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Portugal

plus an Eight-Day Douro River Cruise

Portugal has a saying “Tudo bem” (all good) - this special sojourn into a country that oozes colour, romance, history, beautiful scenery, UNESCO Heritage sites, cobbled streets, markets and its renowned port vintages - is just that. What better way to become totally absorbed in this captivating atmosphere than a coach trip ranging from the Algarve in the south to finish in the north with an eight day cruise along the beautiful Douro River in comfortable accommodation plus a touch of Spain. 

– a unique opportunity for 2024

Your travel itinerary

Saturday 15 June

Auckland – Dubai – Lisbon

 Depart Auckland on Emirates, change planes at Dubai.

Sunday 16 June

Lisbon - Evora

Dinner iconDinner

Arrive Lisbon at midday and transfer to Evora in the Alentejo region. This region is famous for its wines, cork and plains landscape. Welcome dinner. 

Monday 17 June

Evora – Lagos

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

This morning we visit a local cork factory and get to know a little more about this industry which the Portuguese are the largest producer in the world. Continue onto a local wine producer for a tasting and lunch. On return to Evora we visit the church of St. Francis with its chapel of bones, the Roman Gothic Cathedral and the ruins of the Roman temple called Diana Temple. This afternoon we depart for the Portuguese beach resort of Lagos in the Algarve region. 

The port of Lagos was the actual point of departure for numerous expeditions of exploration and colonisation along the African coast and Atlantic islands. Vasco de Gama, Bartholomew Dias along with Henry the Navigator are all associated with this corner of Portugal and its seafaring history.

Tuesday 18 June

Lagos

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

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 St Vincent. 

 

Wednesday 19 June

Lagos – Lisbon

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

After breakfast depart by coach to Lisbon where we will enjoy a city tour of the Portuguese capital.

Thursday 20 June

Lisbon

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

This morning’s sightseeing tour highlights Lisbon’s historic past. See the famous Belem Tower and Jeronimo’s 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 is still a thriving and active part of the city. Afternoon free to continue exploring.

Friday 21 June

Lisbon – Sintra - Lisbon

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

This morning we visit Sintra the most popular day trip from Lisbon. The hilltop town of Sintra has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its  historic and cultural attractions. For hundreds of years nearby Cascais was just a small quaint fishing village until the Portuguese King Luis II decided to turn the citadel into his summer residence. Since that time the town has been a beacon for holiday seekers, jet setters, the exiled royal families of Europe and ordinary foreign tourists. Tonight we enjoy a special Fado Dinner.

Saturday 22 June

Lisbon – Fatima - Coimbra

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

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.

 

Sunday 23 June

Coimbra – Porto

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

Before departing this charming town, we visit the main university buildings.  Established in 1290, it is among the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world. On the way to Oporto there is a visit to an Underground Museum that brings together art and wine. Late afternoon continue to Porto and join our ship for a welcome drink before dinner followed by a night tour of the city.

 The M/S Gil Eanes named after a famous Portuguese navigator was built in 2015, is a Premium three deck ship designed for sailing on the Douro River. All cabins offer television air conditioning and Wi-Fi; the Sun Deck has a bar and swimming pool and the crew are English speaking

Monday 24 June

Porto – Regua

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

After breakfast an included sightseeing tour of Porto. The tour ends with a visit to one of the Port Wine Lodges located in Vila Nova de Gaia, where the opportunity to see the old casks full of Port and have a sample of his delicious, world famous Portuguese wine. The ship sets sail for Regua. 

Tuesday 25 June

Regua -Vega De Terron

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

Today offers a great opportunity to venture away from the Douro River and deeper into Portugal’s Trás-os-Montes to Vila Réal, a town with a great variety of religious buildings and architecture. It includes the nearby Gardens and Palace of Mateus before the afternoon sailing. Enjoy Flamenco entertainment this evening onboard. 

 

Wednesday 26 June

Barca D’Alva - (Salamanca Spain)

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

A full day excursion 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. We’ll visit its unusual cathedral and its famous university dating back to 1218, making it one of the oldest in the world. Return to the ship for an evening of entertainment.

 

Thursday 27 June

Barca D’Alva – Ferradosa – Pinhao

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

This morning will be spent cruising along the Porto Wine Route with its vineyards famously arranged in rows as well as small typical villages, followed by a wine-tasting session in a true Portuguese Quinta. Tonight a gala dinner and evening. 

 

Friday 28 June

Pinhao-Porto

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

Todays guided tour is to the inland delightful town of Lamego. The town is famed for its magnificent baroque stairway, sparkling wines and where the finest King of Portugal was crowned. The afternoon will be spent sailing towards Porto and an evening of Fado entertainment.

Saturday 29 June

Porto

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

The morning is free to wander the city. This afternoon a visit to Guimaraes which is fondly known as the birthplace of Portugal. Known for its well-preserved medieval buildings of narrow streets with no cars. A final evening of traditional folk music. 

Sunday 30 June

Porto – (disembarkation) - Lisbon - Dubai

Breakfast iconBreakfast

After breakfast, disembark M/S Gil Eanes before a coach drive to the canal city of Aveiro for a leisurely lunch stop.  Late afternoon arrival  at Lisbon airport and check-in for your return flight home.

Please ask us if you wish to extend your stay in Europe.

Monday 01 July

Dubai-Auckland

Change planes

 

Tuesday 02 July

Arrive Auckland

Inclusions

· Emirates economy class airfares Auckland – Lisbon – Auckland 

• Alentejo Vineyard Tour and tasting

• Boat Tour in Lagos (weather permitting )

• Belem Pastry Tasting

• Earphones during the coach tour

• A glass of wine with evening meals during the coach tour

• A special Fado Dinner

· 8 day / 7 nights Douro River cruise on board MS GIL EANES

· Accommodation in an outside-facing stateroom of your choice

· Quality meals & entertainment while on board

·  Seven included shore excursions onboard M/S Gil Eanes 

•Local wine, beer, fruit juice served with lunch and dinner with meals onboard M/S Eanes 

•Open bar onboard M/S Gil Eanes (excludes champagne & premium drinks)

· All transfers and transport as per itinerary

· Air conditioned– coach travel 

· Fifteen nights’ accommodation

· Meals as specified in itinerary

· All sightseeing, entrance fees as specified

· English speaking local guides 

· Pukekohe Travel escort subject to 20 passengers travelling

Cost

Cost Per Person *
Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle 
 Main Deck (sold out)  $12,837

$15,645

 Middle Deck  - sold out

$13,200

 $15,997
 Upper Deck - SOLD OUT

$13,447

  $16,045
Business Class Upgrade

$8,051

Premium Economy Class Upgrade T.B.C
Early Booking Discount ( 30 August 2023 ) $100
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

· Airline fuel surcharges and airport /   Government taxes  (approx $200)

· Expenses of a personal nature

· Gratuities for Drivers and Guides 

· Meals not specified

·Travel Insurance 

Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $1,250 per person will secure a place on the tour

• Full payment is due no later than 08 March 2024

Cancellations

• From the date of booking to 08 March 2024 – loss of deposit

• After 08 March 2024 – no refund

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.

General Information

Currency / Money

• Euro

Climate / Temperatures

Lagos                           29˚c         18˚c

Lisbon                        27˚c         18˚c

Porto                          23˚c       14˚c

Coastal areas are subject to refreshing sea breezes

Health and Fitness

Walking tours are an important part of the itinerary and a good standard of health is required with the ability to walk on uneven surfaces and negotiate stairs

Ship Information

ABOUT YOUR SHIP: M/S Gil Eanes 

Built in 2015, there are 66 cabins over three passenger decks. All cabins have twin or double beds, air conditioning, satellite TV, radio, hairdryer, safety box, shower, wc and large picture window. Public areas include a large partially covered sundeck, lounge bar with dance floor, gift shop, lift, swimming pool and single seating restaurant.

Terms and Conditions

• For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy

• If this tour is cancelled/postponed due to Covid-19 Government travel restrictions Pukekohe Travel reserves the right, in addition to any supplier imposed amendment and cancellation fees, to charge a service and administrative fee of $500 per person.

• Pukekohe Travel accepts no liability for any additional costs incurred.

• You cannot begin or continue to travel if you have received a positive Covid-19 test in the last 7 days


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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