2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

14 Day Port, Wine & Flamenco Madrid to Lisbon 3 Nights Madrid | 7 Night River Cruise from Vega de Terrón to Porto | 3 Nights Lisbon Madrid | Toledo | Salamanca | Vega de Terrón | Pinhão | Régua | Porto | Lisbon | Sintra Learn about the famed wine production of the Douro Valley TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR FLEET ONLINE www.aptouring.com.au DISCOVER THE SPANISH CAPITAL Day 1. Arrive Madrid. Arrive in Madrid today and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is then at your leisure. Three Night Stay: Madrid, hotel to be advised. Day 2. Madrid. Home to such landmarks as the Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor, Madrid is famous for its historic districts and modern infrastructure. On a tour today, take in several of the city's major attractions. B Day 3. Madrid, Toledo. Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Toledo. One of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire, this stunning walled city is home to the magnificent Cathedral of Toldeo, amazing medieval architecture and lovely cobblestone alleyways. After your tour, enjoy free time before returning to Madrid. Day 5. Vega de Terrón, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhão. After breakfast travel to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified hilltop village. On a tour, see the village's 16th-century walls, wander the medieval streets and visit Chafariz dos Pretos, a unique fountain 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. Day 8. Caldos de Arego, Resende, Bitetos. This morning after breakfast, visit the Resende in Caldas de Arregos. Afterwards, return to your ship for lunch as it sets off cruising towards Bitetos. This evening, head to the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. Here, you'll savour a glass of Port wine and take in the breathtaking views of the river valley from the monastery terrace before heading inside to indulge in a sumptuous home-cooked meal. This evening, your ship remains overnight in Bitetos. BLD B CRUISING THE DOURO RIVER Day 4. Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terrón, Embark Ship. Today travel to the ancient city of Salamanca, considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Here, a tour will take you to the University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, the House of Shells and more. Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time, before boarding your river ship on the Douro River in nearby Vega de Terrón. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Seven Night Stay: APT's new MS AMAVIDA. BD 162 Day 6. Pinhão, Lamego. This morning, 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. This afternoon, absorb the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Régua. Tonight, enjoy an Portuguese folklore show. BLD Day 7. Régua, Vila Real. Today enjoy a trip to the Palacio de Mateus, just outside the city of Vila Real. Take a tour of the palace, and discover the story of Mateus Rosé wine, with which the palace has long been associated. After then exploring the gardens, with their lovely topiary work and impressive cedar tunnel, you'll return to your ship, which will set out this afternoon heading for Caldas de Arregos. BLD BLD Day 9. Bitetos, Porto. Today, arrive back in Porto, a city that traces its origins to pre-Roman times. Here, a tour will take you to a selection of 16th-century arcaded buildings and Baroque churches as well as the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. You'll then drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City before time at leisure. Your ship remains moored overnight in Porto. BLD Day 10. Porto, Guimarães. This morning, disembark for an excursion to the historic World Heritage-listed town of Guimarães, often referred to as the 'birthplace of the Portuguese nationality' because of the role it played in the shaping of Portugal as a nation. Here, a booming cultural life has led to Guimarães being named the European Capital of Culture in 2012, making it an incredible city to visit. After time to explore here, you'll return to your ship and enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight with your fellow travellers. BLD IN 2013! NEW

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