zClassic Port Wines & Charming Quintas Cruise 2013

To Porto to embark the ship. Gather on board tonight for your Welcome Dinner. Meals D

Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you sail to Régua. 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 Remédios (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 cafés to sample a “bola de Lamego” (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, sparkling wine. Meals B,L,D

Enjoy lunch on board 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. Tonight, enjoy a Flamenco show by four traditional female dancers performing to an array of popular Spanish songs. The ship moors overnight. Meals B,L,D

Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the "Castilla y León" 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 café for a drink and some tapas. The ship moors overnight in Vega de Terrón. Meals B,L,D

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 Pinhão. This evening, enjoy wine-tasting and dinner at a local “quinta.” The ship moors overnight in Pinhão. Meals B,L,D

This morning, sail to Régua for a morning excursion to the Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Trás-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. Meals B,L,D

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. Meals B,L,D

Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals B