Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 11-day journey through the heart of Portugal, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided excursions and free exploration, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's rich heritage and vibrant lifestyle. From the bustling capital of Lisbon to the charming town of Porto, you'll discover iconic landmarks, taste authentic cuisine, and engage in traditional activities. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore the oldest university in Portugal, and experience the soulful Fado music. This tour is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a variety of activities to suit every taste.
Included
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Avalon Alegria or similar
7 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
3 Nights in Lisbon
Avalon Alegria: Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Destinations
Espinho
Porto
Matosinhos
Coimbra
Lamego
Braga
Lisbon
Peso da Régua
Salamanca
GuimarãesMap
Attractions
Portuguese Centre of Photography
Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa
Cathedral of Vila Real
Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
National Pantheon
Belém Tower
Museum Casa da Memória de Guimarães
Turismo da Universidade de CoimbraDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon
- Lisbon - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Lisbon. The day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Discover the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture on your own.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Lisbon's Treasures
- Lisbon
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- Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
- Belém Tower
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Explore Lisbon's iconic landmarks with a local guide. Visit the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Opt for a gastronomic walking tour to learn about Portugal's culinary traditions. In the evening, consider joining an optional excursion for a traditional Portuguese dinner and a live Fado music concert.
Day 3 – Day 3: A Royal Residence in Sintra
- Lisbon
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- National Pantheon
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Join a guided excursion to the town of Sintra. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Palace. Then, drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. In the morning, consider joining an optional baking class to learn how to make the famous Portuguese tart, Pastel de Nata.
Day 4 – Day 4: Coimbra City Tour and Boarding the Suite Ship
- Lisbon
- Coimbra
- Porto
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- Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
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Stop in Coimbra for a guided city tour. Explore the historical area and learn about the oldest university in Portugal. Later, transfer to Porto to board your Avalon Suite Ship. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
Day 5 – Day 5: Portuguese Panoramas in Braga and Guimarães
- Braga
- Guimarães
- Porto
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- Portuguese Centre of Photography
- Saint Lawrence Church
- Castle of Guimarães
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Visit the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque and explore one of the iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era. Alternatively, join a full-day guided tour of Braga, marvel at the Guimarães Castle and San Miguel church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Celebrate your experience with a wine tasting at a local wine farm.
Day 6 – Day 6: Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal in Régua and Lamego
- Porto
- Peso da Régua
- Lamego
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- Cathedral of Vila Real
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Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley or take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral and enjoy a tasting of bola de Lamego. Enjoy free time in Pinhão to explore the artisanal markets or join an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley's 'liquid gold' at a traditional olive-oil mill.
Day 7 – Day 7: Written in Stone in Vila Nova de Foz Côa and Freixo de Numão
- Vila Nova de Foz Coa
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- Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa
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Cruise to Pocinho and discover the archaeological site along the River Côa, home to remarkable prehistoric rock paintings and carvings. Alternatively, join a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village filled with Roman, Medieval, and modern ruins.
Day 8 – Day 8: The Reign in Spain in Salamanca
- Salamanca
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Join a guided tour to one of the most remote villages of Portugal, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, or get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. Marvel at the stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and 'Plateresque' architecture. Enjoy a traditional Spanish paella for lunch.
Day 9 – Day 9: Painted Tiles & Passionate Tunes in Amarante
- Amarante
- Espinho
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During your morning sailing, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile). Alternatively, join an onboard pastry demonstration. Later, join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante, a city nestled against the Serra do Marão mountain and the Tâmega River. In the evening, enjoy a visit from local musicians on board.
Day 10 – Day 10: Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde in Porto
- Espinho
- Porto
- Matosinhos
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- Praia de Matosinhos
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Enjoy a bicycle tour along the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, or 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. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of optional excursions.
Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell to Porto
- Porto - Departure day
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Your memorable vacation in Portugal concludes with breakfast this morning. Take the time to say goodbye to the beautiful city of Porto before your departure.
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