CALL US NOW 021-761403
TAKE A FURTHER $2,000 OFF PER COUPLE
SALE ENDS 14 OCTOBER 2024 OR UNTIL SOLD OUT
Embark on a picturesque river cruise from Madrid to Lisbon, blending cultural immersion with scenic landscapes.
Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid, where you can explore the world-renowned Prado Museum, housing masterpieces from Goya, Velázquez, and other greats. As you meander through the city, don’t miss the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the legendary Real Madrid Football Club. Marvel at the grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic football arenas before continuing your serene voyage toward Portugal.
In Lisbon, experience the rich heritage of King Ferdinand II’s Park, a stunning testament to his artistic vision with its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural wonder. Stroll through the medieval streets and the charming old harbour quarter of Ribeira, where history and modern life intertwine effortlessly. As the sun sets, indulge in an unforgettable Fado performance, the traditional Portuguese music that captures the soulful spirit of the nation. This river cruise promises a perfect fusion of history, art, and culture across two of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Your Holiday Includes:
River Cruise Inclusions
-
Six nights' land accommodation and seven nights' on river ship MS Estrela
-
Experiences in 10 destinations
-
Freedom of Choice inclusions
-
A total of 29 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
-
Expert Tour and Cruise Directors
-
Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
-
Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena near the hilltop town of Sintra
-
Visit Palacio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change.
Prices are for land/cruise only.
Flights not included unless specified.
Your Itinerary:
DAY
Arrive Madrid
01
Once you’ve arrived in Madrid, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Stay: Three Nights, Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor
Meals included: None
DAY
Madrid
02
Today you’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY
Madrid
03
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Maybe you’d like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Of course, if you’re more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.
Choose how you want to spend your time in Madrid today.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY
Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Embark Ship
04
Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.
Stay: Seven Nights, MS Estrela
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
DAY
Vega de Terron, Barca d’Alva
05
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY
Pinhao, Regua
06
Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. Later your ship will sail to Regua.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY
Regua
07
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.
Enjoy a full day in Regua where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing before a special Signature Experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY
Entre-os-Rios
08
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
Enjoy a relaxing sailing morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY
Entre-os-Rios, Porto
09
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight you’ll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Arrive in Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY
Porto
10
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.
On your final night on board, your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY
Porto, Disembark Ship, Coimbra, Lisbon
11
Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
Stay: Three Nights, Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY
Lisbon
12
Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city’s iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY
Lisbon, Sintra
13
As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY
Depart Lisbon
14
Be transferred to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast