Globus > PORTUGAL CRUISE (ZZP2009)

PORTUGAL CRUISE (ZZP2009)
12 Days starting from $2,359

Countries Visited:
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Length: 12 Days
Type: Other Globus Tours
Category: NEW
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: ZZP-2009
   
 
 
About This Tour



Vacation Overview
Discover the sights, sounds, and flavors of Portugal on this magnificent river cruise vacation. Your trip begins with free time in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, before you travel to Oporto to embark on your 7-night cruise. Float along the scenic Douro River and truly immerse yourself in the local culture with included flamenco and authentic Portuguese shows on board your ship, and with a hearty Portuguese meal at the 14th-century former Benedictine monastery in Bitetos. Cruise to Régua for excursions to visit Lamego’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies shrine and the Mateus wine estate. In Pinhão, experience the center of the Port winemaking region with a visit to the Wine Academy and a wine tasting. A guided walking tour of Salamanca, Spain, reveals the 16th-century House of Shells, former bullfighting arena at Plaza Mayor, and the ornate cathedral. Pause in medieval Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo to explore the steep, narrow streets lined with almond trees, to visit the castle, and to watch for storks, the symbol of this quaint village. Back in Oporto, take a guided sightseeing tour, then travel along the picturesque Atlantic coast and stop at a Port wine lodge to visit the cellars and sample the excellent wine. Return to Lisbon for a guided sightseeing tour and the finale of your exciting Portuguese cruise vacation!

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details
  • SPECIALS

Meals
Welcome drink and buffet breakfast (B) in Lisbon; welcome cocktail on board; superb dining with all meals on board featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a specialty dinner and Captain’s dinner on land

Hotels
Lisbon Sofitel (SF)
Day 1:
(Thu.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Lisbon, Portugal. (Fri.) Welcome to Lisbon! Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 pm, meet your Local Host and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

Day 3:
Lisbon–Vila Nova de Gaia (Embarkation). (Sat.) A leisurely start to your day before heading northward. Stop for lunch en route before arriving at Vila Nova de Gaia, south of the city of Oporto, where your river cruiser is docked and the crew awaits to welcome you on board. (B,D)

Day 4:
Régua–Excursion to Lamego–Pinhão. (Sun.) Enjoy this first opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery along the Douro during a leisurely morning of cruising. Arrive at Régua and after lunch on board, drive to Lamego, an old historical yet picturesque and charming town. It is home to one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the country, the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF REMEDIES. After visiting this shrine there’s free time to wander through the narrow winding streets, view the gothic cathedral, or watch the world go by in one of the outdoor cafés. Perhaps treat yourself to a snack of the local specialty, bola e Lamego (bread and smoked ham), and a glass of the well-known sparkling Raposeira wine before returning to your ship now docked at Pinhão. (B,L,D)

Day 5:
Pinhão–Barca d’Alva. (Mon.) Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão Rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area and a place where the soil and climatic conditions are considered to be at their very best. After some free time to explore on your own, you’ll pay a visit to the WINE ACADEMY at Vintage House and sample some of the wines before cruising to Barca d’Alva. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Barca d’Alva–Excursion to Salamanca, Spain–Vega Terron, Portugal. (Tue.) Today a full-day excursion takes you into Spain to Salamanca, a rich city full of traditions and situated in the center of the Castillo e León region. During your guided walking tour you’ll see many of the bestknown sights such as the University, the House of Shells, beautiful baroque PLAZA MAYOR, formerly the site of numerous bullfights, and you’ll also visit the CATHEDRAL. This evening, return to your ship at Vega Terron and after dinner, enjoy a FLAMENCO SHOW on board. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Vega Terron–Excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo–Pinhão. (Wed.) This morning’s excursion takes you up to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, lying 2,200 feet above sea level. Along the typically medieval, steep and narrow streets you’ll still find 16th-century façades and Manuelino-style windows! The blossoms of the almond trees that grow around the little town have given it the name “White Village.” The surrounding region has an economy based on agriculture, and wine was first produced in the 12th-century by the monks. Visit the CASTLE and learn how in former times Jews, Arabs, and Christians co-existed peacefully here and formed the social fabric of Castelo Rodrigo. With luck you’ll see the storks that migrate to this village every year and have become the symbol of the village. Return to your vessel and cruise to Pinhão. This evening you’ll be treated to a Quinta wine dinner. After dinner you’ll be entertained by an onboard PORTUGUESE SHOW. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Régua–Bitetos. (Thu.) After breakfast, dock in Régua and join an excursion into the Trás-os-Montes region to visit the GARDENS and PALACE of MATEUS. On the way you’ll see small picturesque villages nestled amidst the grandiosity of the steep terraces on the side of the mountains. Although still privately owned, the palace was transformed into a cultural foundation called the Casa de Mateus, whose main aims are to preserve the building, and the promotion of cultural, scientific, and educational activities. Your stay ends with visits to the striking chapel and the winery, producing the famous Mateus wines. Rejoin your vessel and cruise to Bitetos. This evening, enjoy a hearty Portuguese meal at the14th-century former Benedictine MONASTERY OF ALPENDURADA. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Bitetos–Oporto–Vila Nova de Gaia. (Fri.), This morning, arrive back in the Oporto area for a short cruise of the Douro River mouth. After lunch, visit Portugal’s second-largest city. Spreading along the banks of the Douro, Oporto owes its history and development to this river. The city gives its name to one of the finest wines in the world—the Port wine. Guided sightseeing takes you through the city’s narrow streets to find 16th-century arcaded buildings, the CATHEDRAL, and baroque churches. Drive across the 19th-century iron bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel, then along the Atlantic coastal road to Foz, with its fashionable villas and manor houses, at the mouth of the river. Before returning to your vessel, stop at one of the PORT WINE LODGES to visit the cellars and sample the delicious wine. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Vila Nova de Gaia (Disembarkation)–Lisbon. (Sat.) After breakfast, bid farewell to your ship’s crew and drive south to Lisbon. (B)

Day 11:
Lisbon. (Sun.) Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa and did not subside until the 1970s. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features Belem Tower, guarding the estuary of the Tagus River, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the bull ring to Pombal Statue and on along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)

Day 12:
Lisbon. (Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/23/2009 - 5/4/2009
$2,549
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5/21/2009 - 6/1/2009
$2,799
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5/28/2009 - 6/8/2009
$2,799
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6/18/2009 - 6/29/2009
$2,809
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7/23/2009 - 8/3/2009
$2,809
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8/20/2009 - 8/31/2009
$2,809
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9/17/2009 - 9/28/2009
$2,899
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9/24/2009 - 10/5/2009
$2,899
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10/29/2009 - 11/9/2009
$2,359
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Price Details US
The above prices are per person in category 3.

Upgrade per person to category 2:
$225

Upgrade per person to category 1:
$450

Port charges:
$98 per person.

Please call for single accommodation price.

Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Lisbon:
in single room $318, in twin room $185

City Highlights
Lisbon:
Welcome drink

Vila Nova de Gaia:
Welcome cocktail

Régua:
Excursion to Lamego, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies

Pinhão:
Dinner at Vintage House; visit the wine academy

Barca d’Alva:
Full-day excursion to Salamanca with guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral; lunch with local show

Vega Terron:
Onboard flamenco show; guided sightseeing of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, visit the castle

Pinhão:
Onboard Portuguese show

Régua:
Guided tour of Mateus wine estate, visit the palace

Bitetos:
Specialty dinner at Alpendurada Monastery

Oporto:
Guided sightseeing, cathedral, visit a Port wine cellar

Lisbon:
Guided sightseeing, visit Jeronimos Monastery and the Alfama

Note:
  • Deluxe 7-night cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia to Vila Nova de Gaia in outside stateroom with hotel-style beds on the Douro Cruiser
  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach


Ship
Douro Cruiser

Price Details US
The above prices are per person in category 3.

Upgrade per person to category 2:
$225

Upgrade per person to category 1:
$450

Port charges:
$98 per person.

Please call for single accommodation price.

Triples not available.

Extra nights per person in Lisbon:
in single room $318, in twin room $185

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Globus River Cruise Special Offers

If you are looking for a smart investment, Globus gives you a world of return. A river cruise with Globus is a fantastic value, since the price includes accommodations, local sightseeing, many meals, and complimentary wine with dinner, greatly minimizing both on-shore and onboard costs. It’s clear that a journey with Globus is an investment in yourself, one amazing experience at a time.

And now, a Globus river cruise is an even better value. Book a 2009 European river cruise before February 28, 2009, and you will save $400 per stateroom on the air-inclusive price or save $200 per stateroom on the land/cruise price.*

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive the $200 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $100 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between December 16, 2008 and February 28, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Book a group of 10 or more and one travels FREE!

*Book a group of 10 or more members on any 2009 Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon group benefit eligible vacation to receive the one free (land only) offer. To qualify, group must be booked and under deposit between October 17 and February 28, 2009, for travel commencing by December 31, 2009. Applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer excludes tour vacations with cruises of three or more nights. Not combinable with other group incentives. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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