Portugal, Spain & the Douro Valley

This remarkable place is one of northern Spain’s most beautiful with its people, shops and music filling the air. At the Cathedral of Santiago, explore one of Christianity’s most important places, where legend states that St. James, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, is buried. Our local guide expertly takes us through the interesting streets in ‘Casco Antigo,’ the old area of town. After a group lunch, the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the beauty and history of this remarkable city at your own pace. Then this evening, dinner is served back at our hotel.

Our journey take us to Braga to experience the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. The Sacred Way, a baroque granite double staircase with several switchbacks, might look daunting, but pilgrims manage to climb it on their knees. On the numerous landings are gardens, grottoes, small chapels, sculptures, and allegorical stone figures of the virtues set in fountains. The sanctuary at the top is 400 meters above sea level and provides us with a sweeping view of Braga, the beaches of Esposende and Viana do Castelo. Enjoy lunch overlooking the city. We continue to Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital and birthplace of the nation’s first king. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guimarães boasts medieval streets and well preserved monuments which make it one of the most attractive places to visit in Europe. The town’s imposing 10^th-century medieval castle with its crenulated towers protected the population from attacks by the Moors and the Normans. This afternoon, we arrive in Porto and board the intimate Spirit of Chartwell.

The pretty, riverside town of Amarante is one of the gems of Northern Portugal. Its streets are lined with rows of 17th-century mansions boasting brightly painted wooden balconies. Our guide takes us on a walking tour to the famous Roman Bride and for a visit of the S. Gonçalo church and monastery. Enjoy free time to explore this lovely village or try some of the famous sweets and pastries or wander through the interesting Museu Amadeo Souza Cardoso. Return to the ship for lunch and a scenic cruise along the Douro River. After dinner, indulge in a Vintage Port Wine Celebration.

Lamego, an old and historical town, is picturesque, warm and very charming. It houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the country, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. This remarkable place has witnessed pilgrimages since the 14th century and showcases a small chapel dedicated to Saint Estevão. In the 16th century a new church was built over the old chapel, as it was almost in ruins. Today’s chapel took 200 years to build and is a very good example of the Portuguese baroque style.

At the top of the hill, an impressive staircase of 686 steps is decorated with enormous panels of blue and white tiles. Visit the town’s museum and have free time to wander the narrow winding streets.  Lamego also lays claim to some impressive cuisine, such as the ‘bola e Lamego,’ a bread filled with smoked ham, roasted kid, regional cakes and a tasty sparkling wine called ‘Raposeira.’ Returning to the Spirit of Chartwell, enjoy a culinary demonstration on board.

This morning, we cruise a scenic section of the Douro on our way to Barca d’Alva. On board, relax with a lecture on the History of Portugal. After lunch, we venture ashore for a tour of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village with 13th-century walls. This is one of the 12 historical Parishes of Portugal and offers narrow medieval streets with 16th-century façades and Manuelino style windows. The Romans were the first to build a fortress here, and in 1209, Alfonso IX built the walls surrounding it. Jews, Arabs and Christians have peacefully co-existed here throughout the centuries and comprise the town’s social fabric. Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is known as the white village because of the almond trees found around it. Monks began producing wine here in the 12th century, and today it has become a successful wine cooperative with a gold medal wine in 1991, the white Quinta do Cardo. Storks have flocked to this city for centuries and have become the town’s symbol. This evening, we enjoy the Captain’s Dinner and a Portuguese Folk music show.

Our journey takes us to explore Salamanca, situated in the centre of the ‘Castillo e León’ region, it has been a seat of learning since the early 13th century. Founded by Celtic Iberian tribes on the banks of the river Tormes, it has been occupied by the Romans, Arabs and Christians. In the 13th century, the oldest university of the Iberian Peninsula was created, and over the centuries, the city was enriched by visiting kings, princes, bishops and artists. As a result, many call this beautiful and historic city a living museum of the Middle Ages. Visit the University, House of Shells and the beautiful ‘Plaza Mayor,’ formally a site of bullfighting and now a popular gathering point for locals and visitors alike. A capital of culture since 2002, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Salamanca showcases one of the finest mixtures of Renaissance and Plataresque architecture in Spain. Our lunch is in a lovely restaurant, so you can experience local fare and a traditional, lively Flamenco Show. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue on board.

This afternoon, we travel to the land held by the last Count of Vila Real. In the Gardens of Mateus Palace, we discover the connection between Mateus Rose Wine and this beautiful 18th century house. Still owned by the Count of Vila Real, the palace has served as a Cultural Foundation, ‘Casa de Mateus,’ (The House of Mateus) since the 1970s. Its main aim is the preservation of the villa, study of its archives and the promotion of cultural, scientific and educational activities. Wander at leisure in the gardens, believed by many to be Portugal’s most beautiful.

At Quinta da Aveleda, we explore the wonderful grounds and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. The history of the Quinta da Aveleda estate is lost in time, though countless records exist since the 16th century.  Wine has been sold here since at least 1870 by Manuel Pedro Guedes. Since then, successive generations of the family have been devoted to the production of high quality wines, preserving this family legacy. Aside from its important architectural heritage, the Quinta da Aveleda estate is also recognized for its parks and gardens, where rare species of trees flourish, some two hundred years old. Currently the Quinta da Aveleda is the largest Vinho Verde exporting company and is proud to remain a family-owned business in every way. This evening, you’re your fellow travellers for a farewell cocktail and dinner.

Today, we bid ‘despedida’ to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Guests arriving at the Toronto airport are greeted and assisted to their private car home.