Golden Landscapes of the Douro

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Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 London to Avila, Spain.

   Fly by scheduled flight to Madrid. On arrival transfer to Avila and check into the Hotel Palacio de los Velada, a wonderful 16th century palace in the heart of the city, for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening.

2. 2

   Day 2 Avila.

   Spend the morning exploring the Medieval walled city of Avila. A walking tour through the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage City will include Spain's first Gothic cathedral, integrated into the city walls, the 11th century Basilica of San Vicente and the Convent of Santa Teresa. After lunch in a local restaurant the afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to return to the hotel to relax or perhaps walk along the city walls, which extend for over 1700 metres, with views down to the Plaza del Mercado Grande as well as out to the surrounding countryside. This evening is free to dine independently in the hotel or at one of the city's restaurants to sample some of the local delicacies.

3. 3

   Day 3 Salamanca & Vega de Terron, Portugal.

   Check out of the hotel after breakfast and drive to Salamanca, a city rich in culture and tradition. Salamanca has been famous as a seat of learning since the early 13th century and boasts an impressive architectural heritage. The city attracts around 40,000 international students each year, giving it a cosmopolitan and modern feel. Our guided tour will include the University, House of Shells and the classic Plaza Mayor, formerly a bullfighting site. We will also visit the Gothic ‘New Cathedral', which was actually constructed in the 16th century, replacing the original 12th century cathedral. After lunch we continue to Vega de Terron to embark the MS Estrela.

4. 4

   Day 4 Almeida or Foz Coa.

   This morning we have a choice of excursions. You may wish to drive to Almeida, one of the finest examples of a ramparted fortification still standing in Portugal. The fortress was built in the 17th century to surround a Medieval castle and, when seen from above, resembles a 12 pointed star. Strategically located on a plateau just 12 kilometres from the Spanish border, it featured in many historic battles during the Wars of Restoration as well as the French invasions of the 19th century. We can explore the narrow streets that preserve the historic atmosphere inside the town as well as walking the fortress walls. Alternatively, we will make our way to the Coa Museum which celebrates the prehistoric art of the Coa Valley. The Coa is a tributary of the Douro where thousands of examples of ancient rock art have been discovered from the Upper Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Iron Age, and the region has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon cruising towards Pinhao.

5. 5

   Day 5 Pinhao, Douro Valley.

   Awake in Pinhao, located in the heart of the Douro Valley. The region is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world with a microclimate perfect for grape cultivation. A morning drive takes us through steep terraced vineyards that stretch up the riverbanks and afford breathtaking views. During a visit to one of the local quintas, we will learn about the production methods and will have the opportunity to sample some of the local wines. Spend this afternoon cruising through the scenic Douro Valley.

6. 6

   Day 6 Regua.

   From our berth in Regua, we visit the 18th century Mateus Palace and its gardens. This elegant palace is still owned by the Count of Vila Real and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. On our guided tour of the palace we will see the rare books library, as well as vestments and religious icons, and view the remarkable chestnut wood craftsmanship on the ceilings, as well as some beautiful paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Stroll around the romantic gardens, which feature a 100 foot long cedar tunnel and formal garden, and visit the villa's pretty chapel. After lunch on board we visit the historic and charming town of Lamego. This city houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal - the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Built in the second half of the 18th century over the remains of a 14th century chapel, it is an excellent example of Portuguese Baroque style. It is richly decorated with enormous panels of blue and white tiles, with an impressive staircase of nearly 700 steps.

7. 7

   Day 7 Douro Valley & Entre-os-Rios.

   This morning is spent cruising towards Entre-os-Rios from where we visit the Quinta de Aveleda, located in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, which is known for its fresh, lightly sparkling wines with a delicate fruit character. After exploring the beautiful park and gardens, with rare specimens of trees, shrubs and flowers which surround the Manor House, we will learn about the wine produced here for generations. After a leisurely morning of cruising we arrive in Oporto, our base for the next day and a half. Join a guided tour of Portugal's second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This attractive city was originally a Celtic-Iberian settlement and became a prosperous Roman village thanks to its natural harbour. We will explore narrow streets lined with 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and chapels, as well as the city's iconic 19th century iron bridge, built by the school of Gustave Eiffel. We continue along the coastal road of the Atlantic to the mouth of the Douro River to view this wealthy neighbourhood with its fashionable villas and manor houses. We will also visit the city's cathedral, located on the top of Penaventosa Hill. Inside are beautiful examples of golden carved altarpieces and paintings from the Nasoni period, whilst outside we will enjoy the amazing view over the river. The tour will conclude with a stroll and some free time to explore the riverfront promenade of Cais da Ribeira with its pastel buildings, restaurants and buzzing atmosphere. Also visit the Serralves Estate. Created in 1989, the grounds hold the leading museum for contemporary art in Portugal with regular exhibitions of both Portuguese and international artists. We will also find the villa built between 1925 and 1944, the most notable Art Deco style building in Portugal, and the surrounding park which spans 18 hectares with a mix of formal gardens, woodlands and farmland. We will have time to walk the paths, view the sculptures and see some of the 200 species of plants. We also see the British Factory House. Built between 1786 and 1790, this was the social club for the merchants of the British owned port houses in the city. Since 1814 it has been named the British Association and today, it is used for receptions, dinners and celebrations by its members. During a tour of the building, see some of the historic rooms and view the hand-painted maps and luxurious furniture.

8. 10

   Day 10 Oporto to London.

   Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

The Ship

Estrela

Deck plan

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