Portugal

Tuesday 29 June

Depart Auckland on Emirates, change planes in Dubai.

Wednesday 30 June

Arrive midday in Lisbon and transfer to your inner-city hotel. Welcome dinner tonight.

Thursday 01 July

After breakfast, travel to Évora in the Alentejo region — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its wines, cork, and sweeping plains landscape, and recently named European Capital of Culture for 2027. En route, stop at Azeitão for a wine tasting at a local vineyard. This afternoon, visit a working cork factory and discover more about this iconic industry, in which Portugal proudly stands as the world’s largest producer.

Friday 02 July

This morning enjoy a cooking class and learn about the flavours of Alentejo which feature olive oil, garlic and onions alongside other aromatics. Free time this afternoon to explore Evora – why not visit the iconic Roman Temple of Évora or the impressive Évora Cathedral and the Bone Chapel. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a performance of ‘Cante Alentejano’.

Saturday 03 July

After a leisurely morning, enjoy a visit to a local winery for a tasting and lunch. This afternoon depart for the Portuguese beach resort of Lagos in the Algarve region.

Sunday 04 July

Today enjoy a boat tour on the coast of Lagos before free time this afternoon and dinner at the hotel.

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.

Monday 05 July

After breakfast depart by coach to Lisbon. This afternoon’s sightseeing tour highlights Lisbon’s historic past. See magnificent monuments like Jerónimos Monastery, built in the 16th century, and the Belem Tower – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Taste the famous ‘Pastel de Belem’ pastry and visit the Royal Palace. Dinner at the hotel tonight.

Tuesday 06 July

Today, explore Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric district, and soak in the sweeping views from the ‘Miradouro’ of Santa Luzia before continuing into the central business district. This afternoon, discover the centuries-old art of Portuguese tile painting and try your hand at creating your very own. Afterwards, stroll through the contemporary Parque das Nações district, the vibrant waterfront precinct that hosted the 1998 World Expo. Tonight, enjoy a special Fado Dinner.

Wednesday 07 July

Journey up to the enchanting hilltop town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable historic and cultural attractions. Sample the famous local pastry, the Queijada, before continuing to Cascais. Once a small, quaint fishing village, Cascais was transformed when King Luís I chose its citadel as his summer residence — and it has never looked back. Ever since, the town has drawn an eclectic mix of holiday-makers, jet-setters, exiled European royalty, and visitors from around the world. Free time to explore at your leisure this afternoon.

Thursday 08 July

Travel to the beautifully preserved hilltop town of Óbidos with its fortified walls, imposing castle, narrow cobble stoned streets and terracotta roofs - a tour highlight! Later visit Nazaré – a typical fishing village. Continue to Coimbra, but first visit Fatima made famous by the Virgin’s apparition to the Three Shepherd Children.

Friday 09 July

Before departing this charming town, visit the University of Coimbra. Established in 1290, the university is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 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 to board your ship MS Amalia Rodrigues, for a welcome drink before dinner followed by a night tour of the city.

Saturday 10 July

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 this delicious, world-famous Portuguese wine. The ship sets sail for Regua. 

Sunday 11 July

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. 

Monday 12 July

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 UNESCO World Heritage City since 1988. Visit its unusual cathedral and its famous university dating back to 1218. Spend time exploring the shops before returning to the ship for an evening of entertainment.

Tuesday 13 July

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. 

Wednesday 14 July

Today’s 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.

Thursday 15 July

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. 

Friday 16 July

After breakfast, disembark MS Amalia Rodrigues 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.

Option to extend your stay in Spain or other destinations in Europe . 

Saturday 17 July

Change planes.

Sunday 18 July

Arrive Auckland