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Enticing Douro (Christmas Time)
Tour Description:
Embark on our Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley itinerary. Set sail from the UNESCO-designated city of Porto to discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. Visit picturesque villages and palaces; spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain; and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates. As you make your way back toward Porto, stop to explore the picturesque village of Pinhão and the pilgrimage site of Lamego. Then linger in Porto to experience its exciting blend of history and modernity, admiring iconic landmarks, contemporary architecture and enriching museums. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the De Souza Cardo Museum and the Palacio de Monterey, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 20 Nov 26 — Friday 27 Nov 26 | Starting at $4,249 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 27 Nov 26 — Friday 04 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,149 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 01 Dec 26 — Tuesday 08 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 04 Dec 26 — Friday 11 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 08 Dec 26 — Tuesday 15 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 11 Dec 26 — Friday 18 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 15 Dec 26 — Tuesday 22 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 18 Dec 26 — Friday 25 Dec 26 | Starting at $4,349 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 19 Nov 27 — Friday 26 Nov 27 | Starting at $4,879 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 23 Nov 27 — Tuesday 30 Nov 27 | Starting at $4,879 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 26 Nov 27 — Friday 03 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,879 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 30 Nov 27 — Tuesday 07 Dec 27 | Starting at $4,879 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 03 Dec 27 — Friday 10 Dec 27 | Starting at $3,679 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 07 Dec 27 — Tuesday 14 Dec 27 | Starting at $3,829 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 10 Dec 27 — Friday 17 Dec 27 | Starting at $3,679 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 14 Dec 27 — Tuesday 21 Dec 27 | Starting at $3,679 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 17 Dec 27 — Friday 24 Dec 27 | Starting at $3,629 | Get a Quote | |
| Tuesday 21 Dec 27 — Tuesday 28 Dec 27 | Starting at $3,679 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
Porto, Portugal. Arrive in Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that straddles the Douro River. Board the ship in the Vila de Gaia district, known for its historic port houses. After time to get settled, gather for a festive welcome reception and dinner on board. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship (Meals: D)
Day 2
Régua. The gateway to Portugal’s UNESCO-designated Alto Douro Wine Region, Régua became an important stop in the wine trade as early as the 1700s. Sit down to a traditional Portuguese lunch at a nearby quinta, or country estate, sampling culinary specialties from the region. In the afternoon, tour Casa Mateus, an 18th-century baroque manor house surrounded by some of the most spectacular gardens in Portugal. Or choose to discover the works of famous Portuguese modernist and contemporary artists at the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, housed within a former monastery. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3
Côa Valley/Vega de Terrón, Spain. A morning excursion brings you to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where hundreds of panels of Paleolithic rock art were discovered during the construction of a dam in the 1990s. Dating back to between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago, the engraved figures depicting animals illustrate that the site was continuously inhabited for millennia. Examine this prehistoric art and learn more about the early humans who created it as you tour the site’s museum with a guide. Alternatively, meander through the picturesque lanes of Castelo Rodrigo, a fortified hilltop village, or opt to hike up to the village, enjoying stunning views of the Douro Valley along the way. Stay the night docked just across the border on the Spanish side of the Douro. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4
Salamanca. Travel into Spain on a day trip to Salamanca, an ancient town built of golden sandstone that is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Step back in time during a guided tour of the old town, where the history of the city is told in architecture that ranges from Gothic and Moorish to Renaissance and baroque. Stroll through the impressive Plaza Mayor, framed by graceful arcades, and see elegant university buildings and the New Cathedral. Then step inside the Palacio de Monterrey, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture appointed with period furnishings and renowned works of art. Meet the ship back in Portugal this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5
Pinhão, Portugal. Soak up the beauty of the Douro River Valley as you cruise between vineyard-striped hills to the picturesque village of Pinhão. Savor Portuguese cuisine and delight in local entertainment during lunch at a quinta. Later, learn about the signature fortified wine for which the region is known and enjoy a port wine tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6
Lamego and Régua. Travel to Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, an 18th-century shrine set atop a zigzagging staircase of nearly 700 steps. Arrive at the church by road—or opt to climb the stairs instead on a guided hike—and admire its stunning azulejos, or traditional blue-and-white tiles. Descend to the heart of the town to sample local specialties, such as savory, filled pastries called bôlas de Lamego; presunto, or cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Sail back to Porto this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7
Porto. Spend the day discovering this colorful waterfront city and its an exciting blend of old and new architecture built along the banks of the Douro. On a guided tour of the historic quarter, a World Heritage Site, visit the cathedral and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its elaborate azulejos depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Delve into local culture at Serralves, a contemporary art museum and park designed by Pritzker-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, and stop at the astonishing Casa de Música, a concert hall and masterpiece of contemporary design. Those seeking a more active excursion can join a guided hike today. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8
Porto. After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
