DAY 1:
To the Paris area for an overnight stay.

DAY 2:
South to the Bordeaux area for an overnight stay. B,D

DAY 3:
Into Spain near Biarritz and through the northern plains of ‘green’ Spain, to the Valladolid area for one night. B,D

DAY 4:
Into Portugal and to the coast at Porto to join our cruise ship during the late afternoon. B,D

DAY 5: Porto (included) with Sightseeing Tour (optional)
Free time or join our optional sightseeing tour. Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe, whose historic centre, with its unspoilt old quarter, has been awarded UNESCO world heritage site status. Known for its famous port wine made from local grapes grown along the banks of the Douro, we visit a wine cellar to taste the “precious nectar”. We return to the ship for lunch then cruise on to Peso da Regua, admiring the marvellous views along the Douro Valley. Overnight berthed in Regua.
B,L,D

DAY 6: Vila Real (optional)
Enjoy an optional excursion north to the city of Vila Real, which enjoys a spectacular location between the gorges of the Corgo and Cabril Rivers and is famed for the diversity of its religious architectural styles. Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Solar de Mateus before returning to the ship in Pinhao for lunch. In the afternoon our cruise continues on through the heart of the famous Porto vineyards, passing the locks of Valeria and Pocinho before arriving in Barca d’Alva in the evening. Flamenco evening on board. B,L,D

DAY 7: Salamanca (included)
We travel by coach to Salamanca, which was awarded UNESCO world heritage site status for the outstanding beauty of its Roman, Arabic and Christian architectural treasures. Return to ship in Vega de Teron for dinner and an evening of entertainment. B,L,D

DAY 8: Winetasting (optional)
We cruise towards Ferrandosa. We follow the wine road by coach through the heart of the vineyards before sampling some of the vintages in a traditional “quinta”. We rejoin the ship in Pinhao. Gala evening after dinner. B,L,D

DAY 9: Lamego (included), Lamego Sightseeing (optional)
Visit the ancient Episcopal city of Lamego, with its Baroque architecture and elegant 17th century buildings. Join a sightseeing tour to reveal the delights of the cathedral and the Nossa Senhora Dos Remedios sanctuary. Return to ship in Regua and afternoon cruise back to Porto. Entertainment after dinner. B,L,D

DAY 10:
Disembark after breakfast and travel north into Spain to the Cantabrian Coast and the Santander area for two nights. B,D

DAY 11: Santander and Santillana (included)
Spend the morning in the Cantabrian capital of Santander with its smart shops and elegant boulevards. In the afternoon, to the charming medieval picture postcard village of Santillana Del Mar, with its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. B,D)

DAY 12:
North into France to the Poitiers area for an overnight stay. B,D

DAY 13:
Through the Loire Valley with its meandering river and ancient chateaux to the Paris area for the night. B

DAY 14:
Homeward bound via Calais. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Please Note – A packed lunch will be provided during land excursions where applicable during the cruise. Also, at some ports of call, a degree of walking may be involved to join our coach. Due to limited docking facilities, it may be necessary to dock alongside another ship, via which you can gain access to the shore.