Jewels of Spain, Portugal and the Douro River

Day 1 UK - Lisbon Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Lisbon. Meet your Uniworld Representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel for the next two nights. Day 2 Lisbon Get to know the Portuguese capital with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to a unique pastry with an intriguing (and delicious) history. Dynamic, colourful and picturesque, Lisbon will continually surprise you. Day 3 Lisbon - Óbidos - Porto Travel through the beautiful countryside to Porto, stopping en route in Óbidos, a hill town that has entranced visitors since the 13th century. It’s so charming that the kings of Portugal traditionally gave it to their queens as a wedding present. Continue to Porto to embark Queen Isabel (5T). Day 4 Porto A panoramic tour of dynamic Porto will show you the city’s top sites. Or, a walking tour features the beautiful tile-adorned train station and what could very well be the world’s most beautiful bookstore. Day 5 Porto (Guimarães) Guimarães is the town where Portugal was born and its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. Or opt to explore one of Porto’s oldest areas, picturesque Ribeira, considered the soul of the city. Day 6 Entre-os-Rios (Amarante) The family-owned Quinta Aveleda looks like something out of a fairytale, with its lush flower gardens and shady terraces - the perfect place to relax over a glass of vindo verde, the preferred drink of the region. Or visit an ancient town known for an iconic pastry and a shrine dedicated to the patron saint of marriage, Amarante. You’ll also visit to the Douro Museum. Day 7 Régua (Lamego) - Pinhão Stroll through the pilgrimage town of Lamego to the monumental baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and then enjoy a wine tasting at a lovely local quinta. Spend your afternoon on board taking in the Douro Valley's spectacular scenery. Day 8 Pinhão - Pocinho Start the morning off by venturing overland to Amarante, an ancient town on the banks of the Tâmega River, or visit a lovely quinta. Whichever excursion you opt for, you’ll spend the afternoon cruising along a stretch of the Douro that is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Day 9 Pinhão - Barca d’Alva (Castelo Rodrigo) Take a guided tour of the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a site that dates back to the 12th century. Or visit the International Douro Natural Park for a scenic cruise. In the evening, a special gala dinner will be prepared for you. Day 10 Vega de Terrón (Salamanca) - Madrid Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border, from where you’ll travel to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as ‘The Golden City’ for the distinctive patina of its centuries-old sandstone buildings. Later in the day, you’ll transfer to Madrid by coach and your hotel for three nights. Day 11 Madrid Madrid may very well be Europe’s liveliest capital city, a place where people eat late and stay up even later. Get your bearings with a panoramic overview or a more intimate walking tour, both of which include a visit to the extraordinary Prado Museum. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a colourful, passionate show at the city’s finest flamenco venue. Day 12 Madrid (Toledo) Known as the ‘City of Three Cultures’, Toledo has been heavily influenced by Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all of which have peacefully co-existed here for centuries. You’ll have an opportunity today to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its wonderfully diverse cultural heritage. Day 13 Madrid - UK Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.