Lisbon, a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with a vibrant modern atmosphere. After landing, we’ll have A panoramic tour of the capital city. The Edward VII Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon, stretching from the “Baixa” district to the Tagus River. Walk down The iconic “Rua Augusta”, a pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, leads from “Praça do Comércio” - the largest square in Europe to the majestic “Arco da Rua Augusta” - Triumph Arch.

Today we’ll continue exploring the unique beauty of Lisbon. We’ll Visit the old cathedral located in the special “Alfama” neighborhood, with its Tile covered buildings. We will walk along the “Tagos” river In the new and modern “Park of The Nations”. Having a lunch break in the food market, “TimeOut Lisbon”. Later driving to the old part of the city “Belem” (Bethlehem), visit Jeronimo’s monastery, beautiful Portuguese Gothic church. By the riverbank we will learn about the history of exploring the oceans in The Discoveries Monument. Not far from there, the Belem tower, a 500-year-old architecture marvel. Tasting the culinary highlight of Lisbon, “Pasteis De Belem” in 1800’s pastry café. During the evening we can enjoy the “Fado Music” in the one of many cafes of “Bairo Alto” quarter of Lisbon.

Leaving Lisbon and driving up north we’ll stop in a few interesting sites. Starting in “Obidos”, a charming medieval town, a picturesque gem known for its well-preserved architecture and romantic atmosphere. Walking along the walls, we can soak in breathtaking vistas while immersing themselves in the town’s history, a fairytale-like town, nicknamed “The city of love”. Visit un the old royal weddings church and tasting its famous “Ginja” (Cherry) liqueur. Standing on the cliff in “Nazzare” overlooking the ocean bay. Continue to “Batalha” monastery and the royal burial site and the Unknown soldier monument. One more visit on our way, the historic city of “Coibra”. We’ll visit the old university and the marvels library. In the afternoon we will board our cruise ship in Porto.

Today will explore Portugal’s second largest city, the old and new Porto, a city of undeniable character and charm nestled along the banks of the Douro River. discovering hidden gems like São Bento train station adorned with stunning azulejo tiles, the historic cathedral and the Cristal Palace Gardens. The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Port wine cellars await exploration. We’ll visit The Bursa Palace, the pedestrian Santa Katharina St, and the “Boleho” Market. The “Ribeira” district is the heartbeat of Porto, with its colorful buildings cascading down the riverfront, creating a postcard-worthy scene. Porto’s mix of history, culture, and the warm hospitality of its people makes it an unforgettable destination.

This is a sailing day east, upstream the Douro River. The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerizing region renowned for its stunning landscapes, terraced vineyards, and the meandering Douro River. This picturesque area is the birthplace of Port wine, with centuries-old vineyards lining the hillsides. In the afternoon we will walk in the narrow cobblestone’s alleys of the medieval town “Castelo Branco” near the Spanish border. The little town offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rural life and craftsmanship, particularly its famous embroidered textiles known as “bordados.” Visitors can explore workshops and museums dedicated to this intricate art form. We will learn about the Jewish deportation from Spain and the way they had to hide their traditions from the local inquisition.

A full day visit to Salamanca. This morning we’ll cross the border to Spain and tour the beautiful old city. Visit the old and new cathedral, both share a wall. We’ll walk through the University of Salamanca, Spain’s oldest and most prestigious universities, recognized for its rich history, academic excellence, and cultural significance. Founded in 1218, it holds the title of the third oldest university in Europe. We will have a traditional Spanish lunch and a “Flamenco” show, iconic and passionate art form, captivating blend of music, dance, and emotion that originated in the Andalusian region.

This morning, while docking in the little town of “Pinaho” we’ll walk to the small and old train station with its mosaic tiles that describes, beautifully the culture and traditions of the region. Later we will have a special winery tour in a “Quinta”, a farm up on the hills. Wine tasting and traditional lunch. In the afternoon we will be back cruising downstream to our next stop.

In the morning we’ll drive to Lamego, a charming city in the heart of Portugal’s Douro region, is renowned for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes. The city is crowned by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an impressive Baroque shrine perched atop a grand staircase adorned with ornate tiles and intricate motifs. The panoramic views from the sanctuary offer a breathtaking vista of the city and surrounding vineyards. In the center of Lamego we will visit The Museum of Lamego, housed in a former episcopal palace, stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and historical artifacts. After lunch on board we’ll visit the Mateus Palace (Palácio de Mateus), an exquisite Baroque manor located near the city of Vila Real in northern Portugal. This iconic palace, though often associated with the Mateus Rosé wine label, stands as a prime example of Portuguese Baroque architecture.

Guimarães, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal,” is a city brimming with history, culture, and architectural marvels. It holds immense significance as the birthplace of the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, and played a crucial role in Portugal’s foundation. Walking tour through cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares. Our cruise ship is docking in Vila Nova De Gaia, across the river from Porto. A short walk to a tour of one of many “Port” Wine cellars, Learning about Port wine production and exploring the diverse flavors of red and white Port wines with tasting of the distinct characteristics of these renowned wines. Tonight, we will have a farewell dinner with the captain and crew of our cruise ship.

Today we will disembark our ship and start our journey back.