Flavors of Portugal & Spain (Wine Cruise)

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city’s most famous product – port wine. Oporto’s strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town’s importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers’ quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Day programme:

PORTO. Join a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, visit Guimarães, the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” on a very special excursion. Continue to Quinta de Sezim where you’ll enjoy a visit to the baron’s winery for a wine tasting on the terrace. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

ENTRE-OS-RIOS. Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

RÉGUA. Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

RÉGUA – PINHÃO. Venture to the town of Lamego, where you’ll see the “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies” on a city tour or climb the 686-step “Holy Staircase,” beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

PINHÃO. Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station’s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

BARCA D’ALVA, PORTUGAL. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. If you prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

VEGA DE TERRÓN – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón and prepare for you return flight home. (B)**Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.