Lisbon and the Beautiful 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 three nights. Day 2 Lisbon Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital, which is undergoing a remarkable rebirth of late. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally-made pastry with an intriguing tale all its own. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the hotel for your free afternoon. Day 3 Lisbon Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying the cosmopolitan city often referred to as the ‘City of Seven Hills’. Day 4 Lisbon - Coimbra - Porto Travel through the beautiful countryside to Porto, stopping en route to explore Coimbra, the birthplace of six Portuguese kings. The city is also home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a splendid 18th century library - the Joanina Library. From here, head to a local restaurant for a traditional Portuguese lunch, and continue on to Porto to embark Queen Isabel (5T), the most luxurious vessel on the Douro. Day 5 Porto - Cruising the River Douro - Entre-os-Rios There’s much more to Portugal’s second city than its eponymous fortified wine - historic architecture, cutting-edge design, fabulous food and a laid-back vibe. Join a panoramic tour including the 19th century Stock Exchange Palace, the hilltop cathedral and Santa Catarina. Or take a walking tour and climb 249 steps to the top of Clérigos Tower for the best view in Porto; visit Livraria Lello, São Bento railway station and the Church of Saint Francis, the city’s finest example of Gothic architecture. Later, we cruise up the Douro towards Entre-os-Rios. Day 6 Cruising the River Douro - Régua - Pinhão Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Learn the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum, then treat yourself to a tasting and a hearty, rustic-style lunch at a family-owned wine estate. Day 7 Pinhão - cruising the River Douro - Vega de Terrón Our ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic, UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley. On a tasting at a prestigious port wine estate, tour the state-of-the-art facility and sample some exceptional Ports in a tasting room with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Or join an invigorating hike through lush vineyards. Later, relax over a glass of wine at a local quinta. Day 8 Vega de Terrón (Salamanca) - Barca d’Alva Visit the historic university town of Salamanca - the ‘Golden City’ - famous for its sand-coloured buildings and abundance of churches, or see the region’s spectacular natural beauty, with a small boat cruise in a national park. Rejoin the ship in Barca d’Alva. Day 9 Barca d’Alva (Castelo Rodrigo) - Pocinho - Cruising the River Douro - Régua Enjoy breathtaking scenery this morning as your ship cruises the UNESCO-listed upper Douro River Valley. Visit the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo and its hilltop castle ruins with incredible views, and sample delicious local treats such as honey, almonds, olive oil, cheeses and wine. Or, opt to visit Portugal’s first archaeological park, Foz Côa, where Palaeolithic art was etched into the schist walls thousands of years ago. Please note: Exploring these sites will require considerable physical fitness. Day 10 Cruising the River Douro - Porto (Guimarães) Choose to visit Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born, with well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents. Or opt to explore one of Porto’s oldest areas, picturesque Ribeira, considered the soul of the city. In the evening, a special gala dinner will be prepared for you. Day 11 Porto - UK Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.