Portugal's River of Gold:Cruising the Douro with INTRAV
September 5-13, 2003
Day 1 - Depart the U.S.A.
Depart the United States for Portugal.Day 2 - Porto, Portugal (Embark)
Upon arrival in ancient Porto, embark the Douro Princess for the beginning of a wonderfully relaxing cruise. This evening, you'll have time for a leisurely exploration of this delightful city, which is renowned worldwide for its production of port wine. View the cellars of the celebrated Sandeman vintner along the waterfront, and admire the terraced rows of colorful gabled houses.Day 3 - Peso da Régua, Portugal
Enjoy a relaxing morning as we cruise through the beautiful landscapes that border the Douro en route to Peso da Régua, in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region. Savor dinner this evening at Pausada de Mesao Frio, a nearby 15th-century country estate where you will sample a Solar da Rede label port wine amid beautiful surroundings.Day 4 - Peso da Régua (for Vila Real)/Pinhão/Barca d'Alva, Portugal
Drive to Vila Real this morning to visit the splendid gardens of the 18th-century manor house, Casa de Mateus -- one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Portugal and still owned today by the Count of Vila Real. Reboard the Douro Princess in Pinhão and sail leisurely to Barca d'Alva along one of the most scenic stretches of the Douro, where vineyards and brilliant whitewashed estates cling to the terraced banks above the river.
Day 5 - Vega de Terrón (for Salamanca), Spain
We'll tie up at Vega de Terrón and travel overland to the charming medieval city of Salamanca, renowned as a seat of learning since the early 13th century. Here, visit the historic university founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of León, and stroll through one of Spain's largest and grandest squares -- Plaza Mayor, with its warm, gold-colored sandstone. Stop at the city's two majestic cathedrals built side by side -- Cathedral Nueva, completed in 1560 in the Gothic style; and Cathedral Vieja, a Romanesque jewel dating from 1160 that features an unusual silver Byzantine dome. Back aboard the Douro Princess this evening, enjoy a special performance of traditional Spanish flamenco dance.Day 6 - Feradossa Quay/Pinhão, Portugal
Relax on the Douro Princess' sun deck this morning as we cruise the river to Feradossa Quay, a small village and vineyard that is our starting point for a journey through beautiful countryside. From the hills above historical São Salvador do Mundo, gaze out over the valley and watch as our ship passes through the Valeira Dam. In São João da Pesqueira, visit the Town Hall with its remarkable display of tiles showing the entire process of port wine production. Our tour ends in Pinhão, where the Douro Princess will overnight. Later, enjoy Portuguese entertainment following dinner on board.Day 7 - Peso da Régua (for Lamego)/Entre os Rios, Portugal
Join today's excursion to the old Episcopal city of Lamego, which is rich in baroque churches and mansions. See the 18th-century pilgrimage church and shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Our Lady of Cures), situated high above the city with magnificent views of Lamego and the valley below. Rejoin the Douro Princess in Peso da Régua this afternoon and sail to Entre os Rios, from where you will enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travelers at the ancient Alpendurada Monastery.
Day 8 - Porto, Portugal
Cruise back to Porto and join an afternoon city tour that introduces you to a wealth of historic sites. Originally a Celtic-Iberian settlement, Porto eventually became a prosperous Roman village because of its wonderful natural harbor. Learn about Porto's fascinating history and delight in its colorful ambience while ambling along hilly medieval lanes and alleys lined with beautiful arcaded buildings and baroque churches. Visit lively riverside quays and end the tour at one of the port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will be treated to a taste of the delicious vintages of Portugal. Your evening is at leisure.Day 9 - Porto (Disembark)/Return to the U.S.A.
Disembark the Douro Princess after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lisbon, where you connect with your return flight to the United States.
Category Deck(s) Description Price 1 Main Deck Outside Twin with a window $2,595 2 Main Deck (Forward) Outside Twin with a window $2,795 3 Upper Deck Outside twin/queen with window $3,095 Single Supplement = $1,500
Rates per person are in U.S. dollars and are based on double occupancy (except where stated otherwise).
International Air Credit: $400 per person
Passengers electing to use this air credit are solely responsible for all air transportation.Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm reservations. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Here's What Your Voyage Includes:
- Round-trip scheduled flights between Newark and Porto (via Lisbon)
- Seven nights aboard the Douro Princess in outside cabins with lower beds, private bathroom facilities, and individual climate control
- All meals, starting with dinner on the day of embarkation and ending with breakfast on the day of disembarkation, served at single leisurely seatings
- Wine tasting and dinner at Pausada de Mesao Frio, a 15th-century Quinta near Peso da Régua
- Dinner at the ancient Alpendurada Monastery near Entres os Rios
- Captain's farewell dinner
- All sightseeing and shore excursions throughout the cruise
- All onboard local entertainment, including a traditional flamenco performance
- Services of a professional INTRAV travel director throughout the trip
- Transfers between airport/ship for INTRAV air-ticketed passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure and return, including tips to porters for luggage handling
- INTRAV travel bag, passport wallet, and name badge
- Automatic $250,000 travel insurance policy for each INTRAV-ticketed passenger, subject to policy terms and limitations
Optional Trip Extensions:
Lisbon Precruise Optional Extension
Includes:
- Flight from Lisbon to Porto (for embarkation)
- Two nights a Le Meridien Hotel, with breakfast daily; rooms reserved for immediate occupancy
- INTRAV welcome reception at the hotel
- Lisbon city tour
- Full-day excursion to Sintra and Queluz, with lunch
- Exclusive concierge service at the INTRAV hospitality desk
- All airport/hotel/ship transfers for INTRAV air-ticketed passengers traveling on schedule dates of departure and return*$595 per person, double occupancy
$945 single occupancyMadeira Postcruise Optional Extension
Discover the mountainous, subtropical island of Madeira, filled with bright flowers and scenic waterfalls. Its center features high, rocky peaks and the crater of a now extinct volcano. A customary port of call on the trade routes between Europe and the New World, the wines of Madeira were extremely popular in colonial America. Explore Funchal, established by colonists in 1419 and the center of commerce on the island. Enjoy the island's remarkable diversity, including twisting cobblestone streets and natural pools formed by ancient lava.Includes:
Air transportation from Porto to Funchal (via Lisbon)
Three nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with breakfast daily
Madeira Wine Association tour and tasting, with dinner at a quinta; Charm of Funchal tour, island of Madeira tour featuring Porto Moniz, with lunch
Exclusive concierge service at the INTRAV hospitality desk
All ship/airport/hotel transfers for INTRAV air-ticketed passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure and return*$850 per person, double occupancy
$940 single occupancy*Transfers for this optional extension are included only when international air is ticketed by INTRAV
Postcruise: Portugal: Vintage Steam Tour
We have not forgotten about all the wonderful trains Portugal has to offer! We are also offering a rail tour, "Portugal: Vintage Steam Tour." Beginning in Porto, the tour can be easily combined with the INTRAV cruise to make a delightful 2-week Portugal vacation. Highlights of the rail tour include: steam trips along the Douro valley and Corgo valley; a trip up the narrow-gauge Tua line to Mirandela; a ride on the luxurious pendolino tilting train from Porto to Lisbon; tram tours of Porto and Lisbon and a visit to the famous Mateus Palace and gardens.The Douro Princess
Completely refurbished in 1999, the 80-passenger Douro Princess is easily the most luxurious ship on the Douro River. All public areas are spacious and beautifully furnished, offering an elegant and comfortable ambience. The Sun Deck invites you to enjoy the spectacular scenery as you cruise leisurely through the Douro Valley. The bright and beautiful Main Lounge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of Port wine with friends. The elegant restaurant seats all passengers in leisurely single seatings and features large panoramic windows, offering diners a beautiful view of the passing landscapes. The entire ship is non-smoking, with the exception of the bar and the Sun Deck.
Each stateroom is outside, with lower twin beds, shower, window and individual climate control. Main deck cabins feature fixed twin beds, while Upper Deck cabins have twin beds that can be converted to a double bed.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
www.irtsociety.com
