Cruise and Hikes in The Douro Valley, A Nature Lover's Dream (port-to-port cruise)

Included in tour package<ul><li>Guided tour of Porto </li><li>Mateus Palace and the Douro Museum</li><li>Guided tour of Salamanca </li><li>Excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.</li><li>"Wines of Porto&#8221; excursion</li><li>Excursion to Guimaraes</li></ul>

We'll leave on foot for the Douro Museum to learn about the passionate history and wine-making heritage in the region, an experience combining traditional and modern approaches. We'll continue on by coach for Mateus Palace, a beautiful 18th-century manor in Vila Real. This baroque-style manor belonged to the same family until a foundation was set up to preserve it in 1970. The dramatic splendor and details of the complex offer a unique visual relationship between geometry and space. Enjoy a stroll through the magnificent tree- and hedge-lined gardens, which include a romantic Mexican-cedar topiary tunnel. After, we&#8217;ll return to the ship in Pinh&#227;o by coachPLEASE NOTE<ul><li>*Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.</li><li>The order of the visits can change.</li><li>Times are approximate.</li></ul>

Mateus Palace and the Douro Museum

Situated in the northern foothill of Marofa Mountain, in the middle of cultivated plains, this once-medieval town is a historic treasure thanks to the outstanding renovations that preserved the houses and important buildings. Here, we&#39;ll visit the Museu de Escalh&atilde;o. Don&#39;t forget to take in the magnificent view of the valley. We&#39;ll return to the ship in Senhora da Ribeira.

PLEASE NOTE

<ul>
	<li>The excursion lasts all day. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.</li>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
</ul>

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo

We&#39;ll leave by coach from Porto for Guimar&atilde;es. With our guide, we&#39;ll begin the tour of this university town on foot to discover its historical treasures. We&#39;ll get the chance to discover the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Church (outdoors), the most important religious building in the city. The medieval heart of Guimar&atilde;es is a labyrinth of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century buildings. We&#39;ll continue on to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza with striking architecture. The palace is closed on May 1 and Easter Day. 
At the end of our visit, we&#39;ll return on board in Porto.

PLEASE NOTE

<ul>
	<li>Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.</li>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
</ul>

Guimaraes

We&#8217;ll leave by coach to travel along the Port Wine Route. Portugal has cultivated vineyards since the Roman Empire. In 1756, the Marquis of Pombal created a monopolistic company demarcating the Douro wine region to regulate the production and trading of its wine. The route winds through gorgeous scenery and valleys with the river flowing below. We'll continue on to Pinh&#227;o and stop at a quinta for a wine tasting. After, we'll visit the historic Pinh&#227;o train station, known for its superb azulejo frescoes. We&#8217;ll return to the ship.PLEASE NOTE<ul><li>Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.</li><li>The order of the visits can change.</li><li>Times are approximate.</li></ul>

Port Wine Route and Pinh&#227;o

We'll leave for Porto's city center by coach. Our first stop will be a tour of St. Francis Church. A stone's throw from the Douro riverbank, it is among the most symbolic buildings in Porto. We'll then head over to see the inside of Bolsa Palace&#8212;also known as the Stock Exchange Palace&#8212;a magnificent, neoclassical mansion in the heart of the historic downtown. Built in the 19th century, the landmark is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is one of the most interesting landmarks to visit in Porto. We&#8217;ll ascend the magnificent marble and granite staircase to visit the Golden Room and the lavishly decorated Arab Room, where official receptions are still held. The next stop will be an azulejo tile workshop. The striking bright blue frescoes seen throughout the country are an art form that dates back to the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The name comes from the Arabic word zellij, meaning polished stone. The blue and white tiles often depict flowers, animals, or historic events. This tour is a unique occasion to discover this age-long art form. We&#8217;ll return to the ship.PLEASE NOTE<ul><li>Good walking shoes are recommended.</li><li>Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.</li><li>The order of the visits can change.</li><li>Times are approximate.</li></ul>

Guided tour of Porto and visit of an azulejos workshop

Departure by coach towards Salamanca where you&#39;ll meet up with your guides. 
Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. We&#39;ll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic to Baroque, including Renaissance. Afterwards, we&#39;ll visit one of the world&#39;s oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. Also known as &quot;Escuelas Mayores&rdquo;, the University building has a sumptuous gate adorned with the city&#39;s most famous design: a frog atop a skull - symbolic of the sin of lust being punished after death. Its wonderful library brims with old manuscripts dating back from prior to the 19th century. You&#39;ll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron.

PLEASE NOTE

<ul>
	<li>Good walking shoes are recommended.</li>
	<li>Lunch in a restaurant included (drinks are not included).</li>
	<li>The order of the visits can change.</li>
	<li>Times are approximate.</li>
</ul>

Guided tour of Salamanca (lunch included)

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

Included in tour package Guided tour of Porto Mateus Palace and the Douro Museum Guided tour of Salamanca Excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. "Wines of Porto” excursion Excursion to Guimaraes

CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

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Cruise and Hikes in The Douro Valley, A Nature Lover's Dream (port-to-port cruise)

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