Uniworld Europe River Cruise 2010 - Vineyards Along the Douro

2010 EARLYBIRD SPECIAL

PAY-IN-FULL at time of booking on or before September 30, 2009 to SAVE A$800 per couple (A$400 per person) off twin share cruise only rates

OR BOOK and DEPOSIT on or before November 30, 2009 to SAVE A$400 per couple (A$200 per person) off twin share cruise only rate

Douro Valley
Lisbon to Porto - 10 Days
 
Travel Europe’s most unspoiled river valley through Portugal and Spain

The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe's most unspoiled regions and to Port country - the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

Explore the seven hills of cosmopolitan Lisbon, uncovering a treasure trove of old world architecture. Visit Coimbra, the "Birthplace of Kings"; Porto, the beautiful "City of Bridges" with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center; and Salamanca, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taste plenty of wonderful local wines from village vineyards, including Port wine, the region's sweet fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery; enjoy an authentic Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show; and dine at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. All along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking charm, and meet warmhearted, friendly people with welcoming open arms

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those who enjoy experiencing foreign destinations through the eyes of the locals – dining in a rustic pousada, a family run restaurant, tapping your feet along with Flamenco dancers and humming with the Fado singers, or sunning yourself on one of Portugal’s beautiful beaches.

Portugal, Spain, & the Douro River Valley

Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Bitetos, Régua, Pinhão, Vega de Terrón - 10 Days

Day 1 - Lisbon Arrive at Lisbon’s Portela Airport where you’ll be transferred to the hotel.

Day 2 - Lisbon Featured Excursion: Lisbon city tour

Become acquainted with the historic district of Belém and Belém Tower, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s expedition. Explore the Royal Coaches Museum, housed in an 18th-century riding academy, and the ornate 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 3 - Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto Featured Excursion: Coimbra tour with family style lunch

En route to Porto, stop in Portugal’s third largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and its gem of a library, the Biblioteca Joanina. Enjoy lunch in a local pousada before continuing on to the ship docked in Porto. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 4 - Porto, Bitetos Featured Excursions: Porto city tour, dinner at Alpendurada Monastery

Traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage designated medieval city center of charming Porto, and see Porto’s impressive Romanesque cathedral. Later, sail to Bitetos for a spectacular dinner at the former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada, perched high above the river. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 5 - Bitetos, Régua (Lamego), Pinhão Featured Excursion: Lamego tour

Be amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Douro River Valley as we cruise from Bitetos to Régua in the morning. Our next stop is the old Episcopal city of Lamego with its impressive 18th-century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which is an 11th-century castle. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 6 - Pinhão, Barca d’Alva Featured Excursion: Port wine tasting at the Wine Academy

The small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area and a place where the soil and climatic conditions are considered to be at their very best. Visit the famous Wine Academy at the Vintage House and learn about the history of Port and the Port winemaking process, which goes back to the 17th century. Sample this country’s most celebrated beverage. You’ll have some leisure time before sailing to Barca d’Alva in the afternoon. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Captain’s Dinner)

Day 7 - Vega de Terrón (Salamanca) Featured Excursion: Full-day Salamanca tour with traditional Spanish lunch

From Vega de Terrón, where the ship docks, travel overland to Salamanca, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain. Visit the historic university founded in 1218, and stroll through one of Spain’s largest and grandest squares—Plaza Mayor. After an authentic lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy free time in this magical city. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 8 - Vega de Terròn (Castelo Rodrigo), Pinhão Featured Excursion: Castelo Rodrigo tour and dinner at the Vintage House

Visit the picturesque medieval walled city of Castelo Rodrigo which dates back to the 12th century, and learn about its Jewish heritage. Be amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Douro River Valley as you cruise to Pinhão in the afternoon. In the evening, be our guest at a delicious dinner which takes place at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent converted 18th-century mansion overlooking the Douro River. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 9 - Régua, Porto Featured Excursion: Mateus Palace and Gardens

Visit the impressive baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens, world-famous for being featured on the label of Mateus Rosé wine. This impressive facade features beautiful rooftop pinnacles and an ornate stairway, all reflected in a pond in front. (Buffet Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 10 - Depart Porto Disembark the ship and transfer to Porto Airport for your flight home.

Cruise Ship operating this itinerary: Douro Queen

Portugal, Spain, & the Douro River Valley

Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Bitetos, Ragua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron - 10 days

Departure Dates 2010 Total Per Person Twin Share Single Supplement 18 Mar $2,852 $1,925 25 Mar $2,977 $1,925 1 Apr $3,177 $1,925 8 Apr $3,302 $1,925 15 Apr $3,426 $1,925 22 Apr $3,552 $1,925 29 Apr $4,077 $1,925 6 May $4,277 $1,925 13 May $4,277 $1,925 20 May $4,277 $1,925 27 May $4,277 $1,925 03 Jun $4,277 $1,925 10 Jun $4,277 $1,925 17 Jun $3,952 $1,925 24 Jun $3,952 $1,925 01 Jul $3,952 $1,925 08 Jul $3,952 $1,925 15 Jul $3,952 $1,925 22 Jul $3,952 $1,925 29 Jul $3,952 $1,925 19 Aug $3,952 $1,925 26 Aug $4,202 $1,925 02 Sep $4,277 $1,925 09 Sep $4,277 $1,925 16 Sep $4,277 $1,925 23 Sep $4,277 $1,925 30 Sep $4,277 $1,925 07 Oct $4,277 $1,925 14 Oct $4,026 $1,925 21 Oct $3,952 $1,925 28 Oct $3,426 $1,925   Prices in Australian Dollars Only - Prices shown above include cruise in Cat. 3, Main Deck. Single supplement subject to limited availability. Upgrades as per pricing below, suite upgrade for singles price on application. Airfare is not included in these prices. Total price includes port charges. Please contact us for the latest airfare deals.   To upgrade to a higher category, add the following per-person Twin Share price:   Category 2 A$325 Category 1 A$650