Flavors of Portugal & Spain with Lisbon and Madrid

Arrive in Lisbon and check into your hotel.

One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you'll see Belem Tower, a fortified four-story tower made of limestone, and visit the Late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to the Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal's greatest maritime explorers. (B)

Excursions:

• “City of Seven Hills” tour

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a visit to the Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B)

Excursions:

• Royal Sintra excursion with Pena Palace visit

Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. When the sun sets, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (D)

Excursions:

• Motorcoach transfer to Porto
• Tomar Castle visit
• Porto Illuminations cruise

Join a guided tour of Porto's historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see the Cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, you'll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal's most renowned contribution to the world of wine. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “City of Bridges” tour OR Porto hike
• Port Wine Tasting

Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Lunch at local quinta

Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace's magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Mateus Palace & Gardens Excursion

Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies” on a city tour or climb the 686-step “Holy Staircase,” beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting
• Local quinta wine tasting

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station's main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Roêda. Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, this historic estate is celebrated for its centuries-old vineyards and iconic terraced landscapes. Enjoy a scenic drive up towards the quinta and savor a wine tasting, followed by a traditional family-style lunch with many regional delicacies. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Pinhão train station hike
• Quinta da Roêda lunch

Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d'Alva. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline-style windows. If you prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you'll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain's Castilla y León region. You will have free time to explore on your own, followed by an escorted city tour that includes the New Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later in the day, you'll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B, L)

Excursions:

• Full-day excursion
• Transfer to Madrid

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. (B)

Excursions:

• City tour

Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Excursions:

• Toledo excursion

Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

**DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.