2014 - APT Europe River Cruising Preview

14 Day Douro Delights Lisbon to Madrid 3 Nights Lisbon | 7 Night River Cruise from Porto to Barca d'Alva | 3 Nights Madrid D IS PO SPA CO RT IN VE U & R G A L Lisbon | Sintra | Porto | Bitetos | Vila Real | Lamego | Barca d'Alva | Salamanca | Madrid Explore the magnificent Castelo da Pena in Sintra, Portugal Day 1. Arrive Lisbon. On arrival in Lisbon, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is then yours at leisure to explore or simply relax. Three Night Stay: Lisbon, Sofitel Lisbon. APT PLATINUM SERIES APT EXCLUSIVE! Choose from a wide range of suite options, from which most include an Outside Balcony AT I N U P M L APT EXCLUSIVE! Select from APT's Freedom of Choice™ Inclusions in Madrid APT EXCLUSIVE! Europe's finest onboard SE dining – La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs member RIE S Complimentary beverages served at your discretion throughout your cruise* Expert services of an APT Cruise Director Designed for Australians & New Zealanders TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR FLEET ONLINE www.aptouring.co.nz Freedom of ChoiceTM Inclusions 36 Day 2. Lisbon. On a guided tour of Lisbon, visit the Old Town, the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and board a historical tram. During dinner, soak up the soulful melodies of Portugal's famous Fado music. BD Day 3. Lisbon, Sintra. Today's excursion takes you into the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. Visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace and take a guided tour of Sintra, the town below. Continue to the fishing village of Cascais and enjoy a walking tour, then return to Lisbon and enjoy the rest of your night at leisure. B 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 Welcome Reception and a delicious Welcome Dinner. Seven Night Stay: the deluxe MS AMAVIDA. BD Day 5. Porto, Guimarães. This morning, take an excursion to the World Heritage-listed town of Guimarães, often referred to as the 'birthplace of the Portuguese nationality'. Return to Porto that afternoon for a sightseeing tour of the city's 16th-century buildings, Baroque churches, and its iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. Drive through the elegant neighbourhoods along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City. Your ship moors overnight in Porto. BLD Day 6. Porto, Bitetos, Caldos de Arego. This morning, cruise to Bitetos and upon arrival, 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 before indulging in a sumptuous home-cooked lunch. Later, your ship departs for Caldas de Aregos. BLD Day 7. Caldos de Arego, Resende, Régua. This morning, visit the historic town of Resende in Caldas de Arregos. Later, spend the afternoon amid the beauty of the Douro River Valley as you cruise to Régua. Tonight, a Portuguese folklore show entertains you as your ship moors overnight in Régua. BLD Day 8. Régua, Pinhão. 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. Explore the palace gardens, then cruise to Pinhão, where you'll disembark for a wine-tasting and dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant. BLD Day 9. Lamego, Barca d'Alva. Tour Lamego today, visiting Lamego Castle and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Then enjoy time at leisure and perhaps visit the Gothic cathedral or sample the local delicacies. In the afternoon, arrive in Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese

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