PORTUGAL AND THE DUORO RIVER, Oct 9-19, 2024
INVITATION TO JOIN US!
PORTUGAL AND THE DUORO RIVER
11 Days • 22 Meals- River Cruising
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Spend two nights in the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, Portugal with a tour showcasing the famous sights of this remarkable city. Enroute to Porto, visit the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the university town of Coimbra. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego, enjoy a new perspective of Europe as you sail the along the Douro.
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HIGHLIGHTS
*22 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners *Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours *Visit two countries: Portugal & Spain *Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lisbon, *Portugal before cruising *Seven-night cruise on the Emerald Radiance *First-class service by an English-speaking crew *Onboard Activity Manager will support all EmeraldACTIVE excursions and host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment *Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides *All gratuities included *Personal listening device for onboard excursions *Many meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine *Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners *Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom *Complimentary WiFi onboard *Variety of onboard evening entertainment
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ITINERARY
Day 1 Depart the USA Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
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Day 2 Lisbon, Portugal Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Lisbon. This evening, join your Mayflower staff and fellow travelers for an included dinner. Meal: D
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Day 3 Lisbon After breakfast, an included tour highlights the famous sites of the city. During a panoramic coach tour, see ‘Monument to the Discoveries,’ and Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jerónimos Monastery and discover the unique architecture and history. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city on your own. Meal: B
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Day 4 Fátima – Coimbra – Porto Depart Lisbon by coach and journey to the ship in Porto. Enroute, visit Fátima, home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The city’s fame originates from the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in the nearby fields. Continue to Coimbra and its famous university before arriving in Porto to embark the MS Emerald Radiance, home for the next seven nights. Meals: B, D
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Day 5 Porto – Pinhão Today is a day of sailing through the twists and turns of the Douro Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is sparsely populated by quaint villages, sun-drenched vineyards and small farms. Later today, arrive in the village of Pinhão, perfectly situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides that produce some of the world’s best Port wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. Meals: B, L, D
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EmeraldPLUS A Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard
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Day 6 Pinhão – Vega de Terrón Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful 18th-century estate of Quinta do Tedo Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Learn about wine production, its importance to the culture and economy, and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards OR, embark on a kayak excursion along the river. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vega de Terrón, gateway to Spain. Meals: B, L, D
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EmeraldACTIVE* A guided walk through the vineyards
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EmeraldACTIVE* Kayak experience in Pinhão
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*The included tour and both ACTIVE tours all operate simultaneously. Only one can be selected.
Day 7 Salamanca, Spain Today’s excursion takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, Spain. During the guided walking tour, see amazingly detailed and intricately carved buildings of the university and the House of Shells. Regal splendor abounds in the Plaza Mayor, the heartbeat of the city. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore independently before returning to the ship in Portugal. Meals: B, D
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EmeraldPLUS Entertainment by a Tuna music band in Salamanca
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DiscoverMORE Tour of Castelo Rodrigo (additional expense)
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The DiscoverMORE overlaps with the included tour to Spain. Only one can be selected.
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Day 8 Pocinho / Régua, Portugal Arrive in Pocinho and disembark for a morning tour to the Côa Valley Museum. Designed to blend in with its surroundings, the museum’s concrete structure houses prehistoric stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro which were uncovered during construction of a nearby dam project. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on deck as the ship sails through idyllic surroundings on the way to Régua. This evening, enjoy an off-ship dinner at a traditional vineyard estate. Meals: B, L, D
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DiscoverMORE Archaeological 4x4 Tour at Côa Museum (additional expense)
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The included tour and DiscoverMORE operate at the same time.
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EmeraldPLUS Port wine cocktail lesson onboard
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EmeraldPLUS Dinner at a vineyard estate
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Day 9 Régua – Lamego From Régua, journey by coach to the marvelous baroque village of Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies - one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Visit the Sanctuary perched atop the hill, with its iconic 686-step granite staircase, decorated with the traditional Portuguese blue and white ‘azulejos’ tiles. Return to the ship in Régua after the excursion. Meals: B, L, D
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EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the stairs of the Sanctuary
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DiscoverMORE Visit to Mateus Manor House (additional expense)
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This tour operates at the same time as the included visit of Lamego. Only one can be selected.
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EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard
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Day 10 Porto Having traversed the Douro River, the ship returns to Porto – a city with an eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. An included tour highlights the sights from its scenic beauty to the historic landmarks of the Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, the Active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Porto. Meals: B, L, D
* EmeraldACTIVE A guided walk of Porto (instead of included tour)
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DiscoverMORE* Guided bike tour to the Atlantic Ocean (additional expense)
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DiscoverMORE* Visit to Quinta do Aveleda with Vinho Verde tasting (additional expense)
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EmeraldPLUS Evening cruise through Porto’s enchanting waters
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* DiscoverMORE’s operate at the same time; only one can be selected.
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Day 11 Porto / USA This morning, disembark the MS Emerald Radiance and bid a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘River of Gold.’ Meal: B
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Itinerary is subject to change.
EMERALD PLUS = Activities included onboard
EMERALD ACTIVE= Activities that are a bit more active and strenuous
DISCOVER MORE= Shore excursions not included and for purchase
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TO JOIN THE PORTUGAL/DUORO RIVER CRUISE TOUR:
Contact:
CARLSON MARITIME TRAVEL
623 E Tarpon Ave
Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689
727.945.1930
Suzanne@scarlsontvl.com
Website: www.scarlsontvl.com
Passport & Visas: Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. Expiry date of passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of tour.
NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.
PORTUGAL
THIS AMAZING ADVENTURE BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
CARLSON MARITIME TRAVEL
623 E Tarpon Ave
Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689
727.945.1930
Suzanne@scarlsontvl.com
Website: www.scarlsontvl.com