PORTUGAL
A Cruise Ship on the Douro River
Delights of the Douro Valley One of our most popular Portuguese tours is this incredible trip to the Douro Valley, and with good reason. The main highlight is a leisurely full-day cruise with lunch on the Douro River, weaving past sun- drenched vineyards and charming villages. We are also treated to a guided tour of the historic city of Porto and get to sample some Port at a local wine estate. No trip to the region would be complete without a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarães – and all this while based next to the golden beaches of Póvoa de Varzim! PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Plymouth to Santander We arrive in Plymouth for our afternoon departure to Santander with Brittany Ferries. Day 2 Arrival in Spain We arrive in Santander in the afternoon and make our way directly to the Palencia area for our overnight stay. Day 3 Journey to Portugal Today we travel across northern Spain and into Portugal, stopping en route at the beautiful Portuguese spa town of Chaves for lunch. After stretching our legs in the medieval quarter and admiring the stunning Roman Bridge, we continue to Póvoa de Varzim and settle into our hotel, arriving in time for dinner. Day 4 Porto & Wine Estate Visit This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the historic city of Porto , Portugal’s second city, with its beautiful buildings and atmospheric squares. In the afternoon we visit a Port wine estate across the river in the Vila Nova de Gaia area and learn the process of producing Port whilst enjoying a sample or two! Day 5 Póvoa de Varzim Driver’s Day Off Today we enjoy a relaxing day in our resort. We can spend time in our hotel, making the most of the leisure facilities, or explore the golden sands right on our doorstep. The centre of Póvoa is around 20 minutes’ walk from our hotel, so we might like to wander along the beachfront before picking a spot to sun ourselves with a drink or ice cream. Day 6 Douro River Cruise This morning we leave our hotel early to board a riverboat for a relaxing full day, one way cruise along the beautiful and majestic Douro River, from Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto to Régua. We pass by rows of terraces cultivated with vines, following the curves of the mountain, as we enjoy a 3 course set lunch during the day. Day 7 Guimarães & Braga This morning we head inland to the historic town of Guimarães for a guided walking tour . The first capital of Portugal and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is often referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality and is one of the most atmospheric towns in the north of Portugal. Visit the 10th century Castle, the 15th century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the picturesque Praça de Oliveira. In the afternoon we make our way to the town of Braga. Attractions here include the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, one of the most remarkable examples of 18th century religious architecture, which is breath-takingly beautiful and decorated with fountains and stone carvings. Days 8-10 Portugal to UK We say goodbye to Portugal and return to the Palencia area in Spain for an overnight stay , prior to our overnight cruise from Santander to Plymouth.
Dom Jesus Sanctuary, Braga
Port Wine Cellar
Porto
Axis Vermar Hotel Póvoa de Varzim
This excellent, group-friendly, 4 star hotel enjoys a lovely seafront location, about 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Póvoa, with plenty in the vicinity to entertain groups on a driver’s day off. With intimate gardens, a large outdoor swimming pool and easy access to the beach, this hotel makes an ideal holiday venue. Each of the 208 bedrooms enjoys pleasant décor with a TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities and air-conditioning. The hotel has a large, open plan, traditionally furnished ground floor restaurant overlooking the hotel gardens and a separate bar with a dance floor. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
2 Nights Half Board at Europa Centro Hotel • Set menu • ¼ bottle of house wine with dinner • Tea/coffee after dinner 5 Nights Half Board at Axis Vermar • Porterage & welcome glass of Port • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner • ¼ bottle of wine with dinner each night • Live musical entertainment twice a week • Half-day guided step-on/walking tour of Porto • Tour of Port wine estate & tasting • Full-day Douro River Cruise including 3 course set lunch • Half-day guided walking tour of Guimarães
7 Nights Half Board 2 Nights Room Only (Overnight Ferry) Based on Wednesday departures Inclusions • Return overnight crossing with Brittany Ferries (twin based on 4 berth inside cabin)
Rob says… “Situated right next to the beach and with a luxurious outdoor pool, your guests will be spoilt for choice – the Axis Vermar is contemporary, comfortable and a firm favourite for coach groups visiting northern Portugal.”
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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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