Compare Douro Delights by APT Touring vs Spain and Portugal Adventure Tour by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 7 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 1,532 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 219 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Enjoy 14 days from Lisbon to Madrid with seven nights upon the Douro River on the MS AmaVida. Attractions include a journey through Portugal's rural countryside, a wine and cheese tasting in Régua, and many more cultural excursions. |
Take an incredible week to experience the best travel highlights of Spain and Portugal: art, culture and nightlife. Take a ride on iconic Lisbon tram, marvel at fantastic views of Lisbon Bridge, try Porto wine, explore majestic Madrid and see Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona. |
Day 1: Arrive Lisbon
On arrival in Lisbon, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and APT Tour Director at a Welcome Reception tonight.
Stay: Three Nights: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Day 2: Lisbon
On a guided tour of Lisbon, ride on the city’s iconic tramcars, then visit the Old Town and much more. Discover the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, an incredible symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manual I, the monument commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Later this evening, get to know your fellow guests during a special Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Lisbon, Sintra
Today’s excursion takes you into the picturesque mountain range of Serra de Sintra. Visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace set within a picturesque backdrop and take a guided tour of Sintra, the town below. Enjoy lunch at your leisure before returning to Lisbon via the spectacular coastal route. During your final evening in Lisbon, you may wish to try one of the many incredible local restaurants.
Day 4: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Embark Ship
Journey through Portugal’s rural countryside to Coimbra, a delightful medieval city home to Portugal’s most famous university. After a tour and free time for lunch, continue to Porto. Board your river ship and enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the evening.
Stay: Seven Nights: the MS AmaVida
Day 5: Porto
On a tour, explore Porto’s Old Town and delight in its 16th-century buildings and Baroque churches. See the iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel then enjoy a tasting at a local port house in Gaia.
Day 6: Porto, Guimarães, Entre-Os-Rios
- SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Casa de Vila Verde, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the manor, followed by a tasting of their famous Vonho Verde before a traditional dinner.
Take a morning excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, an authentic and well-preserved showcase of the evolution of medieval settlement, as well as 15th to 19th-century architecture. Back on board, enjoy some scenic cruising through the Douro Valley en route to Entre-Os-Rios.
Day 7: Caldas De Aregos, Régua
Dock in Caldas de Aregos and travel to Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore the beautiful gardens on a tour, followed by a wine and cheese tasting. Delight in the beauty of this sun-drenched region as you cruise to Régua, where you’ll visit the Douro Museum.
Day 8: Regua, Lamego, Pinhao
- SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Head to a local winery in Pinhão where you’ll enjoy the superb flavours of the region during a delicious dinner and wine tasting.
Tour the ancient town of Lamego and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. You’ll then sample bolas de Lamego, a specialty dish of the region.
Day 9: Pinhão, Vila Real
Take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Built in 1745, the palace offers a wonderful insight into the lives of Portuguese aristocracy. Embark on a tour of the palace followed by free time to explore the extensive gardens. Enjoy time at leisure in Pinhão followed by the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 10: Barca D’Alva
Travel to the tiny fortified village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo today. On a tour here, see the castle ruins, and take in spectacular panoramic views of the Douro Valley and surrounding towns. Back on board, enjoy a delicious dinner this evening as you make the most of your last night on board your stylish river ship.
Day 11: Barca D’Alva, Disembark Ship, Salamanca, Madrid
Disembark in Barca d’Alva today and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca. During a tour, see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells. Afterwards, continue to your hotel in Madrid, where you will be able to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Stay: Three Nights: Westin Palace Madrid
Day 12: Madrid
Enjoy a tour of Madrid followed by a Farewell Dinner featuring a range of tantalising tapas later in the evening.
Day 13: Madrid
- FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Enjoy a choice of sightseeing activities in Madrid today. Perhaps learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Otherwise, immerse yourself in Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Alternatively you may wish to explore Bernabéu soccer stadium, home to the world-famous Real Madrid Football Club.
Day 14: Depart Madrid
After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport.
Day 1-2: Lisbon
Accommodation: Novotel Lisboa or similar
Arrival at any time. Learn about important areas in Lisbon’s history as you explore its most interesting neighborhoods. Discover Chiado and Bairro Alto and admire the views from Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara. Ride the Eleléctrico tram and visit the Alfama district.
Day 2-4: Porto
Accommodation: Mercury Porto Centro or similar
Experience a walking tour through the streets of the historical center of Porto, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marvel at the fantastic views of the Crystal Palace Gardens, walk along the famous Aliados Avenue, catch a glimpse of the Douro River from Louis I Bridge, descend down the narrow streets and staircases of the Miragaia neighborhood, learn about Porto's founding and formation.
Day 5-6: Madrid
Accommodation: Mercury Lupo de Vega or similar
Enjoy a walking tour around this beautiful city, additionally visit the Prado Museum or Reina Sofia Museum where you will see the works of Picasso and Dali or ancient Toledo.
Day 6-7: Barcelona
Today you will fly to Barcelona, exploring this beautiful city, visiting the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, and in the evening go to try tapas and Spanish wine. You will have free time to relax on the Barcelonetta beach or go shopping.
