cedar tunnel. After our tour, we’ll return to our ship in Regua or Pinhão.
Tonight’s evening will have a Spanish flair.

DAY 4. BARCA D’ALVA – SALAMANCA – SENHORA DA RIBEIRA

Join us for the excursions proposed :
GUIDED TOUR OF SALAMANCA (LUNCH INCLUDED): CLASSIC EXCURSION: Duration 10H30
Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. We’ll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic to Baroque, including Renaissance. Afterwards, we’ll visit one of the world’s oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. Also known as “Escuelas Mayores”, the University building has a sumptuous gate adorned with the city’s most famous design: a frog atop a skull – symbolic of the sin of lust being punished after death. Its wonderful library brims with old manuscripts dating back from prior to the 19th century. You’ll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron.

DAY 5. SENHORA DA RIBEIRA – FERRADOSA – FOLGOSA – LEVERINHO

WINE TRAIL OF PORTO EXCURSION: Duration: 4h00
Departure from Ferradosa for our excursion along the Porto wine route. We’ll discover this incredible vineyard extending over 100 km along the Douro river all the way to the Spanish border. We’ll visit San Salvador do Mundo and Sao Joao da Pesqueira, two small towns set among the vineyards in the Rio Torto valley. In Sao Joao da Pesqueira, you will have the opportunity to explore the arcaded main square, the chapel and the white houses with their balconies. You will visit a quinta (wine cellar) to taste the famous Porto*. We’ll return on board in Pinhao or Folgosa.

DAY 6. LEVERINHO – PORTO

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

DAY 2. LISBON

Optional tour of Lisbon city (half day)

Lisbon is the stunning capital city of Portugal, and is one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe. It is a city that effortlessly blends traditional heritage, with striking modernism and progressive thinking.

Lisbon is a bustling and exciting city that boasts a wide selection of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. It has a welcoming and liberal atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history.

DAY 3. LISBON

Optional tour of Sintra/Cascais (full day)

The stunning Palacio Nacional da Pena is one of the finest tourist attractions in Portugal.

This beautiful palace is an outstanding example of the 19th-century Romanticism style of architecture, with its vividly painted terraces, ornamental battlements and statues of mythological creatures.

The interior of the Palacio da Pena is equally fascinating, having been restored to how it would have appeared in 1910 when the Portuguese nobility fled to Brazil to escape the revolution.

Surrounding the palace are the forested grounds of the Parque da Pena which continues the ideals of “Romanticism”. There are romantic forest pathways, hidden trails around giant boulders, lush fern gardens and spectacular viewpoints.

DAY 4. LISBON to PORTO

After breakfast you will be transferred by bus to MS Maria Rodrigues to board your cruise. Ship sails at 5PM.

DAY 2-5 MADEIRA

Madeira is an oasis of green within the Atlantic Ocean. This lush island with its permanent spring-like climate, is diverse and fascinating, and one of the truly unique holiday destinations of Europe. Found within the island are dramatic natural scenery, towering mountains and tropical forests, and a people that are welcoming and hospitable, reflecting the laid- back nature of the Portuguese.
Madeira is not your typical beach holiday destination, this is a location to go out and explore, immerse in local culture or find solitude while hiking one of the magnificent trails that cross the island.
If you are seeking a relaxing holiday, Madeira boasts world-class hotels, a glorious climate and a social atmosphere.
Madeira is varied and thrilling, and a holiday here can be as exciting or relaxing as you choose it to be.

DAY 6 – MADEIRA – LISBON

Fly home from Funchal to Lisbon to your US gateway