Portugal & the Douro River Valley

DAYS 1/2—WELCOME TO PORTUGAL
After an overnight flight, arrive in Lisbon in time for a tour of the Belém District, Lisbon’s historical center that features several monuments such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Enjoy the local cuisine during an evening Fado performance, a showcase of Portugal’s music and culture. Check-in for 2 nights at one of Lisbon’s finest hotels, the 5-star Altis Grand. B, D

DAY 3—LISBON/SINTRA
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of downtown Lisbon on a detailed walking tour with an expert local guide. Along the way, explore colorful town squares and the city’s premier shopping and café district. Continue to the mystic village of Sintra, where lavish palaces dating as far back as the 10th century sit atop rolling hills. Visit the westernmost point of mainland Europe at the impressive Cabo da Roca and stand on the mighty cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. B, D

DAY 4—KNIGHTS TEMPLAR MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
A day you will never forget! Travel with your local guide to Tomar and visit the Knights Templar Convent of Christ, a UNESCO Heritage Site that dates to 1160 as a fortress, temple, and palace. Travel back to the days of the Knights Templar with an exclusive Medieval Event as the Court welcomes us at the castle’s entrance, serves a medieval lunch with live music and dancing, and brings history to life with a variety of colorful characters from the past. B, L

DAY 5—COIMBRA
Travel to the charming riverfront city of Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe- Coimbra University. Led by a student donned in formal cloak, learn about ancient traditions and tour the Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque library considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Enjoy a private lunch, tour, and tasting at Alianca Winery before a visit to the Underground Museum, where wine caves have been transformed into galleries featuring art and priceless artifacts. Continue to Porto and board your home for the next 7 nights, the 5-star Emerald Radiance. B, L, D

DAY 6—CRUISING THE DOURO
Enjoy the sleek modern design and many amenities aboard one of the most stunning ships in Portugal during a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds on two millennia of wine producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception. B, L, D

DAY 7—PINHÃO/VEGA DE TERRÓN
Begin your day with a visit to the scenic Quinta do Tedo Vineyard in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce by using traditional viticulture methods. This afternoon, enjoy sailing to the Spanish pier of Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck to enjoy the Portuguese climate. B, L, D

DAY 8—SALAMANCA, SPAIN
Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Travel to the beautiful ‘Golden City’ for a walking tour, which includes exploring the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. See Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest universities in Europe that dates to 1218. B, L, D

DAY 9—POCINHO
Arrive in Pocinho and visit the 13^th century village of Castelo Rodrigo, whose medieval alleys and imposing wall enclosure have been kept intact as a reminder of its history as a hotspot for dynastic disputes. Return to the Radiance for lunch and soak up your idyllic surroundings, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as we sail towards Régua. B, L, D

Option – Archaeological 4x4 Tour
Explore the UNESCO region where paleolithic rock art dates back as far as 22,000 B.C. Activity Level: High. (Optional tour occurs at same time as included tour.) Price: $55 per person

DAY 10—RÉGUA
Visit the marvelous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. B, L, D

Option – Mateus Manor House and Gardens
Tour the marvel of architecture and landscape of Mateus Manor House completed in 1744. (Optional tour occurs at same time as included tour.) Price: $55 per person

DAY 11—PORTO
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating and eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. On a guided tour, learn about the city’s history as a global wine exporter, and see the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the ocean. B, L, D

Option—Quinta da Aveleda
Visit the largest Vinho Verde wine exporter, and winner of the “Architecture, Parks, and Gardens” category of the International Best of Wine Tourism award. Price: $55 per person

DAY 12—RETURN HOME
After breakfast, disembark the Emerald Radiance for your included flight home, filled with memories of sun-drenched vineyards and new friends. B

Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-3: Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon
Night 4: Vila Gale Collection, Tomar
Nights 5-11: Emerald Radiance

Dates:
Apr 1-12, 2025

Price Per Person:
See table below
Land only pricing available

Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing

Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL

Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions, meals, crew, and drivers
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Available about 10 months before departure

Departure Time
Available about 10 months before departure

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night, please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.

Average Temps
Lisbon – high of 75°, low of 50°
Porto – high of 70°, low of 45°

Currency
Euro (Portugal and Spain)

Time Zone
GMT+1 (5 hours ahead of New York)

Hotel Amenities
The Emerald Radiance has an elevator that operates between the Riviera, Vista, and Horizon decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator. The Radiance also has a Spa-style Serenity Pool and walking track on the Sun Deck. In addition, a fitness area and hairdresser. Wi-Fi is included in your package onboard the ship. We will travel in rural river landscapes, meaning the Wi-Fi connection at times can be limited.

All cabins and suites are equipped with a Mini-Bar & Fridge, Flat screen TV, personal safe, umbrella, walking sticks, alarm clock, iPod dock, complimentary bottled water restocked daily, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, and complimentary bathrobes and slippers. Laundry is available onboard for a small fee.

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Evening dinners aboard the ship will be a more elegant occasion, so we welcome you to dress in a business casual manner. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Toward the end of the cruise, a Captain’s Dinner will be held. For this dinner, we suggest (for the women) dress pants or skirt along with a blouse or sweater, or possibly a dress, and (for the men) dress pants along with a collared long-sleeved shirt or sweater, and possibly a blazer of some sort (blazer not required).

An outlet converter that adapts to European outlets is needed. You can find these at many stores, including Amazon and Walmart.

Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.