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MS Invicta

1-888-942-3301

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Cruise the Douro River 11 Days Fly to Lisbon & return from Porto. A spectacular river cruise along the Douro Valley aboard the MS Invicta an especially designed boat for the Douro River. Your journey begins in Lisbon and travels overland by way of Batalha, medieval Obidos, and the historic university town of Coimbra to Porto. This is a city that owes its wealth and fame to Port wine and to a spectacular historic area, which is UNESCO World Heritage site. Your cruise starts here along the navigable Douro River, a waterway boasting the two highest lock in Europe. You will cruise along rural scenery of unspoiled villages and towns, tranquil countryside, terraced with innumerable vineyards. It is indeed Europe's best kept secret. Along the way you will visit Regua, Barca D'alva, Villa Real, Vega de Terron and the Spanish city of Salamanca, another well-preserved World Heritage UNESCO site. Your cruise will end with an overnight in Porto.

Day 1, Wed. Depart USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight to Lisbon.

Day 2, Thu. Lisbon
Morning arrival into Lisbon Airport. You will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you will begin your tour in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Some included sights will be the Royal Coaches Museum, Jeronimos Monastery, and Belem Tower. You will also visit the Monument of Discoveries before returning to your hotel, where you are free to enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 3, Fri. Lisbon
Today you will have the opportunity to shop in Lisbon or take an optional tour to the picturesque towns of coastal Lisbon, Estoril, Cascais or Sintra, where you can visit Pena National Palace, the most romantic Palace in all of Portugal.

Day 4, Sat. Lisbon - Obidos - Coimbra - Porto
After breakfast, head north to visit the charming village of Obidos and the monastery of Batlha, before continuing to the historic 13th-century town of Coimbra. Visit the University and magnificent library, considered one of the oldest in Europe. After lunch in Coimbra, continue northward to Portugal's second largest city of Porto, where you will board your riverboat docked on the Vila Nova de Gaia. A welcome cocktail reception aboard your vessel is followed by dinner.

Day 5, Sun. Cruising - Porto - Regua
Sail to Regua, where enroute you will travel across the locks of Crestuma and Carapetello, the highest in Europe. Tonight enjoy dinner onboard, while getting to know your fellow shipmates.

Day 6, Mon. Cruising - Regua- Barca D'Alva
This morning you may join an optional excursion to the Villa Real, where you can visit the beautiful gardens and palace of the Solar de Mateus, before returning for lunch aboard your vessel, waiting in Pinhao. In the afternoon, cruise toward the heart of the famous Porto vineyards country. Arrive in Barca d'Alva, where you will dock for the evening. Your onboard dinner entertainment will be a traditional Spanish Flamenco show.

Day 7, Tues. Cruising - Vega De Terron
Sail into Spain and travel by coach from Vega de Terron to Salamanca for a full day optional tour with lunch. Today's optional excursion visits the Spanish city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. This well-preserved World Heritage UNESCO site city provides views of architecture from Roman, Arabic and Christian inhabitants. You will also have ample time to visit one of the most impressive town squares in all of Spain. Rejoin the ship in Vega de Terron in time for dinner on board.

Day 8, Wed. Cruising - Pinhao
Continue your cruise along the Douro and arrive at Ferradosa quay this afternoon, for an optional excursion to Sao Joao da Pesqueira. Visit the enchanting town hall with its striking tiled murals, before continuing towards Sao Salvador do Mundo, for a visit down the quaint steep roads to the famous nine chapels. Afterwards, return to your ship and sail towards Valeira, to the Douro countryside town of Pinhao. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Vintage House Hotel for dinner, an 18th-century wine estate, surrounded by gardens and vineyards overlooking the majestic Douro River. Enjoy a Portuguese Folk show after dinner.

Day 9, Thu. Cruising - Melres
Sail to Regua, arriving after breakfast where your excursion for today will continue with the beautiful town of Lamego. Visit the famous baroque church, Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, located high above the city. You are free to shop in this enchanting city before returning on board for lunch, as you continue your cruise down the Douro to Melres, where you will be docked for the evening.

Day 10, Fri. Cruising - Porto
After a leisurely morning cruise, arrive in Porto at lunch where the afternoon will include a tour of Porto's spectacular historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sightseeing excursion will also provide an opportunity to experience world famous Porto wine first-hand, as you visit one of the local port wine cellars. Upon return to your vessel, a farewell cocktail and dinner will be served onboard where you can celebrate the last evening of a wonderful trip to a memorable country.

Day 11, Sat. Porto To USA (Or Extend Your Stay)
Transfer to Porto Airport for your return flight to the USA, arriving the same day.