DAY 1, LISBON ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
Arrive in Lisbon. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the city.
DAY 2, LISBON SIGHTSEEING IN LISBON (B)
This morning you will enjoy a tour of the historic Portuguese capital. Begin your excursion with a panoramic tour of the Old Town where you see 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and chapels. You will drive through the Rossio Quarter and pass the Monument to the Navigators and the Tower of Belem. Finally you’ll visit the wonderful Jeronimo’s Monastery with its exquisite Manueline architecture. The afternoon will be free.
DAY 3, LISBON SIGHTSEEING TO CASCAIS AND SINTRA (B)
Your morning tour begins with the delightful mountain village of Sintra, immortalized by the famed poet Lord Byron as “Glorious Eden.” Visit the magic of Peña Palace, built 1600 feet above sea level, to admire its Romantic architecture dating back to the 18th century. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive along the coast, where you will see Guincho Beach and Boca do Inferno, a naturally carved spectacle in rock. Visit Cabo da Roca, continental Europe’s western-most point, before arriving at the old fishing village of Cascais, steeped in history and previously a resort for the royal family until the early 19th century. There will be time for shopping before arriving back at your hotel late in the afternoon.
DAY 4, LISBON TO PORTO VIA HISTORIC COIMBRA (B, D)
After breakfast you’ll drive through Portugal’s countryside towards Porto, stopping in the city of Coimbra. This historic site is the birthplace of six Portuguese kings and home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1290. Spend your free time in Coimbra to explore on your own before heading further north to Porto to board Amadouro in the evening.
DAY 5, PORTO~REGUA LAMEGO CITY TOUR (B, L, D)
Enjoy a walking tour to the town of Lamego, a small and picturesque town rich in history. Lamego Castle, with its unusual cistern and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, dates from the 12th century. After the tour, spend your free time exploring the narrow, winding
streets of the town and enjoying local delicacies including bola de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes and Raposeira, the well-known sparkling wine.
DAY 6, REGUA~BARCA D’ALVA FREE TIME (B, L, D)
Today, we cruise along the scenic Douro River, arriving in Barca D’Alva in the afternoon. This quaint village is the last Portuguese settlement situated along the river. The rest of the day is free for you to appreciate this charmingly sleepy setting.
DAY 7, BARCA D’ALVA~VEGA TERRON FULL DAY TO SALAMANCA (B, L, D)
In the morning, embark on a full day excursion to the ancient city of Salamanca. Dating from 220 BC, it is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Its almost timeless sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite warm glow that has given it renown as “La Ciudad Dorada”, the ‘golden city’. Your walking tour highlights include the University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, the House of Shells, and a visit to the New Cathedral. Conclude your tour with lunch at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore before rejoining the ship in Vega Terrón. This evening’s on-board entertainment is a performance of fabulous flamenco dancing.
DAY 8, VEGA TERRÓN~PINHÃO FIGUEIRA CASTELO RODRIGO EXCURSION WITH WINE TASTING AND DINNER IN PINHAO (B, L, D)
This morning you will visit Castel Rodrigo. Also known as the White Village because of the almond trees surrounding it, Castelo Rodrigo is one of the 12 historical parishes of Portugal. Located on an isolated hill, enjoy spectacular views from all sides and into Spain. Its streets are medieval, very narrow and steep, and its buildings have 16th century facades and Manuelino style windows.
Tonight’s dinner venue is in one of Real Companhia Velha’s most beautiful quintas. Real Companhia Velha was established in 1756 by some of the important farmers of the Upper Douro and Oporto. This company is intrinsically linked to the history of the Porto wine trade and the history of Portugal itself. Upon arrival at the quinta, you’ll enjoy breathtaking
views of the Douro and Torto rivers. Afterwards, there’s a wine tasting, with quinta’s wine experts, followed by dinner in the family’s dining room. End your evening with Portuguese music performed by a local group.
DAY9, PINHÃO~REGÚA~BITETOS VISIT MATEUS PALACE AND GARDENS. EXCURSION IN VILLA REAL (B, L, D)
This morning you’ll visit the Mateus Palace and Gardens. See the palace’s beautiful furniture from the 16-18th centuries and discover the story of the Mateus Rose Wine. Ensure you take time to explore the beautiful gardens with its lovely topiary work and impressive cedar tunnel. Tonight you will enjoy dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery, a 14th century Benedictine monastery situated high above the river.
DAY 10, BITETOS~PORTO PORTO CITY TOUR (B, L, D)
Your morning excursion starts with a panoramic tour of Porto, tracing its origins back to pre-Roman times. See landmarks such as Torredos Clerigos,Crystal Palace,DomLuis Bridge, and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. After lunch, visit a port wine cellar for wine tasting. Then, travel to the city centre where you can enjoy some free time.
DAY 11, PORTO~ARLES, FRANCE (B, D)
During the morning you will be met and transferred to the airport in Porto for your short flight to Marseilles. On arrival in Marseilles you will be met by your French team and transferred to Arles and the luxurious MS Swiss Pearl. You’ll enjoy time to relax before your dinner.
DAY 12, ARLES~AVIGNON SAINT-RÉMY & LES BAUX EXCURSION (B, L, D)
First, you’ll visit the hill top village and fortress of Les Baux de Provence. A Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion, it was destroyed by Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu in 1633. It offers some fascinating examples of medieval siege weaponry. Next, visit the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, famous as the birthplace of Nostradamus as well as the location of the mental hospital where Van Gogh spent some of his later years
and painted one of his best known works, “The Starry Night”. Arles is known for its Roman ruins as well as for it association with Van Gogh. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre,a smaller version of the Colosseum in Rome and the remains of the baths of Constantine. See the Church of Saint Trophime, famous for its Romanesque architecture, and its representation of the Last Judgement. Stroll through the same squares and cafes that inspired many of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings.
DAY 13, AVIGNON~ROQUEMAURE, VIVIERS AVIGNON WALKING TOUR (B, L, D)
Home to the papacy from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was an important centre of the Catholic Church. Seven popes resided in the magnificent Gothic Papal Palace, which you will visit during your tour. You will also see the well preserved medieval walls. And as your ship docks, look for the Avignon Bridge, made famous by the French children’s song “Sur le
pont d’Avignon” (On the bridge of Avignon). After lunch back on board, visit Chateauneuf du Pape (The New Castle of the Pope). This is a wine region heavily influenced by papal history,and this region was once ruled by the Avignon Popes. Your tour includes the ruins of the castle itself as well as a tasting of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines themselves.
DAY 14, VIVIERS~TOURNON GRIGNAN EXCURSION (B, L, D)
Grignan is a magnificent town, perched upon a hill surrounded by fields of lavender, topped by its Renaissance castle which affords you a com - manding view of the surrounding countryside. Grignan is also famous as the home of Madame de Sévigné’s daughter and the correspondence between mother and daughter that lasted for over 30 years.
DAY 15, TOURNON~VIENNE EXCURSION TO BOUCIEU-LE-ROI (B, L, D)
This morning experience the pastoral life of the quaint medieval village of Boucieu-le-Roi. Taste the local wines, cheeses and pastries and meet local craftsmen while enjoying the music of performers. Afterwards, you can explore the 15th century houses and buildings on your own. The after noon is free as you cruise the Rhone to Vienne.
DAY 16, VIENNE~TREVOUX VIENNE WALKING TOUR (B, L, D)
Stroll through the pedestrian streets of Vienne. Once a Roman colony, you will see the amazingly well preserved August and Livia Temple, as well as the remains of the Roman theatre. Medieval Vienne was a religious centre, incorporating many architectural styles from Gothic to Roman-esque and is famous for its churches and civic buildings
DAY 17, TREVOUX~LYON BEAUJOLAIS EXCURSION AND WINE TASTING (B, L, D)
This morning’s tour will take you through the chateaux, fields and vineyards of the Beaujolais wine region. Visit the medieval, hilltop village of Oingt. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the winery and home of Pascal. Sample some of his wines as he gives you a tour and explains the history of his vintages and of wine production in this area. You return to Swiss Pearl in time for lunch and the afternoon cruise through to Lyon.
DAY 18, LYON~PARIS LYON CITY TOUR AND LYON TO PARIS TGV TRANSFER (B)
After disembarking the MS Swiss Pearl, enjoy a panoramic tour of Lyon. Known as the “Silk Capital of the World,” the city of Lyon, nestled between the Saône and Rhône rivers, is one of France’s most important cities. Your panoramic tour will take you to the “Place Bellecour” with the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the “Place des Terreaux,” with Bartholdi’s Fountain, and the Town Hall. Afterwards, visit Fourvière Hill, “the Hill of Prayers”, with its majestic view of the city and explore the ruins of the Roman theatre. Then you will be taken to the train station to board the TGV, the high speed train that will whisk you through the French countryside, to Paris, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
DAY 19, PARIS PARIS CITY TOUR (B)
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour. Start with a panoramic tour where you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, and Eiffel Tower. Your tour concludes with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free to continue exploring the “City of Lights” (optional Parisian cabaret at an extra cost).
DAY 20, PARIS OPTIONAL SEINE CRUISE & EIFFEL TOWER (B)
Today is free in Paris for you to explore, relax and shop. We offer two optional tours; a cruise along the Seine and an ascent of the Eiffel Tower or a visit to Bohemian Montmartre and the Paris Illuminations (these tours are at an additional cost).
DAY 21, PARIS (B)
Your fascinating trip comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Paris.
(B, L, D) indicates meals included: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
The 7 night Porto Round trip itinerary is onboard Amadouro
The 7 night Arles to Lyons itinerary is onboard Swiss Pearl
