Best of Times Proudly Presents Portugal & Spain 2011 River

11 Days/10 Nights
June 29th-July 9th, 2001

Early Booking Discount!

Up to $250 Off Per Person!

Expires July 1st, 2010!

Take a relaxing journey through the wonderfully scenic Douro River Valley. It is one of Europe’s most pure and unspoiled rivers decorated with deep cleft gorges, lush vineyards, and sleepy fishing villages. Begin in the capital Lisbon and enjoy 3 days of touring Portugal’s best sights including Cascais, Sintra, and Fatima the “Altar of the World”. We then journey North to begin our cruise in Porto and continue inland and on to the countryside of the Trás-os-Montes Region where you will indulge in the small picturesque villages amidst the steep terraces that climb up and into the mountains. Enter Spain to visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the Castilla León region before returning to Portugal to visit the ancient and picturesque city of Lamego. Portugal is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions where cuisine is simple, yet flavorful and every dish has an accompanying wine to match.

THE BEST OF TIMES DIFFERENCE

3-day/2-night Pre-Cruise Best of Times Exclusive Land Package visting Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Fatima. Plus special vineyard tour with Wine Tasting Included.

8-day/7-night cruise with river-view, outside cabin onboard deluxe AMA Waterways Ms Amadouro

Roundtrip Airfare from Logan Airport

Roundtrip Transportation to Airport *

Travelers Insurance by TravelSafe Protect-A-Group

Best of Times Professional Tour Director throughout trip**

All Touring Included with private, English-speaking guides

23 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners

Unlimited Wines with every dinner on board ship

Old World Highlights: Port lectures by our knowledgeable Cruise Manager, themed dinners, and onboard music performances

All Luggage Handling Costs Included

All Driver Gratuities Included for transfers

Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner

Payment of all port charges

Special Early Booking & Past Passenger Discounts

The Places We’ll Visit:

Lisbon Cascais
Sintra Fatima
Porto Regua
Barca D’Alva Salamanca
Vega De Terron Pinhao
Bitetos

The Places We Will Visit:

DAY 1

Departure USA - Board your overnight flight to Portugal.

DAY 2

Lisbon - Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, lies on several hills along the Tagus River. Our city tour begins by visiting the historic section of Belem, the Old Town and the spectacular 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. We also take you for coffee and pastries at the world famous “Pasteis de Belem” pastry shop to enjoy the famous custard tartlets. This afternoon we check into our hotel (Hotel Mudial) in the historic section of the city. Dinner is included this evening in the panoramic restaurant “Varanda de Lisboa” offering a stunning view over the old city as well as excellent cuisine. (Pastry, D)

DAY 3

Lisbon, Cascais & Estoril, Sintra - Enjoy a wonderful Full American Buffet Breakfast before we depart. We begin by traveling to Estoril and pass by white sandy beaches and amazing 17th Centruy fortesses. We then enjoy a visit in Cascais, a former fishing village, was Portugal’s Royal Family resort until the early 19th-century and is one of its wealthiest municipals. From here we depart for Sintra, which is one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Castelo da Pena (National Palace of Sintra). See this fairy tale castle up close and in person as we take time to visit this masterpiece of architecture. We will have free time for lunch on our own in Sintra and experience firsthand the bewitching beauty that inspired poets such as Lord Byron. After lunch we head for the beautiful Quinta de Santana Wine Estate in the countryside. We will have a private visit of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting in the old wine cellar. We return to our hotel in Lisbon with the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy at our leisure.(B)

DAY 4

Lisbon, Fatima, Porto - After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Obidos a beautiful small medieval town still surrouned by the old city walls. We then arrive in Fatima, the “Altar of the World”, renowned for its Basilica shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Explore the town and enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to Porto to embark the ship. Gather onboard tonight for our Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 5

Porto - Regua - Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you sail to Régua. Then, drive to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient and picturesque Lamego houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the town on your own to visit the gothic Cathedral or the town’s museum. You may also want to visit one of the cafés to sample a “bola de Lamego” (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, sparkling wine. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

Regua, Barca D’Alva - Enjoy lunch onboard as the ship sails to the picturesque village of Barca d’Alva. Arrive this evening and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town on your own. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

Salamanca, Vega De Terron - Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the “Castilla y León” region of Spain. During your guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant for some deliciously authentic Spanish cuisine. Then enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship. Perhaps visit the locals “living room,” otherwise, known as the Plaza Mayor or stop by a café for a drink and some tapas. Tonight, enjoy a Flamenco show by four traditional female dancers performing to an array of popular Spanish songs. The ship moors overnight in Vega de Terrón. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

Vega De Terron, Pinhao - After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop. See 16th-century walls and walk down very narrow and steep medieval streets. Appreciate the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain decorated in black faces which stoically sits in the market square. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail to Pinhão. This evening, enjoy wine-tasting and dinner at a local “quinta.” The ship moors overnight in Pinhão. (B,L,D)

DAY 9

Regua, Bitetos - This morning, sail to Régua for a morning excursion to the Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Trás-os- Montes just outside the city of Vila Real. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Tonight, appreciate a traditional “home cooked” meal at the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. Before dinner, savor a glass of Port wine and a breathtaking view of the river valley from the Monastery’s terrace. The ship moors overnight in Bitetos. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

Porto - Your sightseeing tour shows you 16th-century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. Then drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City. For some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you will find the Casa da Musica and the museum of Modern Art. Say farewell to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail. (B,L,D)

DAY 11

Porto - Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

*Groups with less than 10 paying customers may be asked to drive to a Best of Times Designated Pick-Up Location instead of their own.

** There is a minimum requirement of 20 paying Best of Times customers to ensure the services of a Best of Times Professional Tour Director.

Special $250 Early Booking Discount Price with Deposit by July 1st, 2010!

CAT A - Upper Deck w/ French Balcony 135sq ft.

Regular Price $5449pp. Early Booking Discount Price $5199pp

CAT B - Upper Deck w/ French Balcony 135sq ft.

Regular Price $5349pp. Early Booking Discount Price $5099pp

CAT C - Upper Deck w/ Upper Level Balcony 135sq ft.

Regular Price $5199pp. Early Booking Discount Price $4949pp

CAT D - Main Deck w/ Large Picture Window 135sq ft.

Regular Price $4949pp,. Early Booking Discount Price $4699pp

CAT E - Main Deck w/ Large Picture Window 135sq ft.

Regular Price $4799pp. Early Booking Discount Price $4549pp

Add $400 per person Taxes & International Transfers

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include all Items Listed as The Best of Times Difference .

 

For Reservations or Further Information Please Call Best of Times 1(800)343-8999

* Group Discounts Available. Call for details.