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CRUISING THE DOURO RIVER and
EXPLORING THE NORTHWEST OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
October 2 - 16, 2011
Travel Broker Tours invites you to join Debbie Lloyd, on an exciting 14 Nt journey exploring the lands of pilgrims, kings and wine!
We begin our 15 day "Northwest Spain, Portugal and Douro River" tour in the ancient northern Spanish town of La Coruña. We will spend 2 Nts in La Coruña's only 5-star luxury hotel before making our way to Santiago de Compostela, where we will spend a further 3 Nts at a beautiful "parador" (luxury lodging in a restored historic building such as a monastery or castle). Both of these ancient cities are rich in history and architecture dating back thousands of years. After spending our first 5 nights exploring Spain we switch our attention to Portugal's West Coast and the old Portuguese port of Viana do Castelo. There we spend 2 nights at a beautiful "pousada" (Portugal's equivalent to Spain's "parador") before making our way to Porto, the beautiful "City of Bridges" with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center. In Porto, we will enjoy a city tour and a visit of the "Vilar de Matos Farm" where approximately 30,000 camellia trees grow in 1069 varieties before embarking on a 7 night cruise on the Douro River.
Saying farewell to Porto, we board Uniworld's Douro Spirit (a brand NEW 128 passenger modern vessel) for our 7 Night Deluxe River Cruise along the scenic Douro River Valley. The NEW Douro Spirit stands apart from past river ships because of its full river views and French balconies in all of its staterooms and suites.
Enjoy cruising past rambling vineyards that cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley in one of Europe's most unspoiled regions and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. We visit a quinta (vineyard) and enjoy a winetasting in Pinhão, the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. The region is world renowned for its well known Port wine, the region's sweet fortified wine. We cruise to Bitetos from Porto, where we'll enjoy a traditional Spanish-style lunch complimented by an authentic flamenco show.
We enjoy a visit to various UNESCO listed sites such as Salamanca, Spain and historic Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century and home to the first king of Portugal, Don Afonso Henriques. Being referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, Guimarães is dominated by Afonso Henriques' grand castle, which was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extremely well preserved city center. We will be guided through the narrow streets of the medieval quarter, which is lined with old houses embellished by ornate balconies, toward the beautiful main square.
We invite you to join us as we explore Spain and Portugal's Northwest region and cruise the famed Douro River, uncovering a land of geniune beauty and breathtaking charm.
Our Program
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Tour EscortDebbie Lloyd
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Highlights Include:
- Land Overnights in Parador's, Pousada's or 5 Star Hotels - (2 Nts) La Coruña 5 Star Hotel, (3 Nts) Santiago de Compostela Parador and (2 Nts) Viana do Castelo Pousada. Parador's and Pousada's are luxury lodging facilities usually in restored historic buildings such as a monastery or castle
- River Cruise on the Douro River - 7 Nights on the NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit River Ship, including all meals and 10 onshore excursions as per itinerary.
- Breakfast daily, 6 Lunches and 12 Dinner - Superb dining with all meals aboard the Douro Spirit including the Captain’s Dinner.
- Complimentary Wine, Port Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks during dinner - Enjoy complimentary red and white wine, port wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea and water during dinner time.
- Complimentary Coffee, Tea and Bottled Water: Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, and bottled water in your stateroom each day.
- Porto and Guimarães City Tours
- Dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery - Located in the town of Bitetos
- Visit the Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens - Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
- Visit a quinta (vineyard) and enjoy a winetasting in Pinhão - Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area.
- Full-day Salamanca tour with traditional Spanish lunch and Flamenco Show- Visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City.
- Visit the Medieval walled 12th-century city of Castelo Rodrigo and enjoy dinner at the Vintage House Hotel - Indulge in a delicious dinner complete with wine at the Vintage House hotel, a magnificent converted 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River.
Detailed Itinerary
SAT Oct 1st, Depart HOME CITY
You depart on your international flight (not included in tour price) to Vigo, Spain. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to assist you to arrange your flight and transfer details from your home city to join this tour.
Day 1: SUN Oct 2nd, Arrive and transfer to LA CORUÑA, SPAIN
Welcome to Spain! Arriving in Vigo we drive to La Coruña in the north east coast area of Spain, where we will stay for 2 nights at Hesperia Finisterre Hotel.
Meals: (D) Dinner
Lodging: Hesperia Finisterre Hotel
 La Coruña - "A City of Contrasts""Corunna" in English is spelt "la Coruna" in Spanish and "A Coruna" in the region of Galicia, but all refer to the same district in northern Spain. A city of contrasts it is home to the world's oldest operating lighthouse, the "la Torre de Hercules", an ancient Roman lighthouse that dates back to the 2nd century and the ultra modern "Domus - House of Man" the world's 1st interactive museum solely devoted to the human being! If that wasn't enough the "Castillo de San Antón" is also one of the most interesting monuments of the city. The fortress was built between the 16th and 17th century, on a small island in La Coruña's harbour to defend the city against attacks coming from the sea. During the English assault by Francis Drake in 1589, the castle effective served to defend the entrance to the city. |
Day 2: MON Oct 3rd - LA CORUÑA
La Coruña is truly a city of contrasts, with ancient sites sitting along side ultra modern ones. La Coruña still has some remnants of the old Roman wall that once enclosed and protected the city. One of the Great churches in the old town is "Iglesia de Santa Maria de Campo"constructed around the twelfth century on the highest point in the city. The church design is both Romanesque and gothic in style and, like the cathedral at Pontevedra, had much of its building costs financed by monies generated from the sea, in this case the "Guild of Seafarers". And then of course there's Picasso - who lived here for while.....
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Hesperia Finisterre Hotel
Day 3: TUE Oct 4th, LA CORUÑA - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
From La Coruña drive west to Cape Finisterre, the western most point of Spain and site of the famous sea battle in 1805. Continue south along the coast to Padron - originally a key community during Roman and Viking times and the target for many attempted invasions. See the Cela Foundation, home to more than 700 paintings by artists as diverse as "Picasso", "Miro" and "Moquera". In the late afternoon continue to Santiago de Compostela. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meals: (B) Breakfast
Lodging: Parador "Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos"
 Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela's name and fame both derive from Saint James the Apostle (Sant Iago) - legend has it that James preached in Spain before being martyred in Jerusalem in 44 AD and his body was brought back to Spain after his death. Santiago Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque structure with a Baroque facade, began construction in 1078 after the previous church was destroyed by Moorish invaders. Devout pilgrims travelled long distances along the Camino de Santiago ("Route of St. James") to pray at the tomb of St. James. |
Day 4: WED Oct 5th, SANTIAGO
This morning we hear the story of Santiago de Compostela from our local guide. The name comes from Santum Iacobus, which means Saint Jacob in English who was buried here in about 48AD. It is said that there was a hermit who saw some lights and signs in the night sky in the year 813. So he followed those signs and he found out the tomb of the apostle and his disciples. He told a bishop called Teodomiro who took charge of the remains of Santiago. The Bishop told King Alfonso II, who came and ordered to build the first chapel in order to guard the tomb. Afterwards, he informed the Pope, Leon III who declared that the remains were true but he never came to Santiago. It is said that Alfonso II sent emperor Charlemagne a bone, a shoulder blade from the apostle as a relic.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Parador "Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos"
Day 5: THU Oct 6th, THE PILGRIM'S WAY
We spend the day exploring part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, also known in English as The Way of St James, one of a collection of old pilgrimage routes which all have Santiago de
Compostela as their final destination. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have been walking along the Camino de Santiago. Our local guide will explain the highlights.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Parador "Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos"
Day 6: FRI Oct 7th, SANTIAGO to VIANA DO CASTELO, PORTUGAL
From Santiago we drive to Pontevedra. Likely a stop on an early Roman road - Pontevedra was recognized in 1169 by King Ferdinand who bestowed a "charter" on the city giving it special rights to trade as Galicia’s foremost port. For the next few hundred years Pontevedra prospered and expanded, becoming the largest and most powerful of Galicia's ancient cities and its port was established as an international trading stop. We then visit Vigo - where you can see the original fishermen's houses that are located on the slopes before continuing on to Tui, whose cathedral was consecrated in 1225 AD. It really is a monumental structure and its position on top of a hill at the summit of the town, makes it the emblem of the city. It is actually a castle cathedral and the walls are adorned with battlements and fortifications, some dating back to the year 1120 AD when building work first commenced.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Pousada de Monte de Santa Luzia Viana do Castelo
Day 7: SAT Oct 8th, VIANA DO CASTELO
The town, at the mouth of the Rio Lima, has roots back to 1156 BC. About 2000 years later King Henriques Alfonso granted its Charter and in the 15th Century a wave of Jews escaping persecution from the Spanish made their homes here. Many pirates roaming the coast often picked Viana to raid. In the 15th Century it gained importance as the one of the main ports from which Portuguese explorers set sail. From here embarked João Velho who was to chart the Congo, and João Ãlvares Fagundes who charted the rich fishing grounds off Newfoundland. See the attractive main square that features both a 1553 water fountain and the Misericórdia house that was constructed in 1598. Close by is its 15th Century Cathedral that has a fortress - like feeling and graced with Gothic carved relief's of the apostles.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Pousada de Monte de Santa Luzia Viana do Castelo
Day 8: SUN Oct 9th, VIANA DO CASTELO - PORTO - BOARD RIVER SHIP
We enjoy breakfast this morning before the short drive to Porto, where we will explore Vilar de Matos farm where approximately 30,000 camellia trees grow in many different colors, sizes and about 1069 varieties. They export to Japanese collectors, being that some species no longer exist there, where this flower symbolizes fortune, friendship and
harmony. Mid-afternoon we arrive at the deluxe NEW Douro Spirit, our river ship for the next 7 nights while cruising the Douro River.The NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit River Ship is being launched in 2011. 
All are appointed with a vanity and make-up mirror, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe individual thermostat for air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and L'Occitane bath amenities in all ensuite staterooms. The Douro Spirit accommodates a maximum of 128 guests, providing an intimate small-ship ambiance preferred by experienced cruisers. Facilities onboard include a main lounge with a full-service bar and dance floor, elegant restaurant with open seating, sun deck with swimming pool and a boutique/gift shop. Once onboard we will enjoy a wonderful dinner in the ships elegant dining room.
Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
Day 9: MON Oct 10th, PORTO - BITETOS
We traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Later, we'll set sail for Bitetos where we'll indulge in a country-style dinner at the former 14th century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
Day 10: TUE Oct 11th, BITETOS - RÉGUA - PINHÃO
Today we visit the impressive Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens; with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, it's often described as the most fantastic country house in Portugal.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
Day 11: WED Oct 12th, PINAHÃO - VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN
Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. We visit a quinta (vineyard) where we'll learn the history of, and sample, the country's most celebrated beverage. Later in the day, we cruise from Pinhão to Vega de Terrón.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Captain's Dinner
Lodging: NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
Day 12: THU Oct 13th, VEGA DE TERRÓN - SALAMANCA, SPAIN
From Vega de Terrón, on the Spanish border, we travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. This charming town is untouched in its architectural purity, and throughout the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow, giving the city the nickname the "Golden City". We visit Salamanca's historic university before having lunch with a flamenco show at a local restaurant. Then enjoy free time in this magical city.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging:NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
Day 13: FRI Oct 14th, BARCA D'ALVA - PINAHÃO, PORTUGAL
This morning we visit the picturesque, 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo. This is a charming and captivating place with medieval streets; thick stonewall houses, and a remarkably distinctive fountain, Chafariz dos Pretos. In the evening we indulge in a delicious dinner complete with wine at the Vintage House hotel, a magnificent converted 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
Day 14: SAT Oct 15th, RÉGUA - GUIMARÃES - PORTO
Historic Guimarães was the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century and home to the first king of Portugal, Don Afonso Henriques. It has been referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Dominated by Afonso Henriques' grand castle, Guimarães was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extremely well preserved city center. We will be guided through the narrow streets of the medieval quarter, which is lined with old houses embellished by ornate balconies, toward the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and then on to other lovely places such as the splendid Monastery and Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and the 14th-century Gothic Padrão do Salado.
Meals: (BLD) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit
 GuimarãesCelebrated as the cradle of the Portuguese nation, Guimarães played an important role in the events leading to the country's independence. Afonso Henriques I. was born here and, when he proclaimed himself Portugal's first king in 1139, he chose Guimarães as his capital. The distinctive outline of its proud castle appears on the Portuguese Coat of Arms. |
Day 15: SUN Oct 16th, PORTO - HOMEWARD BOUND
Disembarking after breakfast we transfer to the Porto Airport for our flight home.
Meals: (B) Breakfast
River Ship Deck Plan:
Pricing:
LAND and CRUISE ONLY- October 2 to 16, 2011 Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CA$) |
In a Twin |
In a Single |
†† EARLY PAYMENT BONUS - Per Person |
$300.00 |
$300.00 |
†† EARLY BOOKING BONUS - Per Person |
$150.00 |
$150.00 |
Category 3 - Deluxe Stateroom - 161 sq. ft. |
$5,895.00 |
$3,200.00 |
Category 2 - Deluxe Stateroom - 161 sq. ft. |
$6,440.00 |
† |
Category 1 - Deluxe Stateroom - 161 sq. ft. |
$6,770.00 |
† |
Junior Suite - Deluxe Stateroom - 226 sq. ft. |
$7,320.00 |
† |
Suite - Deluxe Stateroom - 237 sq. ft. |
$7,320.00 |
† |
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Land and Cruise Inclusions:
- Hotel Accommodation: 7 Nights in historic 1st Class pousadas and parador in rooms with private bath.
- Cruise Accommodation: 7 Nights on the NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit in Category 3 with riverviews and French balconies. All are appointed with a vanity and make-up mirror, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe individual thermostat for air-conditioning, flat-screen TV and L'Occitane bath amenities in all ensuite staterooms.
- Meals: Breakfast Daily, 7 Lunches and 13 Dinners. All meals aboard the NEW Deluxe Douro Spirit including the Captain’s Dinner, 2 dinners and 2 lunches onshore featuring traditional cuisine in unique steetings.
- Complimentary Coffee, Tea and Bottled Water: Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day, and bottled water in your stateroom each day.
- Complimentary Wine, Port Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks during dinner: Enjoy complimentary red and white wine, port wine, beer, soft drinks at dinner time.
- Transportation: By deluxe touring coach in Portugal and Spain, transfers from hotels to river ship and from Porto Airport to local tour hotels.
- Sightseeing/Shore Excursions: A programme of sightseeing and 10 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides are included on your river cruise per itinerary.
- Audio Headsets on Shore Excursions: State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions during your cruise.
- Onboard Entertainment and Lectures: Captivating onboard local entertainment and signature lecture: "The Magical Douro River Valley"
- Tour Escort/Local English-Speaking Guide: Debbie Lloyd of the The Travel Broker will travel with the group and a local English-speaking guide for tours and shore excursions in Portugal and Spain.
- All English-Speaking Cruise Staff: Services of an experienced Cruise Manager and, all English-speaking cruise staff.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, cruise services, hotel accommodation and meals
- Tip and Gratuities: To your tour drivers, local city guides, hotel staff (hotel porters and hotel dining staff) and cruise ship staff (cruise stewards and servers).
Land and Cruise Exclusions:
- International flights to Vigo, Spain and return from Porto, Portugal are not included in the above pricing but can be arranged with Travel Broker Tours, A division of The Travel Broker and Cruise Centre.
- Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
- Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations.
- All alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks, juice, sparkling water, etc.) not mentioned in the inclusions above.
- Personal Charges (excess baggage fees, laundry, souvenirs, personal hotel or cruise charges, etc.)
- All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary.
- Any item not mentioned in the itinerary or in the inclusions above.
- Tips or gratuities to your tour escort and chambermaids.
Deposits and Final Payments:
- Early Booking Bonus: For deposits made by December 31, 2010, receive CA$150.00 per person off your tour price.
- Early Payment Bonus:For deposits made by October 31, 2010, receive CA$300.00 per person off your tour price.
- Deposits: At time of booking CA$1,500.00 per person + insurance premium if applicable.
- Final Payment: Invoices will be issued June 16, 2011; final payment by June 30, 2011. Payments may be made by personal cheque, Visa or Mastercard
Cancellation Charges:
- Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply:
(Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable) - Until June 29, 2011: Deposits paid
- From June 30 to July 28, 2011: 35% of final invoice
- From July 29 to September 1, 2011: 50% of final invoice
- September 2, 2011 or later: 100% of final invoice.
Return International flights are not included in the above tour but can be arranged with Travel Broker Tours.
For more information or to register for this tour please contact Debbie Lloyd at:
Travel Broker Tours
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: deblloyd@thetravelbroker.ca
