Flavors of Portugal & Spain (Christmas)

Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D)

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. You'll also enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal's most renowned contribution to the world of wine.

For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting OR Porto hike and Port wine tasting
• Free afternoon

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 de Avessada, where you'll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you'll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Pinhão train station hike
• Quinta de Avessada 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. 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 your cruise in Vega de Terrón. (B)