13-night Flavors of Portugal and Spain Cruise/Land Package

Arrive in Madrid and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own.,

Enjoy a guided tour of Madrid, Spain's capital since the Spanish Golden Age and now its largest city, a place with broad avenues, grand museums, stately gardens, and lively tapas bars. Known for its historic districts, art, music, and epicurean delights, Madrid is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a vibrant nightlife scene. The city's top landmarks include the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, and such renowned art galleries as the Prado Museum and Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. (B),

You'll have an excursion today to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches that once inspired Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your guided tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo (one of the world's greatest Gothic structures) as well as the Synagogue Santa María la Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B),

You'll have an excursion today to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches that once inspired Spanish Renaissance artist, El Greco, with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your guided tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo (one of the world's greatest Gothic structures) as well as the Synagogue Santa María la Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B),

This morning, you will depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain's Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral, and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later, you will be transferred to Vega Terrón to board your river ship. Cap the day off with a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (B,L,D), Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D),

This morning, you will depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain's Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral, and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later, you will be transferred to Vega Terrón to board your river ship. Cap the day off with a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (B,L,D), Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D),

This morning, you will depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain's Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral, and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later, you will be transferred to Vega Terrón to board your river ship. Cap the day off with a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (B,L,D), Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D),

This morning, you will depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain's Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral, and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later, you will be transferred to Vega Terrón to board your river ship. Cap the day off with a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (B,L,D), Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D),

Tours of the wine country along the Douro River often include stops at this peaceful town on the way to Salamanca, Spain.

This tiny village, only a few hundred feet from the Spanish border, sits on the banks of the Douro River. The Douro River Valley is famous for its vineyards and port wine grapes. Also see almond, olive and cherry orchards lining the valley.

Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the "White Village" because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. 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 up to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread, and wine. Set sail to Pinhão where you'll be treated to a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D),

Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the "White Village" because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. 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 up to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread, and wine. Set sail to Pinhão where you'll be treated to a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D),

Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.

Enjoy an excursion to the palace and gardens known as the Palácio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork, and hand-carved wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. During the afternoon, enjoy lunch at Quinta da Avessada. Here, you'll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da 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. (B,L,D),

Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.

You have a choice of two excursions, depending on your interests. Your first option is an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafés. Active adventurers can also choose to hike up the famed Lamego Steps, also known as the Holy Staircase. (B,L,D),

Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.

Mateus is a charming portuguese village, which owes its fame to the nobility of the region. Visitors may visit the Mateus palace and view the baroque architecture, valuable paintings, and small private museum. There are also beautiful gardens for visitors to admire and enjoy. Mateus is also known for its wine industry and produces a variety of wines showcasing  the Mateus palace on the face of the unique bottle.

Overlooked by one of Portugal's most important shrines, Lamego is an ancient episcopal city lying within the Upper Douro's demarcated Port wine area. Located in a fertile valley, it is a delightful Baroque town with a central square laid out as a public garden surrounded by elegant 17th-century buildings. Its most significant role in the country's history was as the site where, in 1143, the cortes met for the very first time to declare Afonso Henriques as Portugal's first king.

Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.

Enjoy a morning hike through the vineyards, and then set sail along the scenic Douro River. Later in the day, enjoy a special Portuguese dinner at a local quinta. (B,L,D),

Entre-Os-Rios is a small town located at the confluence of the Duoro and Tamega Rivers. Enjoy magnificent views of vineyards and fruit trees, and utter relaxation while strolling through this charming town.

Entre-Os-Rios is a small town located at the confluence of the Duoro and Tamega Rivers. Enjoy magnificent views of vineyards and fruit trees, and utter relaxation while strolling through this charming town.

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 cafés; 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 a more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto; afterwards, indulge in a Port wine tasting. (B,L,D),

Enjoy a day at leisure. (B,L,D),

Disembark your cruise ship in Porto. (B), After disembarking your ship, take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Lisbon to check into your hotel. (B),

Disembark your cruise ship in Porto. (B), After disembarking your ship, take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Lisbon to check into your hotel. (B),

Disembark your cruise ship in Porto. (B), After disembarking your ship, take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Lisbon to check into your hotel. (B),

Disembark your cruise ship in Porto. (B), After disembarking your ship, take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Lisbon to check into your hotel. (B),

One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll see the fortified Belém Tower and visit the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery, a Late Gothic-style structure. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, the river, and Rossio Square. (B),

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting and a view of the Pena National Palace, a fairy-tale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B),

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting and a view of the Pena National Palace, a fairy-tale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B),

Your river cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B),