Itinerary

JULY 26, 2019 DAY 1: Depart home for Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon
 
Depart the U.S. and board an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
 
JULY 27, 2019 DAY 2: Arrive in Lisbon
 
Arrive in Portugal’s capital. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, our representative will meet you outside the arrivals area and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Briefing and Dinner this evening. Included Meals: Dinner Pestana Palace Lisbon
 
JULY 28, 2019 DAY 3: Tour Lisbon’s famed monuments, optional Jewish Heritage Walking Tour
 
Wake up to views of Lisbon’s famed hillsides. This sloping city is a delight to explore on foot, with cobblestoned alleyways lined with shops, historical discoveries, and endless nooks and crannies — not to mention cinematic views of the Tagus River the higher you trek.  Begin the day with a guided panoramic tour of Lisbon’s famed monuments, including Belém Tower and the courtyards of the Monastery of Jerónimos, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure by exploring Lisbon’s cobblestoned charm on your own, or join an optional Jewish Heritage Walking Tour, which takes you inside the city’s historical Jewish sites, including the local synagogue, the Alfama Quarter, the Baixa district, and more! Cultural Connection: During your city tour, you’ll sample more pastéis de nata from a local bakery. Included Meals: Breakfast Pestana Palace Lisbon
 
JULY 29, 2019 DAY 4: Further explore historical Lisbon on your own, or opt for a scenic coastal tour
 
Enjoy a day at leisure today. You might take our optional day tour down the scenic Portuguese coast to the UNESCO town of Sintra — home of the opulent, Moorish Sintra Palace — and onward to the fishing village of Cascais and its dramatic seaside cliffs, sweeping beaches, and bustling marina. Or, further your Lisbon explorations with a taste of the city’s dynamic culinary scene at a gourmet market or by sampling local seafood in one of Lisbon’s celebrated restaurants. Portugal is renowned for bacalhau — dried, salted codfish — as well as its tinned seafood, much of which is sardines, and you’ll find these delicacies almost everywhere. Active travelers can
embark on a hike through Lisbon’s trademark seven hills for must-see views of the city or head over to the Castelo neighborhood for a trek up to Sao Jorge Castle. This Moorish fortress offers a stunning overlook of the entire city and shopping opportunities for everything from local pottery to Portugal’s famous azulejo tiles. Included Meals: Breakfast Pestana Palace Lisbon
 
JULY 30, 2019 DAY 5: The storied walls of Óbidos and the seaside town of Nazaré, then embark your ship in Porto
 
Today, head to the port wine capital of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city featuring a charming tangle of alleyways, a walkable and historic center, and an unmistakably hip vibe that juxtaposes the city’s myriad architectural styles. But first you’ll explore Óbidos, where a walking tour will introduce you to one of Portugal’s prettiest towns — so pretty, in fact, that Óbidos was gifted to Queen Isabel from King Dinis on their wedding day in 1282. You’ll also venture to Nazaré, a beach town famous for its monstrous waves and surfing culture, where we'll have lunch before continuing on to Porto. Here, we’ll embark the ms Douro Serenity and enjoy a Welcome Reception with fellow travelers.  Scenic sailing: We’ll also begin our sail down the UNESCO-listed Douro River, lined with terraced vineyards and quintas, or rural estates. During the length of our cruise, we’ll pass multiple locks and offer onboard commentary on certain stretches, and you’ll enjoy slow sailing to enjoy every view! Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
JULY 31, 2019 DAY 6: An exploration of celebrated Porto, topped with a port wine sampling at a local wine cellar
 
Following breakfast on board, get to know Porto better with a full city tour and panoramic drive, including a visit to the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the market area. You might also visit stunning Livraria Lello, named one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Make your way up its famous red spiral staircase (be sure to pause and admire the stained glass skylight as you climb!) and peruse the shelves of this landmark — reportedly an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series! Cultural Connection and Unforgettable Moment: No visit to Porto is complete without enjoying its signature wine, of course, so we’ll cross the Douro for a visit to one of the city’s best-known port-wine cellars. Learn about and sample the varieties of this digestif while enjoying the ambience of the surrounding gardens and river views below. Cultural Connection: Back on board this evening, a local artisan will give a talk on “Portuguese Filigree” as you cruise through the Douro River Valley. Following dinner, enjoy a lively performance by a local tuna band. Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
AUGUST 01, 2019 DAY 7: Tour the historic center of Guimarães
 
Set off on a guided tour of the historical center of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inscribed on the city’s castle walls you’ll find the phrase Aqui Nasceu Portugal (“Portugal was born here”), a reference to the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, who was purportedly born in Guimarães. Cultural Connection: Back on board, a lecture about Portugal’s cork industry will further enhance our understanding of regional wine culture and the ways in which the Portuguese are making use of this versatile material. Then, let music carry you back through the decades as you enjoy a performance by local musicians.
Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
AUGUST 02, 2019 DAY 8: Sample vintages and regional delicacies at Aveleda Winery before touring Régua
 
A plethora of cultural delights awaits you today! Cultural Connection: We begin the day at Aveleda Winery, a producer of a variety of popular Portuguese wines (many of which are favorites in New England, as well). You’ll enjoy a tasting of Vinho Verde expertly paired with grilled Portuguese sausage, a cheese and jam spread, and other regional delicacies before returning to the ship for lunch. Back on board, enjoy an authentic Portuguese tea time complete with pastries while learning about the traditions surrounding tea drinking and tea production. This afternoon, we’ll head off on a walking tour of Régua, including a visit to the Douro Museum, where you’ll learn all about the storied Douro River Valley you’ve already been admiring from the deck of the ship. Cultural Connection & Culinary Feature: Back on the ship, delve into the recipe behind pastéis de nata, one of Portugal’s favorite treats, during an onboard cooking lesson. Later, a musical trio joins us on board. Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
AUGUST 03, 2019 DAY 9: Tour the highlights of Lamego, followed by a regional tasting at a quinta
 
Today we’ll explore the quaint town of Lamego, filled with terra-cotta rooftops, tree-lined streets, and a 700-step staircase that leads to the grand Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Climb all 700 steps to this church and admire the surrounding gardens filled with monuments, terraces, fountains, and pretty tile mosaics. Reboard the ship this afternoon and hear a lecture titled “A Look Inside Portugal” as we continue to another local quinta to sample more fantastic regional wines in yet another breathtaking Douro setting. Cultural Connection: This evening, experience the tradition of Portuguese folk music as you enjoy a performance on board. Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
AUGUST 04, 2019 DAY 10: Wander the fabulous Mateus Manor House and Gardens before sampling vintages at Avessada Winery
 
Watch the magnificent palace depicted on Mateus rosé wine bottles come to life as we spend the morning at the 18th-century Mateus Manor House and Gardens. This sweeping baroque property houses a maze of manicured hedgerows, elegant parterres, and a lake that reflects the palace in its mirror-still surface. Cultural Connection: Lunchtime finds us at the Avessada Winery, where you’ll sample more fine vintages and a delectable lunch. Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
AUGUST 05, 2019 DAY 11: Savor Portugal’s culinary culture at Figueira Castelo Rodrigo
 
We’ll venture on shore today on a visit to the fortified hill town of Figueira Castelo Rodrigo. With its preserved medieval architecture, a visit here truly feels like turning back the clock 600 years. Visit the old walls, the 16th-century pillory, the local parish church, and more on a walking tour. You’ll also enjoy a small tasting of local products here, introducing you to the culinary culture of the area.
Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner ms Douro Serenity
 
AUGUST 06, 2019 DAY 12: Explore Salamanca’s ornate architecture
 
The word “magical” is often used to describe Salamanca, and you’ll find out why on a walking tour of the city today. Unforgettable Moment: Explore Salamanca’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the revered University of Salamanca and its students who infuse the city with even more character and vitality.  You’ll also see the town’s grand cathedral and baroque Plaza Mayor, where you can seek out churros and do some shopping and independent wandering. We’ll depart for Madrid after lunch on our own; practice your pronunciation during the drive with a Spanish language lesson. Tonight, we’ll gather for a Farewell Dinner at the hotel. Included Meals: Breakfast Dinner Melia Madrid Princesa
 
AUGUST 07, 2019 DAY 13: Uncover Madrid’s charms during a city tour
 
Truly one of the world’s great capitals, Madrid is teeming with fascinating sights in a swirling, lively, cosmopolitan setting. You’ll begin exploring this vibrant city on foot, walking the new Madrid-Rio area, savoring city views, and passing multiple other historic monuments. Unforgettable Moment: Embark on a panoramic drive and walking tour that includes Plaza Mayor and tapas tasting at the Central Market. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore, or head to the renowned Prado Museum on an optional tour. Cultural Connection: Tonight, witness Spanish history and intoxicating culture come to life during a stirring flamenco dinner show. Included Meals: Breakfast Dinner Melia Madrid Princesa
 
AUGUST 08, 2019 DAY 14: Spend a day exploring Madrid at your leisure, or opt for a tour of Toledo
 
Enjoy a free day to pursue your own interests — wander the city’s many squares, shop for espadrilles and other classic Spanish products, and get your fill of tapas — or set off on an optional tour to nearby Toledo and the charming, narrow lanes of its UNESCO-listed historic center on the Tagus River. Included Meals: Breakfast Melia Madrid Princesa
 
AUGUST 09, 2019 DAY 15: Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or remain in the city for your optional extension
 
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or continue your travels by heading next to Barcelona on an optional extension.