Delve into Portugal’s history during new fly, cruise and tour package
AUSTRALIANS can cruise Portugal’s Douro River – one of Europe’s best-kept secrets – and sail past vine-covered hillsides and medieval villages lost in time as part of a new 2020 fly, cruise and tour package released by Riviera Travel River Cruises and Australian small ship specialist Cruise Traveller.
The 11-night Portugal Perfection package combines four nights’ pre-cruise accommodation in Portugal with a sevennight river cruise along the beautiful, vineyard-lined Douro River right up to the Spanish border. Guests will cruise aboard Riviera Travel’s Douro Elegance, a luxury, 121guest river ship.
Also included in the package are flights from five Australian cities, accommodation at Lisbon and Porto and a free drinks package on board.
Three departure dates from Australia are available in 2020 – April 26, August 2 and October 4. After landing in Portugal, guests will stay three nights in Lisbon to explore one of the oldest cities in the world, established in 1255.
A flight north to Portugal’s second biggest city, Porto, follows for another night’s stay before guests board the Douro Elegance for a seven-night, round-trip journey from Porto east through the dramatic river valley, with its rustic wineries, quaint villages and rugged cliffs.
Highlights of the river cruise include visits to vineyards and port cellars, dinner at a typical Portuguese farmhouse, a flamenco show, a fullday excursion to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca, a tour of the walled medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo and the 18th century, baroque Mateus Palace and its extensive gardens.
Relaxing time cruising on the river during the day is also a highlight.
The Douro Elegance has a restaurant, bar and lounge, pool, spa, gym and tea and coffee-making facilities.
After disembarking in Porto, guests fly back to Australia.
Including return flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth, four nights’ pre-cruise accommodation in Lisbon and Porto, domestic flights and transfers in Portugal and the seven-night cruise with all on-board meals and shore excursions, the 11night Portugal Perfection package is available from $7495 a person, twin-share.
A bonus cruise drinks package including drinks with lunch and dinner is available, courtesy of Cruise Traveller, for bookings made before December 31.
To view and book the package, visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au or call Cruise Traveller on 1800 507 777.