Two intriguing countries and one dramatic river equal a grand adventureBefore setting sail on the Douro River, experience three legendary Spanish cities: Salamanca, the lovely “Golden City”; Madrid, renowned for its museums, stately royal palace and vibrant nightlife; and Toledo, the city of El Greco and a magnificent tribute to the three great cultures that forged Spain.Cruise through the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years, visiting picturesque quintas and meeting the winemakers who operate them, as well as tasting the wine. Get even closer to natural treasures at the Douro International Natural Park, where you can get a better understanding of the flora and fauna of the land with an intimate boat cruise, and at the Quinta Aveleda’s gardens, offering an enchanting landscape that boasts a cascading waterfall, graceful swans swimming, peacocks flaunting their colors and so much more. Visit the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a site that dates back to the 12th century, and the pilgrimage town of Lamego to see the monumental baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Travel through the verdant countryside to Óbidos, a charming hilltop town that has entranced visitors since the 13th century en route to Portugal’s colorful capital of Lisbon.Reward your inner explorer with the “Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River,” blending captivating cities, picturesque villages and unparalleled scenic cruising through this less-traveled corner of Europe.Who will enjoy this cruise/tourThose who seek to experience the best of Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, culture, art and history, all while traversing the dramatic landscapes made famous by Don Quixote.
Highlights
YOUR CRUISE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
TRUE ALL-INCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISING™ All gratuities for all onboard and onshore services; unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages; shore excursions with local experts as your guide; free Internet and Wi-Fi; and all arrival and departure day transfers.
TRAVEL
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic Queen Isabel
2 nights in Lisbon at the InterContinental Lisbon Hotel (or similar) with breakfast
3 nights in Madrid at the Westin Palace (or similar) with breakfast
All transfers on arrival and departure days
TASTE
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Gala Dinner
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water
EXPLORE
2 countries
11 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Gentle Walking” programs
7 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
EXPERIENCE
Captivating onboard local entertainment
Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture: “Portuguese Seafarers and Spanish Explorers”