UNIWORLD
13 Days | Jewels of Spain, Portugal
and the Douro River
Eastbound

LISBON TO MADRID

OVERVIEW
Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of ancient and modern Spain; sail the verdant Douro River Valley, and discover the enchanting towns and celebrated wines of Portugal. Experience three legendary Spanish cities: Madrid, renowned for its museums, stately royal palace, tapas bars and chocolaterías , famous plazas, and vibrant nightlife; Toledo, so well preserved with its endless gems; and Salamanca, “The Golden City.” Sail the UNESCO World Heritage Douro River with its terraced hills, quaint villages, and acres of vineyards. Go deep into the epicenter of Portugal’s most celebrated beverage—Port—with visits to wine estates and quintas . And explore two of Portugal’s most lively and colorful cities, Porto and Lisbon.

In Madrid, see the many highlights of this spectacular city on a panoramic tour and visit the world-famous Prado museum, which has offered visitors an up-close look at works by leading Spanish artists like Goya, and Velázquez since 1819. “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” wrote Picasso, another of Spain’s most famous artists, and so will your days in this magical city. Enjoy some free time on your own, or join tours to the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Salamanca, home to an important university where even Christopher Columbus studied, and Toledo, an ancient cultural center known as the “City of Three Cultures” for its peaceful coexistence of Christians, Muslims and Jews. It was also home once home to the painter El Greco.

Cruise through the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. Visit picturesque quintas and meet the winemakers who run them. In Porto, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, explore architectural wonders, shop the bustling Rua de Santa Catarina and sip the city’s storied port wines at its preeminent cellars. Travel overland through the countryside and stop in Coimbra, Portugal’s third-largest city and birthplace of six of the country’s kings. Spend two nights in the colorful capital of Lisbon, the port city that that launched navigator Vasco da Gama on the discovery of an ocean route to India. See the sights on a panoramic tour and taste the famous local dessert, Pastéis de Belém, a custard pastry. Venture beyond the city to the nearby towns of Sintra, where you’ll find magnificent castles and Moorish architecture, and Cascais, a charming seaside resort with a royal lineage.

Reward your inner explorer with the Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River, a perfectly paced cruise/tour that blends captivating cities, picturesque villages and unparalleled scenic cruising through this less-travelled corner of Europe.

Day 1 | Lisbon, Portugal. Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport, where you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 2 | Lisbon. FEATURED EXCURSION: Lisbon city tour. Stand on the banks of the Tejo River and take a deep breath. Now turn around and look at the city climbing the hills above you. This is where your adventure begins. Start with a guided tour of iconic Belém Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument to Portugal’s great explorers. Step inside the spectacular Manueline Jerónimos Monastery. Sample a traditional sweet, the pastéis de Belém, at a famous pastelería (pastry shop), and see the hills of the Alfama district and Rossio plaza, with its wavy black-and-white paving and lively street life.

Day 3 | Lisbon. Coimbra. Porto. Embark. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Guided stroll through Óbidos, Coimbra University visit, and family–style lunch. Travel through the beautiful countryside to Porto. En route, stop in medieval Óbidos for a guided stroll through its maze of cobbled streets and high-walled gardens. The adventure continues in Coimbra, the birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Universidade de Coimbra. There, you’ll see the university’s 18th-century library, the Biblioteca Joanina, a magnificent place boasting frescoed ceilings, gilded archways, and elaborate carvings. From this hilltop center of learning, head off to enjoy a typical Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 4 | Porto. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Porto city tour or exclusive "Do as the Locals Do" Porto walking tour. Birthplace of Henry the Navigator (who launched Portugal’s voyages of exploration) and longtime hub of the Port wine trade, Porto combines well-preserved historic buildings with cutting-edge architecture and a booming cultural revival. Your tour will take you to the 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa and then on to the cathedral and the bustling shopping street, Santa Catarina. Or, if you prefer, see Porto from a different perspective, starting with a climb to the top of Clérigos Tower. Visit the world's most opulent bookstore, Livraria Lello, then see the sweeping Avenida dos Aliados followed by a tasty stop at a pastelería. A scenic cable-car ride returns you to the riverfront, where you can walk to spectacular São Francisco Church

Day 5 | Porto (Guimarães). Entre-os-Rios. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Guimarães city tour or walking tour of Ribeira and Jewish Districts. As Portugal’s first capital (back in the 12th century) and home to its first king, Don Afonso Henriques, Guimarães has been called the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Dominated by Afonso Henriques’s grand castle, Guimarães is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a great place to shop for high-quality Portuguese handicrafts and other souvenirs. Or, you can explore the UNESCO-designated Ribeira and Jewish districts on foot.

Day 6 | Entre-os-Rios (Amarante). Regua. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Quinta Aveleda visit with wine tasting and Amarante walking tour. Today you'll enjoy a wine tasting at Quinta Aveleda and venture to the charming, old-world town of Amarante, situated between the bends in the Tâmega River and the cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Many of its remaining historic structures are Romanesque in style, several of which you’ll see on your guided walking tour through this lovely riverside town.

Day 7 | Régua (Lamego). Pinhão. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Douro Museum and Lamego city tour with wine tasting at a local quinta, Mateus Palace and Gardens, and dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Visit the Douro Museum to learn about the river and its wines, then head to Lamego, a small and picturesque town rich in history. You’ll see it up close on today’s tour and have a chance to admire its gorgeous panels of blue and white tiles before enjoying another treat—a delicious wine tasting. You'll also see Mateus Palace, which has one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. In the evening, take a tour of the family-owned Quinta da Avessada, which produces premium Moscatel. Stroll through the vineyard and enjoy its views before meeting the owner and learning about the winemaking process. Later, partake in a rustic dinner inside the winery’s old stone walls featuring fine local wines and traditional live music. Note: The number of visitors at Mateus Palace is regulated by a strict set of time slots and occasionally there may be a wait. Note: In September and October, guests are invited to participate in a special wine harvest instead of visiting Mateus Palace.

Day 8 | Pinhão. Pocinho. FEATURED EXCURSION: Port wine tasting at Quinta do Seixo. Pinhão is the center of Port winemaking. Today, you’ll take a winding road up to a quinta perched high in the hills to learn about and sample the country’s most celebrated beverage. Later, enjoy breathtaking scenery while cruising through the remote Douro Valley toward Spain.

Day 9 | Cruising the Douro River. Barca d'Alva (Castelo Rodrigo). Vega de Terrón. FEATURED EXCURSION: Castelo Rodrigo tour. Visit the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, one of the twelve historic villages of Portugal, with its medieval streets and stone-walled houses. In the evening, a special Gala Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 10 | Vega de Terrón. Disembark. Salamanca, Spain. Transfer to Madrid. FEATURED EXCURSION: Full-day Salamanca tour. From Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. The architectural purity of this charming town has endured through the centuries, during which time its sandstone buildings have acquired the exquisite glow that gives Salamanca its nickname, “The Golden City.” Walk under richly ornamented arches and past ornately decorated masonry walls as you explore the university, then visit Salamanca’s extraordinary Old and New Cathedrals.

Day 11 | Madrid, Spain. FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Madrid city tour, Prado Museum, and dinner with flamenco show. Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Your panoramic tour of this lively metropolis will take you to some of Madrid’s most famous sights. Later, explore the massive Prado Museum, which features one of the world’s finest collections of European art. With nearly 7,600 paintings among its holdings, the Prado’s assemblage is truly stunning in both its depth and breadth. In the evening you’re in for another treat—a spectacular dinner and flamenco show at one of the finest venues in Madrid.

Day 12 | Madrid. Toledo. FEATURED EXCURSION: Toledo city tour with Santo Tomé Church visit. Toledo is known as the “City of the Three Cultures,” as it has been heavily influenced by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In fact, the historical co-existence of these cultures led to Toledo’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today you’ll get to explore this vibrant city and discover its extensive cultural heritage for yourself, visiting synagogues and churches alike. Among the many fantastic sites awaiting you today is St. Tomé Church, home to one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

Day 13 | Madrid. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in exciting Madrid.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

EASTBOUND ITINERARY 13 DAYS | LISBON TO MADRID Click HERE to view 13-day WESTBOUND itinerary.