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

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4: 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 open-air Palaeolithic figurations known today. Before returning to ship, enjoy a tasting of the unique wine of the region,

OR: CLASSIC: Join a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains. Visit a local farm for a delightful wine tasting where sustainable farming practices have recovered some of the region’s 100 original grape varieties.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 5: 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
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6: FERRADOSA–LEVERINHO. 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

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 7: 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
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

• In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
• Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.