Portugal

Saturday 15 June

 Depart Auckland on Emirates, change planes at Dubai.

Sunday 16 June

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

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

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

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

Thursday 20 June

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Change planes

Tuesday 02 July