Related Links » Early Booking Price/Included Features
CRUISING THE DOURO RIVER and
EXPLORING THE NORTHWEST OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
October 18 to Nov 2, 2010
Explore the lands of pilgrims, kings and wine!
Santiago 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 traveled long distances along the Camino de Santiago ("Route of St. James") to pray at the tomb of St. James.
The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe's most unspoiled regions and to Porto country - the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Explore medieval castles, Renaissance libraries, and picturesque villages as you sail through this stunning river valley and Salamanca, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taste wines from village vineyards, including Porto, the region's sweet dessert wine, and feast on a home-cooked meal at the Alpendurada Monastery. And all along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and charm.
Celebrated 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.
What's Included on Land Tour:
|
 Our Program
|
Highlights Include:
- Land Tour Overnights - (Santiago de Compostela, Guimarães and Porto)
- River Cruise on the Douro River - (7 Nights on the deluxe Douro Queen River Ship, cruising the Douro River)
- Porto city tour and dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery
- Visit to the Mateus Palace and Gardens - (Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world)
- Winetasting at a local quinta in Pinhão - (Vineyard)
- Full-day Salamanca city tour and lunch - (Traditional Spanish lunch and Flamenco show)
- Visit the Medieval walled 12th-century city of Castelo Rodrigo and Dinner - (Dinner in a converted 18th-century wine quinta-vineyard overlooking the Douro River)
- Lamego city tour
Detailed Itinerary
| MON Oct 18 - DEPART Home City Departure on your overnight flight to Frankfurt, Germany. 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: TUE Oct 19, ARRIVE in Porto, Portugal - Santiago de CompostelaWelcome to Portugal! Changing aircraft in Frankfurt and continuing to Porto, for the short drive to Santiago de Compostela to stay 3 nights at the magnificent Parador. Remainder of the day is free. Meals: (D) Dinner Lodging: Parador de Santiago |
Day 2: WED Oct 20, SANTIAGO This morning hear the story of Santiago from your local guide. The name comes from Santum Iacobus, which means Saint Jacob in English who was buried here in about 48AD. Campus stellae which means field of stars. It says 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 de Santiago |
 Day 3: THU Oct 21, THE PILGRIM'S WAYSpend 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. Your local guide will explain the highlights. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Lodging: Parador de Santiago |
Day 4: FRI OCT 22, SANTIAGO to GUIMARÃES Driving south through Padron follow the coast road to Vigo before continuing inland, crossing the Mino River en route to Braga. Visit the Cathedral, Portugal's oldest, begun in 1070 - an extraordinary diversity of styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque, all somehow coming together harmoniously. In the richly decorated interior is a baroque double organ -- a masterpiece dripping with gold and adorned with cherubs and sea creatures. Continue to nearby Guimarães to stay at the Pousada Santa Marinha. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Lodging: Pousada Santa Marinha |
 Day 5: SAT OCT 23, GUIMARÃESThis morning explore the city with your local guide. As the first capital of Portugal and birthplace of the nation's first king, Guimarães is one of the country's most historic cities, and its World Heritage medieval streets. See the imposing medieval castle with eight crenellated towers 28m (92ft) high and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, built in the 15th century as a medieval palace, with 39 unusual brick chimneys showing strong Northern European influence. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Lodging:Pousada Santa Marinha |
Day 6: SUN OCT 24, GUIMARÃES - PORTO - BOARD SHIP More sightseeing this morning before the short drive to Porto to board the Douro Queen, your river ship for the next 7 nights while cruising the Douro River. The Douro Queen is a deluxe and luxurious ship launched in 2005. All staterooms have riverviews and those on the upper deck have private 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 private bathroom. The Doouro Queen accommodates a maximum of 126 guests, providing an intimate small-ship ambiance. Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen |
 Day 7: MON OCT 25, PORTO - BITETOSThe "City of Bridges", Porto is Portugal's second largest city. Its charm stems from its dramatic position above the river, with gabled houses closely terraced on the hill. You'll be guided through the medieval city center, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the afternoon, we'll sail to Bitetos, where you'indulge in a country-style dinnerl at the former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada, perched high above the river in a stunning setting. Meals: (B) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen |
 Day 8: TUE OCT 26, BITETOS - RÉGUA (LAMEGO) - PINHÃOBe amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley as we cruise from Bitetos to Régua in the morning. During the afternoon, tour the old Episcopal city of Lamego, with a wealth of baroque buildings, including tours of the impressive Mateus Palace and Gardens, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Meals: (B) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen |
 Day 9: WED OCT 27, PINHÃO - VEGA DE TERRÓN (SPAIN)Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Visit a quinta (vineyard) where you'll learn the history of, and sample, the country's most celebrated beverage. Later in the day, cruise from Pinhão to Vega de Terrón. Meals: (B) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen
|
 Day 10: THU OCT 28, THE VEGA DE TERRÓN (SALAMANCA, SPAIN), BARCA D'ALVAThe ship will dock in Vega de Terrón, Spain, in the morning, and from here, you'll travel overland to the Spanish city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain. You'll visit the historic university founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of León, and you'll stroll through one of Spain's largest and grandest squares - Plaza Mayor with its warm, gold- colored sandstone. After a traditional Spanish lunch and flamenco show at one of the city's wonderful restaurants, enjoy some free time before returning to the ship in Vega de Terrón. Meals: (B) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen |
 Day 11: FRI OCT 29, BARCA D'ALVA (CASTELO RODRIGO) - PINHÃOTour the small town of Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval walled city with a parish church perched high on a hilltop that dates back to the 12th century. In the evening, you'll 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: (B) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen |
 Day 12: SAT OCT 30, RÉGUA (LAMEGO) - PORTOTour the old Episcopal city of Lamego with its impressive 18th-century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Remedios - a 11th century castle and visit the local museum. Meals: (B) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodging: Douro Queen
|
 Day 13: SUN OCT 31, PORTODisembarking after breakfast 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. At mid-day arrive at the Pousada Palacio de Freixo to stay 2 nights. The afternoon at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Lodging:Pousada Palacio de Freixo |
| DAY 14: MON NOV 1, PORTO This morning explore some of Porto's top wine cellars - hear about the production and warehousing of one of the world's most famous wines, telling the secrets of the world's most ancient demarcated wine region. The afternnon at leisure. This evening a special farewell dinner party. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Lodging:Pousada Palacio de Freixo |
| DAY 15: TUES NOV 2, HOMEWARD BOUND After breakfast be transferred to the Porto Airport for your flight back home. |
Pricing:
Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CA$) |
In a Twin |
In a Single |
EARLY BOOKING BONUS - Per Person |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
LAND & CRUISE ONLY - Oct 18 to Nov 2, 2010 |
$5,195.00 |
$2,200.00 |
|
||
Land & Cruise Inclusions:
- Accommodation: LAND - 7 Nights in historic 1st Class pousadas and parador in rooms with private bath; CRUISE - 7 Nights on the Deluxe Douro Queen in Category 3 Outside Staterooms with riverviews. (Cat 1 & 2 upgrades available upon request.)
- Meals: LAND - Breakfast Daily, 6 Dinners, CRUISE - All meals aboard the Deluxe Douro Queen.
- Beverages: CRUISE - Complimentary red/white/port wine, beer, soft drinks during dinner; Complimentary coffee & tea from 6am to 6pm daily; Complimentary bottled water in Staterooms each day.
- Transportation: By deluxe touring coach in Portugal and Spain, transfers from hotels to river ship and from Porto Airport to local tour hotels.
- Sightseeing/Cruise Excursions: Included per itinerary.
- Tour Escort/Local Guide: A Canadian escort from The Travel Broker will travel with the group and a local English-speaking guide for local tours in Portugal and Spain.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, cruise services, hotel accommodation and meals
- Gratuities: To all drivers, guides, servers, hotel porters, cruise stewards and servers
Land & Cruise Exclusions:
- Return International flights to 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 - A full service travel agency for over 34 years!
- Personal Insurances (travel, baggage, cancellation, etc.)
- Passport & Visa Fees and Immunizations
- All alcoholic beverages and bar beverages (soft drinks) during the land tour portion in Portugal and Spain.
- Laundry & personal hotel charges, etc.)
- All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary
- All baggage handling and gratuities (accommodations, meals, drivers, guides, baggage, transfers)
- Items of personal nature and souvenirs
- Any item not mentioned in the itinerary or in the inclusions above.
Deposits and Final Payments:
- Early Booking Bonus: If booked by February 28, 2010, receive $200 CA$ per person off your tour price
- Deposits: At time of booking CA$1,250.00 per person + insurance
premium if applicable - Final Payment: Invoices will be issued July 15, 2010; final payment
by July 30, 2010. 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 July 23, 2010: Deposits paid
- From July 24 to Aug 20, 2010: 40% of final invoice
- From Aug 21 to Sept 20, 2010: 60% of final invoice
- Sept 21, 2010 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
