Compare Lisbon and the Beautiful Douro River by Titan Travel vs Best of Spain & Portugal - End Madrid, Classic Group, Summer by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 11 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 4,081 | $ 5,095 |
| Price Per Day | $ 371 | $ 318 |
| Highlights |
N/A
|
|
| Trip Style | River cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A |
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Before embarking on your cruise, enjoy Lisbon, a colourful entreé to what lies ahead as you sail the river valley with steeped-terraced vineyards and picture-postcard landscapes. Stop in Coimbra, ‘Birthplace of Kings’ and Porto, the ‘City of Bridges’. Taste new wines from old village vineyards - Régua and Pinhão. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage cities of historic Guimarães and Salamanca and uncover a land of unspoiled beauty and charm along the way. | See the masterpieces of Spain and Portugal on this 15-day guided tour. In Madrid, an art historian will walk you through the Prado Museum, where Spain's most impressive paintings hang. Navigate Segovia’s medieval streets alongside a Local Expert. Journeying to Granada, visit the region’s oldest olive grove, before dining in the home of a local family, sampling local produce and wine. At the Alhambra, explore the palace's lace-like stone walls and wander its manicured gardens. In Seville, stomp to the sounds of an acoustic guitar during a private flamenco dance lesson. In Porto, sip port during a wine tasting, and in Lisbon, see an architectural masterpiece — the Gothic-style Jerónimos Monastery. |
Day 1 UK - Lisbon
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Lisbon. Meet your Uniworld representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel for the next three nights.
Day 2 Lisbon
Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital, which is undergoing a remarkable rebirth of late. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally-made pastry with an intriguing tale all its own. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the hotel for your free afternoon.
Day 3 Lisbon
Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the cosmopolitan city often referred to as the ‘City of Seven Hills’.
Day 4 Lisbon - Coimbra - Porto
Travel through the beautiful countryside to Porto, stopping en route to explore Coimbra, the birthplace of six Portuguese kings. The city is also home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a splendid 18th century library - the Joanina Library. From here, head to a local restaurant for a traditional Portuguese lunch, and continue on to Porto to embark Queen Isabel (5T), the most luxurious vessel on the Douro.
Day 5 Porto - Cruising the River Douro - Entre-os-Rios
There’s much more to Portugal’s second city than its eponymous fortified wine - historic architecture, cutting-edge design, fabulous food and a laid-back vibe. Join a panoramic tour including the 19th century Stock Exchange Palace, the hilltop cathedral and Santa Catarina. Or take a walking tour and climb 249 steps to the top of Clérigos Tower for the best view in Porto; visit Livraria Lello, São Bento railway station and the Church of Saint Francis, the city’s finest example of Gothic architecture. Later, we cruise up the Douro towards Entre-os-Rios.
Day 6 Cruising the River Douro - Régua - Pinhão
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Learn the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum, then treat yourself to a tasting and a hearty, rustic-style lunch at a family-owned wine estate.
Day 7 Pinhão - cruising the River Douro - Vega de Terrón
Our ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic, UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley. On a tasting at a prestigious port wine estate, tour the state-of-the-art facility and sample some exceptional Ports in a tasting room with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Or join an invigorating hike through lush vineyards. Later, relax over a glass of wine at a local quinta.
Day 8 Vega de Terrón (Salamanca) - Barca d’Alva
Visit the historic university town of Salamanca - the ‘Golden City’ - famous for its sand-coloured buildings and abundance of churches, or see the region’s spectacular natural beauty, with a small boat cruise in a national park. Rejoin the ship in Barca d’Alva.
Day 9 Barca d’Alva (Castelo Rodrigo) - Pocinho - Cruising the River Douro - Régua
Enjoy breathtaking scenery this morning as your ship cruises the UNESCO-listed upper Douro River Valley. Visit the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo and its hilltop castle ruins with incredible views, and sample delicious local treats such as honey, almonds, olive oil, cheeses and wine. Or, opt to visit Portugal’s first archaeological park, Foz Côa, where Palaeolithic art was etched into the schist walls thousands of years ago. Please note: Exploring these sites will require considerable physical fitness.
Day 10 Cruising the River Douro - Porto (Guimarães)
Choose to visit Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born, with well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents. Or opt to explore one of Porto’s oldest areas, picturesque Ribeira, considered the soul of the city. In the evening, a special gala dinner will be prepared for you.
Day 11 Porto - UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
Your transfer will depart Madrid airport at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00.Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over an evening of delicious food and wine.
Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Madrid of the Bourbons
Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital’s most historic neighbourhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more.
Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.
Breakfast
Day 3: Segovia and Golden Salamanca
Travel to the fortified city of Segovia. Walk through the medieval streets with a Local Expert and see the magnificent Alcazar fortress, before continuing onto the historic aqueduct. Journey west, overlooking the ancient walls of Ávila, en route to Salamanca. During your guided sightseeing tour, admire the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured cathedral and the 16th century university buildings.
Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
Breakfast
Day 4: Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Situated on the River Douro, the city is celebrated internationally as the capital of Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores and walk along corridors of casks. Get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. Continue your exploration of the city, admiring the multi-coloured houses, churches adorned with glazed tiles and iconic bridges.
NH Collection Porto Batalha., Infante Sagres, Porto.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Holy Fátima, Ancient Obidos and Lisbon
Head south for a visit to miraculous Fátima. See the Basilica or visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Journey to the fortified town of Obidos and walk inside its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon., Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.
Breakfast
Day 6: Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries Relaxed Start
Sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. Visit the Belém Quarter, from where sailing ships once set forth to discover faraway lands. Enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years. View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jerónimos Church with its beautiful Manueline architecture. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera? It is often visited by surfers, royalty and on occasion James Bond.
Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon., Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.
Breakfast
Day 7: Seville, the City of Carmen
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.This evening, why not join an optional experience with dinner and a horse and carriage ride?
Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Seville.
Breakfast
Day 8: Free Time and Flamenco in Seville Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start and a morning to unwind, shop or continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy some free time to shop or explore as you wish. Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson. With some free time for dinner, wander the restaurants in Triana or try the local night market Lonja Del Barranco selling tapas made from fresh, local produce. Why not grab yourself a refreshing sangria for a cheers to your new found dancing feet? Later, share in the dancers’ devotion as you witness emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.
Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Seville.
Breakfast
Day 9: Head for Gibraltar, Mijas and the Costa del Sol
Head south to Gibraltar, part of mainland Spain yet an overseas territory under British control since 1704. With your Local Expert, visit the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave. See the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high end resorts where the rich and famous holiday. Your journey continues through the green hills to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens, taking in the views of the coast.
Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: At Leisure on the Costa del Sol Relaxed Start
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savour the specialities in the local restaurants or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Breakfast
Day 11: Dining with Locals and the Alhambra Relaxed Start
Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village, with a population of less than 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town centre to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory to taste a selection of different oils, paired with locally made farmer bread. In small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight Lunch made of fresh, local produce with flavours typical of the region. Continue to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace with your Local Expert. Built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century, it is a wonder of beautiful gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace.
Vincci Albayzín, Granada.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 12: On to Valencia
Journey to Valencia. Pass through the Old City to see its ancient gates, and the City of Arts and Sciences.In your free time perhaps take a stroll to the Cathedral and El Miguelete? Alternatively sit back with a drink and watch the Valencians go about their day.Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration. Later, indulge in the delicious flavours of this classic dish with a glass of sangria at your Highlight Dinner.
Barceló Valencia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Along the Coast to Peñíscola and on to Barcelona
Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continue along the Costa Dorada to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. During a delicious light lunch, enjoy a tasting as you learn the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly. Continue along the coast to reach Barcelona.
Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 14: Barcelona Sightseeing Relaxed Start
A Local Expert joins you for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. See the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. At a local restaurant, join your fellow travellers to toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, enjoying a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15: Depart Madrid
Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona airport at 07:00, 09:00 or 11:00. The 09:00 transfer continues on to Madrid Airport and hotel, arriving in the early evening.
Breakfast
