2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

11 Day Enticing Douro Lisbon to Porto 3 Nights Lisbon | 7 Night River Cruise from Porto Return Lisbon | Sintra | Porto | Lamego | Barca d'Alva | Salamanca | Pinhão | Vila Real | Bitetos Explore the magnificent Castelo da Pena in Sintra, Portugal TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR FLEET ONLINE www.aptouring.com.au DISCOVER THE PORTUGUESE CAPITAL Day 1. Arrive Lisbon. On arrival in Lisbon, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is then yours at leisure to relax or perhaps step out and begin to familiarise yourself with this vibrant Portuguese capital. Three Night Stay: Lisbon, Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa. Day 2. Lisbon. On a guided tour of Lisbon this morning, you'll visit the Old Town as well as the World Heritage-listed 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery and much more. With the rest of the day then yours to spend at leisure, you may choose to visit the Castle of São Jorge, a Moorish castle that occupies a commanding position overlooking the city. Day 3. Lisbon, Sintra. After a morning at leisure, today's excursion will take you into the beautiful Serra de Sintra, a mountain range near Lisbon that's bursting with stories of myth and legend. Here, high up on a rocky peak overlooking the town of Sintra, sits the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace, a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. You'll explore this fairytale-like castle then take a guided tour of the picturesque town below. Afterwards, return to Lisbon and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure to relax or explore the city by night. 160 TRAVEL TO PORTO, EMBARK CRUISE Day 4. Lisbon, Fatima, Porto. After breakfast today, you'll set off on a journey through Portugal's countryside to the historic city of Fatima, renowned for its Basilica shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. After some free time here, continue north to Porto. On arrival board your ship, the MS AMAVIDA, and settle in to your suite. This evening, gather for a delicious Welcome Dinner. Seven Night Stay: APT's new MS AMAVIDA. BD B CRUISING THE DOURO RIVER Day 5. Régua, Lamego. Spend a morning amid the beauty of the Douro River Valley as you cruise to Régua. On arrival, travel by coach to Lamego, a small and picturesque town that's rich in history. On a tour, visit Lamego Castle as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and more. Then, during time at leisure, perhaps explore the town's winding streets, visit the Gothic cathedral or just relax and enjoy a taste of local delicacies such as Bola de Lamego, a local bread filled with smoked ham. B Day 6. Barca d'Alva. Today, your ship continues along a picturesque stretch of the river, past agricultural land dotted with boulders and conical, stone-roofed houses. In the afternoon, arrive in Barca d'Alva, less than two kilometres from the Spanish border and the last Portuguese village along the Douro. Enjoy time at leisure to explore and appreciate the tranquillity of this sleepy village. After dinner on board tonight, enjoy a Flamenco show performed by traditional dancers. VISIT SALAMANCA IN SPAIN Day 7. Vega de Terrón, Salamanca. In the morning, cruise into Spain's Vega de Terrón. From here, travel by coach to the ancient Spanish city of Salamanca on a full day excursion. For over eight centuries, Salamanca has been a major learning centre, and is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Salamanca's sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow over its time, which has lent the city its nickname 'La Dorada', the Golden City. Your walking tour features such highlights as the University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, the House of Shells, and the New Cathedral. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch of authentic Spanish cuisine at a local restaurant, followed by free time to further explore Salamanca. Later, return to your ship in Vega de Terrón. BLD BLD BLD Day 8. Vega de Terrón, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhão. After breakfast this morning, travel to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village that offers lovely 360° views thanks to its location perched high on a hilltop. On a tour here, you'll see the village's 16th-century walls and wander down very narrow and steep medieval streets. Visit the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain decorated in black faces which sits in the market square. Afterwards, return to your ship for lunch and cruise to Pinhão, set at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers. This evening your ship will remain moored overnight in Pinhão and you'll disembark for a wine-tasting and dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant. BLD IN 2013! NEW

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