Begin your journey in one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon, before cruising through the wonderfully scenic Douro River Valley. Begin in the Northern capital, Porto and continue inland and on to the countryside of the Tras-os-Montes Region where you will indulge in the small picturesque villages amidst the steep terraces that climb up and into the mountains. Enter Spain to visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the Castilla y Leon region before returning to Portugal to visit Pinhao and the Alpendurada Monastery in Bitetos. Take a short flight to Arles to continue your river cruise vacation in Southern France. Explore Mediterranean Arles, the city which Vincent Van Gogh captured in many of his master pieces, and marvelous Avignon. Cruise through beautiful wine growing regions where such famous wines as Beaujolais and Cote du Rhone and Chateauneuf-du- Pape are being produced. Enjoy the grand finale of your vacation in Paris, the "City of Lights."
3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Lisbon including daily Buffet Breakfast Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Portugal.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN LISBON
Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own.
DAY 3, LISBON
Lisbon, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, lies on several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour visits Old Town and the spectacular 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Perhaps see the Castle of Sao Jorge, Lisbon's state of the art Oceanarium, or the famous Santa Justa Elevator that oversees the Castle of Sao Jorge, the river, and the famous Rossio Square. (B)
DAY 4, LISBON - CASCAIS & ESTORIL - SINTRA
Enjoy an afternoon excursion along the coast to Cascais and Estoril. Cascais, a former fishing village, was Portugal's Royal Family resort until the early 19th-century and is one of its wealthiest municipals. Continue on to Serra de Sintra, which is one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Castelo da Pena, which is a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. See this fairy tale castle, then take a guided tour of this picturesque city and experience firsthand the bewitching beauty that inspired poets such as Lord Byron. (B)
DAY 5, LISBON - COIMBRA - EMBARKATION, PORTO
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto. Stop along the way and spend several hours in the historic city of Coimbra and visit the University Library. Not only were six Portuguese kings born here, but it also has one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290. Gather onboard tonight for your Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6, PORTO - REGUA
Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you sail to Regua. Then, drive to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient and picturesque Lamego houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the town on your own to visit the gothic Cathedral or the town's museum. You may also want to visit one of the cafes to sample a "bola de Lamego" (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, sparkling wine. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, REGUA - BARCA D'ALVA
Enjoy lunch onboard as the ship sails to the picturesque village of Barca d'Alva. Arrive this evening and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town on your own. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, SALAMANCA, SPAIN - VEGA DE TERRON, PORTUGAL
Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the "Castilla y Leon" region of Spain. During your guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant for some deliciously authentic Spanish cuisine. Then enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship. Perhaps visit the locals "living room," otherwise known as the Plaza Mayor or stop by a cafe for a drink and some tapas. Tonight, enjoy a flamenco show by four traditional female dancers performing to an array of popular Spanish songs. The ship moors overnight in Vega de Terron. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, VEGA DE TERRON - PINHAO
After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop. See 16th-century walls and walk down very narrow and steep medieval streets. Appreciate the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain decorated in black faces which stoically sits in the market square. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Pinhao. This evening, enjoy wine tasting and dinner at a local "quinta." The ship moors overnight in Pinhao. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, REGUA - BITETOS
This morning, sail to Regua for a morning excursion to the Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Tr&as-os- Montes just outside the city of Vila Real. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Tonight, appreciate a traditional "home cooked" meal at the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. Before dinner, savor a glass of Port wine and a breathtaking view of the river valley from the Monastery's terrace. The ship moors overnight in Bitetos. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, PORTO
Your sightseeing tour shows you 16th-century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. Then drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City. For some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you will find the Casa da Musica and the Museum of Modern Art. Say farewell to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, PORTO - ARLES, FRANCE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Marseille, France, where a motorcoach awaits to transfer you to Arles, the gateway to Provence. Once onboard, gather this evening with fellow passengers for cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 13, ARLES - AVIGNON
This morning, travel by motorcoach to the villages of St. Remy & Les Baux. Enjoy the rich floral colors and amazing views from this village perched on the hill. This afternoon bathe in the Provencal light as you imagine how Vincent Van Gogh worked to capture the richness of every hue on your walking tour of Arles. While Van Gogh's homes are no longer standing, you may glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired "Starry Night" or "Terrace de Cafe le Soir" as you pass Constantine's Baths, the Romanesque cathedral and the Roman Amphitheater, which is still in use today. This evening cruise to nearby Avignon. (B,L,D)
DAY 14, AVIGNON - VIVIERS
Your morning tour of the "City of Popes" will take you through the narrow streets and elegant squares to the Papal Palace, which served as a fortress, a church and a residence to the Popes that once governed the Christian world. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some scenic cruising to Viviers, arriving late this evening. After dinner, enjoy an evening "ghost walk" through the largely abandoned medieval town that had once more than 30,000 inhabitants. The ship moors overnight in Viviers. (B,L,D)
DAY 15, VIVIERS - TOURNON
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Grignan, a charming hilltop village, dominated by a majestic castle. Grignan is a provincial gem and a tourist secret .The ship sails for Tournon during lunch and arrives in the early evening. The ship moors overnight in Tournon. (B,L,D)
DAY 16, TOURNON - VIENNE
On this morning's adventure, you will get a personal look at a working farm located in the midst of the Ardeche Mountains, and then take a scenic tour of the valley's beautiful landscape. Enjoy a visit to Boucieu-le-Roi and its local market of handmade crafts, musical entertainment and wine tasting. Enjoy lunch back onboard the ship as we cruise to Vienne this afternoon. Situated between the wine regions of Burgundy and Beaujolais, Vienne, like Lyon has a significant Roman history, which is highlighted by its marvelously preserved ruins and remains. (B,L,D)
DAY 17, VIENNE - TREVOUX
During this morning's walking tour you will see the 1st-century Roman Temple of Augustus, and the medieval churches of St. Andre-Le-Bas and Abbey St. Pierre, before we cruise on to Trevoux, passing through Lyon on the Saone River. This evening, stroll along the sidewalk cafes of this rural walking town. (B,L,D)
DAY 18, TREVOUX - LYON
After breakfast, your city tour takes you behind the village walls of Trevoux and through Beaujolais, the Pays D'Or, or "land of the golden stones" so named for the ochre limestone of its homes and castles. Enjoy a visit with a local wine maker along "la route du vin" and sample the world renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Lyon. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Soane and Rhone rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. For those not continuing on to Paris, you will disembark for a city tour of Lyon, while others have the evening at leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 19, LYON - DISEMBARK - PARIS, FRANCE
After breakfast disembark for a city tour of Lyon, before transferring to Paris. Your tour includes a stunning panoramic view of the city from the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. You'll also explore the Renaissance charm of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) with its cobbled streets.
DAY 20, PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysees and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)
DAY 21, PARIS
Enjoy a full free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin des Tuilleries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at the Musee D'Orsay, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste. (B)
DAY 22, DEPART PARIS
Your splendid vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
