Overview
Small Ship Cruise
4 - 4.5 Star
12-99 Years
EUSSTD24
Itinerary
Arrive in Monte Carlo and be transferred to your ship. This evening, celebrate the beginning of your journey with a welcome reception on board your ship, accompanied by your Tour Leader and fellow travellers.
Signature Experiences:
- Visit Col d'Orcia in Montalcino, the home of Brunello, one of the most famous red wines in Italy. Delight in a tour of the estate gardens and the cellar, followed by an exclusive barrel tasting. You'll then enjoy lunch in the estate's villa, where farm-to-table products are paired with the estate's wines.
Colourful fishing boats line the busy port of Marina Grande, gateway to the famous isle of Capri. Perhaps take a boat ride inside the turquoise waters of the Blue Grotto (own expense) or stroll through Capri's narrow alleyways.
Today, dock in the harbour of Giardini Naxos, located on the eastern shore of Sicily and the perfect base to explore Mt. Etna. Head to the ancient town of Naxos before ascending the idyllic road up to Mt Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Arrive at Crateri Silvestri, approximately 6,500 feet above sea level, to embark on a cable car ride up the slopes. Transfer to a 4x4 vehicle for the rest of the journey until you reach a mighty elevation of 9,500 feet. Join an informative walk with a professional alpine guide and admire the expansive lava fields and panoramic views across the Catania Gulf.
Signature Experiences:
- Take a private tour of Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace and family home. You'll be met by the owners who will share the rich history of their ancestral home. After the tour, enjoy a glass of prosecco and indulge in a tasting of local delicacies in the aristocratic garden.
Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese Islands. Here, you may wish to tour Victoria (own expense), or board a local boat to Comino's Blue Lagoon, located between the islands of Malta and Gozo (own expense).
Relish a day at sea where you can relax and explore the incredible amenities on board. Enjoy a spa treatment (own expense) or savour a delicious meal at one of the ship's many restaurants.
Today dock in Ajaccio, Corsica's capital and the birthplace of Napoleon. Perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour to Calanues de Piana, part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and known for its spectacular coastal scenery (own expense).
Signature Experiences:
- Arrive at a family-owned vineyard and be welcomed by the owner. Embark on a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the estate, cellar and the barrel rooms. Undulge in a cocktail-style lunch in the beautiful grounds. Savour local provençal fare and sample the estate's impressive array of wines. Afterwards, enjoy a game of petanque, a ball game that originated in the south of France and is a derivation from the ancient sport of boules.
Located on Spain's rugged Costa Brava, Palamos is home to spectacular beaches. Perhaps travel to Salvador Dali's Castle Museum in Pubol (own expense) or learn about the Costa Brava's ancient past with a visit to Begur (own expense).
After breakfast, disembark the Seabourn Ovation in Barcelona and travel to Madrid via train. Once you've arrived in Madrid, you'll be transferred to your hotel to settle in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore.
Travel to Marina Grande, the stunning gateway to the isle of Capri. Ascend the road up to Mt Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Freedom of Choice:
- Perhaps you'd like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can admire the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Of course, if you're more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.
Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You'll see the exquisite University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to the alluring Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you'll stop to visit the enchanting castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight.
Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You'll then visit a local quinta. Later your ship will sail to Regua.
Freedom of Choice:
- On a tour of Lamego, you'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Alternatively, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace's construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.
- Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional meal and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.
Freedom of Choice:
- Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
Signature Experiences:
- Tonight, you'll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Freedom of Choice:
- Visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.
Travel through Portugal's countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country's oldest and most famous university. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city's iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a farewell dinner.
As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it's your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.
After breakfast, it is time to depart Portugal as you are transferred to the airport.
Tour Inclusions
- Savour farm-to-table produce and paired wines at Col d'Orcia estate in Tuscany
- Take a private tour of Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th century palace and family home
- Join the owner of a family-run vineyard near Saint Tropez for a behind-the-scenes tour and cellar room tasting
- Visit Palacio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall
- Experiences in 17 destinations
- Transfers, port charges and gratuities
- Locally-inspired dining – a total of 58 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Travel in a small group onboard Seabourn Ovation, hosted by an APT Tour Leader
- Cruise operated by APT's partner, Seabourn
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included unless specified
Tour Operator
From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.
Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
Ship Details
Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Estrela in 2024 – APT's brand-new river ship that redefines Douro river cruising. Read more
From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more
Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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