zImpressions of France & Portugal - AmaWaterways

Arrive in Paris and transfer to your luxurious ship. Meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. Meals D

Spend the morning enjoying the lovely scenery along the Seine as you cruise to the provincial town of Vernon. The afternoon brings the chance to visit Giverny. There, you will tour the house and gardens of the Impressionist master Claude Monet. The artist lived here for more than four decades, immortalizing the flowers, footbridges and stone structures of his country estate in some of his most famous paintings, including the renowned Water Lillies series. Meals B,L,D

In the morning, enjoy the scenery as you cruise leisurely on the Seine. Arrive in Rouen, where you will tour this medieval city, the historic capital of Normandy. Walk through the old town to the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet. You will also visit the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. Afterwards there is free time to explore Rouen on your own, perhaps stopping in to a local shop to sample some of the famous Norman cheeses. Meals B,L,D

This morning you have a choice of two different tours. The first option is to visit Honfleur, located on the southern bank of the Seine across from Le Havre. Known for its historic port surrounded by picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, Honfleur was a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. Honfleur’s 15th-cenutury Sainte-Catherine church, with its detached bell tower, is the largest wooden church in France. In the alternative, you may choose the "Route des Abbeyes" tour spotlighting Normandy's famous abbeys. An important part of the region’s history, more than 100 abbeys once dotted the Norman landscape. You will visit the ruins of the Norman abbey of Jumieges and the imposing Benedictine abbey of St. Wandrille, still a functioning monastery. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Seine. Meals B,L,D

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Les Andelys, comprised of two sections, Grand-Andely and Petit-Andely. Located on a bend in the Seine surrounded by white cliffs, Les Andelys is the birthplace of the classical painter Nicolas Poussin. A stroll on the riverside offers beautiful views of the Seine Valley, centuries-old half-timbered houses and the ruins of Chateau-Gaillard perched above the town. The once-massive stronghold of Richard the Lionheart was completed in 1198, and consisted of three different enclosures divided by dry moats. Captured by the French in 1204, it changed hands a number of times during the Hundred Years War, coming permanently under French control in the 15th century. You will tour the ruins of this historic castle before continuing your cruise along the Seine. Meals B,L,D

Today, you will have your choice of two excursions. The first option is to visit Chateau Malmaison, home to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his Empress Josephine. After Napoleon and Josephine’s divorce in 1809, she continued to live there until her death in 1814. Today’s tour will include the charming chateau, gardens and museum. Alternatively, travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise. The town is famous for the number of Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century. Among them: Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh. Your “Artists Walk” tour will include many sites associated with their works, including the house of Dr. Gachet, a famous subject of Van Gogh and the Auberge Ravoux, known as the “Home of Van Gogh.” The upstairs room, where Van Gogh died has been preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the town cemetery nearby. Meals B,L,D

After disembarkation this morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Lisbon, Portugal, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, along the Tagus River. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Meals B

This morning, travel north of Lisbon to the medieval town of Obidos. A walking tour takes you into the walled town, passing by the main square and Church of Santa Maria. See the castle that was transformed into a beautiful Pousada (traditional and historical hotels in Portugal) and learn what life was like in the past. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own. Meals B

Your city tour visits Old Town and the spectacular 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Perhaps see the Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon’s state of the art Oceanarium, or the famous Santa Justa Elevator that oversees the Castle of São Jorge, the river and the famous Rossio Square. Meals B

Enjoy morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, 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, followed by a guided tour of this picturesque city and experience firsthand the bewitching beauty that inspired poets such as Lord Byron. Meals B

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto. Stop along the way and spend several hours in Fatima, renowned for its Basilica shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Explore the town and enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to Porto to embark the ship. Gather on board tonight for your Welcome Dinner. Meals B, 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. Meal B