Cruise Portugal & Spain
Aboard the deluxe MS Amadouro 

12-DAYS

Lisbon - Porto - Regua - Pinhao - Salamanca - Lamego - Bitetos
 


Start your journey with Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, which lies on several hills along the River Tagus. Explore the banks of the Douro River Valley, beginning with the capital of North Portugal, Porto, which also gives its name to one of the finest wines in the world - the Port Wine. Continue inland and on to the countryside of the Trás-os-Montes Region where you will indulge yourself with the small picturesque villages amidst the steep terraces that climb into the mountains. Enter Spain and visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the “Castilla y León? region before returning to Portugal. Visit the ancient and picturesque city of Lamego, before concluding your vacation in historic Porto.
ITINERARY
 
Day 1 : FLIGHT USA - LISBON
Board your overnight flight to Portugal        (in-flight meals)
Day 2 : LISBON
Upon arrival inLisbon, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are free to explore on your own. nbsp;
Day 3 : LISBON
Lisbon, one of Europe's most beutiful cities, lies on several hills along the river Tagus. Take a city tour of Old Town and visit the spectacular 16th century Jeronimos Monastery.The rest of the afternoon is free for you to further explore the city. Perhaps see the Castle of Sao Jorge, Lisbon's state of the art Oceanarium, or the famous Santa Justa Elevator that oversees the Castle of Sao Jorge, the river, and the famous Rossio Square.     (B) 
Day 4 : LISBON - CASCAIS & ESCORIL - SINTRA
Enjoy an afternoon excursion along the coast to Cascais and Estoril. Cascais, a former fishing village, was Portugal’s Royal Family resort until the early 19th century and is one of its wealthiest municipals. Continue on to Serra de Sintra, which is one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Castelo da Pena, which is a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. See this fairy tale castle, then take a guided tour of this picturesque city and experience firsthand the bewitching beauty that inspired poets such as Lord Byron.   (B) 
Day 5 : LISBON - COIMBRA - PORTO
Leave Lisbon this morning and drive north through Portugal’s countryside towards Porto. Stop along the way to spend several hours in the historic city of Coimbra. Not only were six Portuguese kings born here, but it also has one of the oldest universities in the world, which was founded August 13, 1290. Explore the city at your leisure, then continue on to Porto where your ship awaits you. Relax or explore the city on your own before gathering onboard for a Welcome Cocktail. ."     (B,D) 
Day 6 : REGUA - CASA MATEUS - PINHAO
After lunch, arrive in Régua and drive to Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes just outside the city of Vila Real. After your tour, rejoin the ship in Pinhão. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet meal at the esteemed Vintage House Hotel which lies on the very edge of the river surrounded by the world’s oldest distinguished wine region. The ship moors overnight in Pinhão..nbsp;  (B,L,D) 
Day 7 : PINHAO - BARCA D'ALVA
Spend your morning at your leisure to explore the city on your own, and perhaps see the railway station that is beautifully inlayed with panels of Azulejos. Before lunch, visit the Vintage House Hotel for a Port wine lecture and wine tasting. Return to the ship and sail to Vega de Terrón. The ship moors overnight in Barca d’Alva. .     (B,L,D) 
Day 8 : SALAMANCA (SPAIN) - VEGA DE TORRON (PORTUGAL)
Salamanca, Spain - Vega de Terrón, Portugal. Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the "Castilla y León" region of Spain. During a guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12th century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant for some deliciously authentic Spanish cuisine. There will be some time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship. Perhaps visit the locals “living room,?otherwise known as the Plaza Mayor or stop by a caf?for a drink and some Tapas. Tonight, enjoy a flamenco show by four traditional female dancers performing to an array of popular Spanish songs. The ship moors overnight in Vega de Terrón.   (B,L,D) 
Day 9 : VEGA DE TERRON - PINHAO
After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop. See 16th century walls and walk down very narrow and steep medieval streets and the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain decorated in black faces which stoically sits in the market square. Return to the ship for lunch to sail to Pinhão. Onboard this evening, enjoy a show by a folklore Portuguese troupe.      (B,L,D)
Day 10 : LAMEGO - BITETOS
Spend a leisure morning soaking up the beauty of the Duoro River as you sail to Regua. Then, drive to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient and picturesque, Lamego houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The remainder of the morning is yours to explore the town on your own to visit the gothic Cathedral or the town’s museum. You may also want to visit one of the cafés to sample a “bola de Lamego? (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, Lamego’s very well-known sparkling wine. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Tonight, appreciate a traditional “home cooked?meal at the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery. Before dinner, savor a glass of Port wine and a breathtaking view of the river valley from the Monastery’s terrace. The ship moors overnight in Bitetos.    (B,L,D) 
Day 11 : PORTO
During your sightseeing city tour, you will see 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustav Eiffel. Drive through its elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore its Old City with steep medieval lanes and alleys. If you’re looking for some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you’ll find the Casa da Musica and the museum of Modern art. Tonight, say goodbye to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail.  (B,L,D) 
Day 12: DEPART PORTUGAL
Homebound flight. Morning transfer to the airport in time for your homebound flights. Extra nights, if requested, are available.      (B, in-flight meals)

(B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner)

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
  • Scheduled transatlantic flights(billed seperately and depending on departure city) when UET issues the airline tickets. Flight arrangements include all airport to ship and hotel to airport transfers 
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Lisbon  including buffet breakfast 
  • Seven nights deluxe cruise accommodation in outside cabin with hotel-style beds 
  • Superb dining with all meals include on cruise. One seating with open seating arrangements 
  • Quality wines with dinner 
  • Welcome Cocktail Reception, Farewell Cocktail and Captain's Welcome Dinner 
  • Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary 
  • Special highlights including onboard music performances, lectures, theme dinners, local activities 
  • Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout the program
  • All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking only on the Sun Deck) 
  • All local taxes 

  •  
NOT INCLUDED
  • Gratuities for guides & cruise personnel
  • Transatlantic air-fare (can be arranged by UET from any US city)
  • Items of personal nature & items not listed in the itinerary
  • Optional travel insurance
  • Port charges USD 98 in 2009 & USD 133 in 2010

TOUR PRICES & DEPARTURE DATES:

FOR 2009 SAILINGS
Cruise Ship: MS AMADOURO
USA Departure Date Return Date Price
Apr 14 to LISBON Apr 25   from PORTO $ 2,749
May 05 to LISBON May 16 from PORTO $2,849
May 12 to LISBON May 23 from PORTO $2,849
Jun 02 to LISBONS Jun 13 from PORTO $2,899
Jun 09 to LISBON Jun 20 from PORTO $2,899
Jun 30 to LISBONS Jul 11 from PORTO $2,899
Aug 25 to LISBONS Sep 05 from PORTO $2,899
Sep 01 to LISBONS Sep 12 from PORTO $2,899
Sep 08 to LISBONS Sep 19 from PORTO $2,899
Sep 29 to LISBONS Oct 10 from PORTO $2,899
Oct 06 to LISBONS Oct 17 from PORTO $2,899
Single Supplement  $1450

CABIN UPGRADES PER PERSON:
D Base Price
C + $ 199
B + $ 449
A + $ 549
Round-trip airfare is available from New York from $ 895.00. For other cities please contact UET.

FOR 2010 SAILINGS
Cruise Ship: MS AMADOURO
USA Departure Date Return Date Price
Apr 06 to LISBON Apr 17   from PORTO $ 2,789
Apr 13 to LISBON Apr 24 from PORTO $2,889
May 04 to LISBON May 15 from PORTO $3,189
May 11 to LISBONS May 22 from PORTO $3,189
Jun 09 to LISBON Jun 20 from PORTO $2,899
Jun 01 to LISBONS Jun 12 from PORTO $3,189
Jun 08 to LISBONS Jun 19 from PORTO $3,189
Jun 29 to LISBONS Jul 10 from PORTO $3,089
Jul 06 to LISBONS Jul 17 from PORTO $3,089
Jul 27 to LISBONS Aug 07 from PORTO $3,089
Aug 24 to LISBONS Sep 04 from PORTO $3,189
Aug 31 to LISBONS Sep 11 from PORTO $3,289
Sep 07 to LISBONS Sep 18 from PORTO $3,389
Sep 28 to LISBONS Oct 09 from PORTO $3,389
Oct 05 to LISBONS Oct 16 from PORTO $3,389
Oct 12 to LISBONS Oct 23 from PORTO $3,289
Single Supplement  $1450

CABIN UPGRADES PER PERSON:
E Base Price
D + $ 199
C + $ 499
B + $ 599
A + $ 699
Round-trip airfare is available from New York from $ 895.00. For other cities please contact UET.

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The  MS AMADOURO operates  for the English speaking market only and offer a long list of amenities unmatched by any other ship on the Douro River
    ON-BOARD FACILITIES 
    • Grand View Panoramic Lounge Bar
    • Gourmet Restaurant with open seating 
    • Gift Shop
    • Elevator serving all three decks
    • Swimming pool and two Jacuzzis
    • Spacious staterooms with private balconies on the Upper Deck and large picture windows on the Main Deck. All staterooms offer TV, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, hairdryer, ample closet space, vanity with sitting area and full length mirror.
    • On-board veriety entertainmant