Pre Conference Douro Cruise

*** WE NOW ONLY HAVE 3 CABINS AVAILABLE ON THE DOURO RIVER CRUISE. WE NEED TO RELEASE THESE CABINS BACK TO THE CRUISE COMPANY BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS THIS THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, LET US KNOW ASAP SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT AS WE CAN'T REQUEST THE CABINS BACK ONCE THEY'VE BEEN RELEASED *** 

                                                                                              ITINERARY

                                                                                        29 APRIL - 07 MAY

                                                                                B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

APRIL

TUESDAY       29           PORTO

Arrive into Lisbon & make your way to our pre-cruise hotel for the night.

WEDNESDAY  30           LISBON - PORTO         

This morning the group departs Lisbon by coach & travels north to Porto. There'll be a group lunch on arrival & this afternoon you board the Avalon Waterways Alegria ship for Douro River cruising. This evening, an illumination sailing will show you Porto from a different prospective. Enjoy dinner & explore the ship on your first night onboard.  Overnight docking in Porto   (B/L/D)

MAY

THURSDAY    01           PORTO - PORTO ANTIGO

Step back in time within the walls of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque with a fascinating introduction to its symbolism & architecture. Enjoy an excursion with an exclusive visit to one of the most iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era with entrance to a XIII century church & be
enchanted by sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir OR Enter a world of Celtic history & the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle & San Miguel church in Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Celebrate your experience with a stop at one of the area's many wine farms & enjoy a tasting.  Overnight docking in Porto Antigo   (B/L/D)

FRIDAY        02            PORTO ANTIGO - PINHAO

Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including olive oil & wine tasting OR take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Regua with its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles & the stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego & sparkling wine in a local pastry shop. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhao to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terracotta creations & culinary delights OR consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley's "liquid gold" at a traditional olive-oil mill. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Casa de Mateus. Overnight docking in Pinhao   (B/L/D)

SATURDAY   03            PINHAO - BARCA A'ALVA

Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region. Discover Vila Nova de Foz Coa at the eastern terminal of the legendary Douro Railway line & marvel at the amazing archaeological site along the River Coa where a wealth of remarkable prehistoric rock paintings & carvings were discovered as the most significant collection of Palaeolithic figurations known today OR Join a guided tour of Freixo de Numao, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains filled with vast vineyards & granite houses. This little suburb is filled with Roman, Medieval & modern ruins. Overnight docking in Barca d'Alva   (B/L/D)

SUNDAY      04            BARCA D’ALVA - FERRADOSA

Join a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country - Freixo de Espada - a Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey OR get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets & squares, a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque & "Plateresque" architecture. Dive into a delicious dish of the traditional Spanish delicacy, toston asado (traditional roast suckling pig). Overnight docking in Ferradosa   (B/L/D)

MONDAY     05            FERRADOSA - LEVERINHO

During the morning sailing, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile) to take home a piece of Portugal's tradition. You may alternatively join an onboard pastry demonstration. In the afternoon join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante - poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marao mountain & the Tamega River, which courses through the heart of the city & an assortment of houses lining the riverbanks. Later, feel the passion of Portugal's soulful & stirring Fado music during a visit of local musicians on board. Overnight docking in Leverinho   (B/L/D) 

TUESDAY    06            PORTO

Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos & up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto, from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art OR Enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River & the coastal magnificence of Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia on a bicycle & accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide OR you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork & barrel production. Perhaps simply spend time strolling through Porto's cobblestone lanes, lovely shops & tempting tapas bars this afternoon before experiencing the energy of Porto's buzzing nightlife. Overnight docking in Porto   (B/L/D)

WEDNESDAY 07         PORTO - LISBON

Your cruise ends this morning with breakfast. Once you disembark the ship, board your coach for Lisbon to join the other delegates arriving for the conference   (B)

If you'd like to join the cruise, complete the Contact Us form below & once the information is ready for release, we'll send details to you