Discover Portugal’s River of Gold Explore Portugal’s true beauty and rich past on this memorable journey that begins with a two-night hotel stay in colourful Lisbon. From Porto, sail the Douro alongside rippling terraced vineyards, through an ancient land of tiny villages clustered around historic churches, monasteries and castles. Discover baroque palaces and resplendent manor houses. Admire tranquil and timeless landscapes. Indulge in delicious ports and wines. The heart and soul of Portugal is felt everywhere, every day, on this enchanting journey. 2020 Portugal’s River of Gold Ten-day itinerary from £2,145pp Call 020 8780 7900 or visit vikingcruises.co.uk Prices correct at time of going to print but are subject to availability and change. From prices are per person and based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom available, departing on selected dates in 2020. Prices valid until 30 September 2019. Single supplements 100%. Gratuities included on board ship only. For more information please visit vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us. VC_Explore_More_ads_Aug2019_A4_v4.indd 2 08/08/2019 11:45
ITINERARY Divine Douro Be enraptured by gorgeous Portuguese cities, steep terraced vineyards carved into mountains and 18th-century wine cellars while cruising along the glorious Douro River PHOTOS: © GETTY IMAGES Above: The beautiful Douro Valley features lush green terrain rising up from the river below DAY 1 / LISBON, PORTUGAL Meet Viking at the airport and transfer to Hotel Tivoli (or similar), situated in the heart of Lisbon – a city that seduces with quaint alleyways, ancient ruins, a dynamic food scene and trending galleries. DAY 2 / LISBON, PORTUGAL Spend the day exploring the Portuguese capital’s much-loved sights, from the 500-year-old architectural masterpiece, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Tower of Belém to the maze of charming streets lined with cafés and craft shops in the atmospheric Old Quarter. DAY 3 / PORTO, PORTUGAL Take a scenic ride to Porto, stopping for lunch in Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. On arrival in Porto, board your ship and settle into your stateroom before a welcome cocktail and dinner. DAY 4 / PORTO, PORTUGAL A morning city tour provides an excellent introduction to this endearing city. Marvel at its UNESCO-listed historic centre, before delving into its port heritage with a tasting at a top wine cellar. Alternatively, take an optional drive to Guimarães, Portugal’s first-ever capital. DAY 5 / RÉGUA, PORTUGAL Sail along the Douro and reach Régua by the early afternoon. The highlight of this stop is a visit to Mateus Palace, the baroque former residence of the count of Vila Real. Admire the lavishly appointed interiors, priceless objects on display and formal gardens. DAY 6 / BARCA D’ALVA, PORTUGAL Travel east along the Douro and be wowed by dramatic rock formations and striking terraced vineyards before arriving at Barca d’Alva. The afternoon is devoted to Castelo Rodrigo – one of Portugal’s 12 historic parishes. DAY 7 / SALAMANCA, SPAIN Today you’ll enjoy a whole day in Salamanca, an ancient Spanish city dating back to the middle ages. The morning is free to explore before a guided tour reveals sites such as the Gothic House of Shells and the 13th-century Salamanca University. DAY 8 / PINHÃO, PORTUGAL Learn how bread is baked at a traditional Portuguese bakery tucked away in a rural village in the Douro River Valley before moving on for lunch at a centuries-old rustic winery. Re-join your ship in Pinhão. DAY 9 / RÉGUA, PORTUGAL On your return to Régua, visit the pretty town of Lamego, best known for its important pilgrimage site, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. DAY 10 / PORTO, PORTUGAL Wake up in Porto, where your trip comes to an end. But you can extend your trip with extra nights in Braga, Portugal, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold itinerary starts from £2,145pp AUTUMN 2019 | VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK 53
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