July
Tues 03 Auckland – London
Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand
Wed 04 London
Arrive London Heathrow and transfer to Airport hotel for overnight stay
Thurs 05 London – Gibraltar B D
Depart London Heathrow to arrive in Gibraltar at midday. Transfer to central hotel for two night stay. Afternoon free. Welcome dinner
Fri 06 Gibraltar B
A sightseeing tour of ‘The Rock’ – the former Military fortification and Gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, highlights the natural reserve area as well as the tunnel system and views across the strait to Africa
Sat 07 Gibraltar – Seville (Spain) B L D
Morning departure by coach to Seville, the artistic, historical, cultural and financial capital of 'Andalucia' and home of Flamenco and bullfighting. After lunch a city tour along winding medieval streets and picturesque squares
Sun 08 Seville (Spain) - Faro (Portugal) B D
Today's journey from Spain takes us through orange groves and whitewashed villages to the resort area of the historic Algarve
Mon 09 Faro B
The fishing port and sailing centre of Lagos is the first stop on our sightseeing day. The afternoon excursion to Ponta Da Piedale gives us panoramic views of the coastline. We continue to Sagres and later walk to the lighthouse at Cape Vincent.
Tues 10 Faro – Lisbon B D
After breakfast depart by coach to Lisbon where we will have a panoramic city tour of the Portuguese capital
Wed 11 Lisbon B D
A morning city tour highlights Lisbon’s historic past and the city centre. See the famous Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery built in the 16th century. (Both UNESCO World Heritage sites). Continue to the city centre and the oldest part of the city surrounding St. George’s Castle. The Alfama district with its narrow streets is still a thriving and active part of the city. Afternoon free to continue exploring. This evening we have a dinner show at a Fado House
Thurs 12 Lisbon B
This morning we visit Sintra and the Palasco National da Pena. Return to Lisbon. Afternoon free.
Fri 13 Lisbon – Coimbra B D
Depart Lisbon to the medieval hilltop town of Obidos with its fortified walls, imposing castle, narrow cobble stoned streets and terra cotta roofs. A tour highlight. Later visit Nazare - a typical fishing village. Continue to Coimbra, but first visit Fatima, made famous by the virgins apparition to the three shepherd children
The M/S Duoro Cruiser is one of the most deluxe ships currently sailing on the Duoro River. All cabins offer television air conditioning and a sitting area; the Sun Deck has a bar, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, an elevator operates between decks and the crew are all English speaking
Sat 14 Coimbra - Porto (Embarkation) B D
Before departing this charming town, we visit the main university buildings. In the afternoon we join our ship. Welcome drink and dinner
Sun 15 Porto - Bitetos B L D
After breakfast an included sightseeing tour of Porto.
Spreading along the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s history and development is closely linked to this river. The tour ends with a visit to one of the Port Wine Lodges located in Vila Nova de Gaia, where the group will have an opportunity to see the old casks full of Port and have a sample of this delicious, world famous Portuguese wine.
Cross the city’s iconic XIX century iron bridge and along the coastal road of the Atlantic to the mouth of the Douro River. The ship sets sail for Bitetos where a special dinner is planned for the evening at the Alpendurada Monastery.
Mon 16 Regua – Pinhao B L D
Morning arrival in Regua followed by an escorted excursion to Lamego, an old town, small, picturesque and rich in history with narrow winding streets.
In the evening, enjoy an on-board folk music show
Tues 17 Barca D’Alva B L D
This morning visit Quinta do Seixo, centre of the port wine industry with time for sampling before lunch.
In the afternoon the ship sails onward to Barca d’Alva.
This evening the gala Captain’s Dinner is followed by dancing in the lounge
Wed 18 Salamanca B L D
A full day excursion is scheduled into Spain to the city of Salamanca.
Situated in the centre of the ‘Castilla e León’ Salamanca was known as the ‘Capital of the Culture’ and has been a World Heritage City since 1988. Lunch and a flamenco show included. On board dinner will be a special Portuguese barbecue.
The guided city tour takes you to visit the university, the House of shells, and the beautiful “Plaza Mayor”, formally a site of bullfighting and now a popular gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Visit the Gothic ‘New Cathedral’ - a name which serves as a testimony to the city’s age and rich history.
During your free time, you may opt to also visit the Old Cathedral to take in its classic Romanic architecture. Activities while in Salamanca also include lunch and a flamenco show.
Back on the ship, in the evening dinner will be a special Portuguese barbecue.
Thurs 19 Pinhao B L D
This morning’s excursion is to Figueria de Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval city 2200 feet above sea level. The tour includes visits to the town hall and castle area itself. In the afternoon sail on to Pinhao with its typically medieval, very narrow and steep streets.
A special dinner this evening is planned at a local wine estate.
Fri 20 Regua – Porto B L D
This morning travel to Vila Real and the nearby Gardens and Palace of Mateus. A visit to Vila Real offers a great opportunity to venture away from the Douro River and deeper into Portugal’s Trás-os-Montes.
Enjoy free time in the beautiful gardens before returning to the ship. The ship sails on to Porto where it will dock at Vila Nova de Gaia
Sat 21 Porto – Disembarkation B
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to a city hotel for one night stay with time for some 'retail therapy' in Portugal's second largest city
Sun 22 Porto – Madrid B
Transfer to Porto Airport for a morning flight to Madrid. On arrival transfer to a central hotel followed by a city sightseeing tour of all the major sights of Spain’s capital
Mon 23 Madrid B
After breakfast depart on a full day sightseeing tour including Toledo ( A UNESCO heritage of Mankind town) one of the oldest towns in Europe which reflects Spain’s history.
Tues 24 Madrid – Barcelona (Stiges) B
A half day tour of El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen - two of Spain's important locations. Later board the overnight fast train to Barcelona. On arrival transfer to our hotel at Stiges - a coastal resort on the outskirts of Barcelona for a three night stay
Wed 25 Sightseeing B
Half day city sightseeing in Barcelona – see the Christopher Columbus Monument, Gaudi’s famous building, the Olympic Ring and more. An afternoon to enjoy the Ramblas Pedestrian area before returning to our hotel
Thurs 26 Stiges B L
Today visit the spectacular monastery on top of Mt Monserrat and later enjoy a winery and taste Spain’s equally-famous sparkling wine.
Fri 27 Stiges B D
Free day to explore the historic, pedestrian-friendly town of Stiges - an excellent place for last-minute shopping and tapas tasting. Farewell Dinner includes Flamenco dancing
Sat 28 Barcelona – London B
Transfer to airport mid morning for flight to London and later to an evening flight to New Zealand
Sun 29 Cross International Dateline
Mon 30 Arrive Auckland
• Economy class airfares Auckland – London // London - Gibraltar // Porto – Madrid // Barcelona – London // London – Auckland
• Air conditioned coach Gibraltar – Lisbon
• Douro River (Portugal) cruise on board MS Douro Cruiser
• Deluxe accommodation in outside-facing staterooms
• Quality meals while on board
• High-speed train Madrid - Barcelona
• All transfers and transport as per itinerary
• Meals as specified in itinerary
• Sightseeing, entrance fees as specified
• English speaking local guides
• Pukekohe Travel escort - subject to 15 persons travelling