Cultural tours including Lisbon, Braga, Santiago de Compostela and Salamanca
13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
6 nights in outstanding hotels
Fly from select Canadian gateways for only $100 for 2020 departure
Private car home pick-up and return service
Lisbon is known as the land of explorers, making it a suitable place to start your 15-day journey through Portugal and Spain. Behold the fitting Monument to the Discoveries, a 170-foot tall monument celebrating the Portuguese Age of Discovery, before embarking on your own voyage. Hear lively music fill the air in Santiago de Compostela, one of northern Spain’s most beautiful cities. Linger on the deck of the Spirit of Chartwell, a 30-guest river boat that was personally used by Queen Elizabeth II during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. While journeying by land and river, you will participate in an ancient and quintessential aspect of the area’s culture: a love of exploration and discovery.
= guaranteed departure
LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE - 28 GUESTS ONLY!
Signature inclusions
Before you travel
During your Journey
Memorable activities
Outstanding accommodation
Comfortable transportation
CANADIAN DOLLARS PER GUEST
STATE CABIN
EARLY RESERVATION BONUS
Reserve your journey before May 31, 2019
AND SAVE UP TO 5%
ERB: SAVE 5%
Reserve one of our journeys prior to the early reservation date and pay 95% of the published fare at the time of your reservation by cheque or electronic bank transfer and we will deduct the remaining 5% off your journey’s fare.
ERB flex: SAVE 2%
Reserve one of our journeys prior to the early reservation date and pay 98% of the published fare at the time of your reservation by Visa, Mastercard or American Express and we will deduct the remaining 2% off your journey’s fare.
Should you not take advantage of the Early Reservation Bonus and decide to pay by cheque or electronic bank transfer at time of final payment, we will deduct $200 off your journey’s fare.
Please note: A deposit cheque and a post-dated final payment cheque are not considered payment in full. Final payment date is 120 days (or more, depending on the journey) prior to departure. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer, unless noted otherwise.
All fares are for departure from Toronto. Other gateways available. These journey fares include the current known fuel surcharges. Additional charges may apply at final payment date.
DECK PLAN
Travel Insurance
Peace of Mind travel always involves the proper insurance coverage. We strongly recommend you have insurance coverage in place to protect you in the event of an unexpected incident. Here is a list of the plans we offer:
Contact our office and speak with our friendly insurance experts.
Custom flight itineraries
Do you want something different than our included air program? We are happy to help design a custom itinerary, just for you.
Pre Post overnights in Toronto
We have a special agreement with our Toronto Airport hotel that includes 2 weeks of parking.
DEPART FOR LISBON, PORTUGAL
Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow travellers and board your flights to Lisbon, Portugal.
Overnight flight
LISBON
Radiating warmth and welcome, Lisbon is the perfect introduction to this exciting country. Today, we settle into our hotel for lunch and an afternoon of free time. Begin exploring this enchanting city or choose to relax and prepare for the journey ahead. In the evening, join us for dinner at a special local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers. (L,D)
Hotel Porto Bay Liberdade, Lisbon (2 nights)
LISBON & SINTRA
This morning, all of Lisbon awaits as we discover such wonders as Rossio Square, Liberty Avenue, St. Jerome Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. In Queluz, visit the beautiful 18th century palace that gives this picturesque village the title of the “Portuguese Versailles.” In Sintra, dine on traditional fare for lunch before heading to the coast for a scenic drive back to Lisbon through Cascais, a local fishing village, and Estoril. End this exciting day by enjoying a traditional dinner and Fado folklore show. (B,L,D)
ÓBIDOS, NAZARÉ & BATALHA
A morning drive brings us to Óbidos, a walled medieval town that resembles an open-air museum, with its many monuments, winding cobblestone lanes, and white houses brightened up with hints of vibrant blue and yellow paint. We continue to Nazaré, a famous fishing village, to enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. In Batalha, discover the Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery, which is considered a Portuguese Gothic masterpiece. Enjoy dinner at our hotel. (B,L,D)
Quinta das Lagrimas, Coimbra (1 night)
COIMBRA & PORTO
Coimbra, set along the banks of the Mondego River, is one of Europe’s oldest university towns. Enjoy some free time to admire the views from the top of the town hill. A visit to the university’s 18th century library is also a must. For lunch, indulge in the traditional roasted sirloin pig with local “champagne.” We continue to the coastal city of Porto for a tasting of the famous port wine before arriving at our hotel for dinner. (B,L,D)
Hotel Infante Sagres, Porto (1 night)
VIANA DO CASTELO & THE STUNNING IBERIAN PENINSULA, SPAIN
Today is a true day of discovery as we travel to the beautiful province of Minho. In Barcelos, home of the famous “Rooster of Barcelos,” we discover the history of this ancient figure and how it became the symbol of Portugal. Visit the historic and picturesque coastal city of Viana do Castelo, travelling up the mountain and passing by the belvedere of Santa Luzia. After lunch, we make our way to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy dinner at our hotel. (B,L,D)
AC Palacio del Carmen, Santiago de Compostela (2 nights)
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Santiago de Compostela, an important centre of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages, is one of northern Spain’s most beautiful places, boasting majestic stone architecture, arcaded streets, a magnificent cathedral, and restaurants serving mouthwatering Galician specialties. After a delicious lunch, enjoy some free time to take in the beauty and history of this remarkable city. Dinner is served back at our hotel. (B,L,D)
BRAGA & THE SACRED WAY, PORTUGAL
Our journey takes us to Braga to experience the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, which features the Sacred Way, a Baroque granite double staircase. Although it looks daunting, pilgrims climb it on their knees! The sanctuary at the top provides sweeping views. Enjoy lunch overlooking the city before continuing to beautiful Guimarães, which boasts well-preserved monuments and medieval streets. This afternoon, we arrive in Porto and board the Spirit of Chartwell, your home for the next seven days. All meals are served on board unless otherwise indicated. (B,L,D)
Spirit of Chartwell (7 nights), Vila Nova de Gaia
AMARANTE & QUINTA DA AVELEDA
The riverside town of Amarante is one of the gems of northern Portugal, with rows of 17th century mansions with brightly painted wooden balconies. After a guided tour, stroll through the picturesque town at your leisure before returning to the boat for lunch and a scenic cruise. Tonight, the family-owned Quinta da Aveleda estate opens its doors to us for an evening of food and wine tasting amidst the luscious parks and gardens. A treat for all your senses! (B,L,D)
Entre-os-Rios
LAMEGO & OUR LADY OF REMEDIES
After a morning of cruising, we disembark at Lamego, a quaint and historic town where we admire the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Towering over the town, this sanctuary offers us a beautiful example of Portuguese Baroque architecture. At each of the levels are ornate panels of blue and white tiles. Enjoy some free time to meander the winding lanes and explore the area’s historic gems. Then, enjoy a culinary demonstration and indulge in the delicacies at a local Quinta. (B,L,D)
Régua
FIGUEIRA DE CASTELO RODRIGO
This morning, we cruise a scenic section of the Douro on our way to Barca d’Alva. On board, relax with a lecture on the history of Portugal. After lunch, we venture ashore for a tour of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village with 13th century walls that is known as the ’white village’ because of the almond trees that surround it. In the evening, we enjoy the Captain’s Dinner and a traditional Fado show. (B,L,D)
Barca d’ Alva
SALAMANCA, SPAIN
Today, take in the rich cultural heritage and exquisite architecture of Salamanca, Spain, a vibrant cosmopolitan city that is home to such sights as the oldest university library in Europe, the exquisite House of Shells, the majestic Plaza Mayor, and the Gothic “New” Cathedral (constructed in the 16th century). During your free time, you may opt to visit the Old Cathedral to observe its classic Romantic architecture. Immerse yourself in the area’s exciting culture with a lively Flamenco show and lunch at a lovely restaurant. This evening, indulge in a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Pocinho
THE PALACE & GARDENS OF MATEUS, PORTUGAL
Enjoy lunch on board and set out to visit the enchanting Palace and Gardens of Mateus. Still owned by the Counts of Vila Real, they have served as a Cultural Foundation since the 1970s, aiming to preserve the villa, study its archives, and promote educational activities. After learning the connection between Mateus Rosé Wine and the stunning 18th century house, wander at your leisure in the gardens, which are believed by many to be Portugal’s most beautiful. (B,L,D)
Régua
PORTO & PORT WINE
At Quinta da Aveleda, explore the lush grounds and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Currently, the Quinta da Aveleda is the largest Vinho Verde exporting company and is proud to remain a family-owned business in every way. The estate is also recognized for its parks, where rare species of trees flourish, some two hundred years old. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell cocktail and dinner. (B,L,D) Vila
Nova de Gaia
HOME
Today we bid “despedida” to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Enjoy our private car to your home. (B)
B : Breakfast L : Lunch D : Dinner
Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens) and once home to the world's greatest explorers, Lisbon was the first true world city, the capital of an empire spread across all the continents. Discover this historic city with the help of your local guides, who will introduce you to Rossio Square, Liberty Avenue, the Belém area with the St. Jerome Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. You’ll also explore the unique coach museum, home to the largest and most valuable collection of historical coaches in the world.
To visit the Douro during harvest is to get to know the soul of the Douro people from the inside out. Flowing gently across northern-central Spain and Portugal, the Douro River carries you past vineyard-covered hills, colourful villages, and bustling cities. Conveying you to such delights as wine tasting at the Quinta da Aveleda estate and learning the history of Portugal at Barca d’Alva, the Douro will infuse each excursion with its unique atmosphere as you discover the stunning countryside and welcoming people along its banks.
Santiago de Compostela has been an pilgrimage destination of great importance since the Middle Ages. At that time, the entire Iberian Peninsula was under Moorish rule, and Santiago was a stronghold of Christianity. Visit the Cathedral of Santiago, one of Christianity’s most important places, where legend states that St. James is buried. Discover the quaint streets of Casco Antiguo, the old area of town, with the help of your local guide. Enjoy getting to know one of northern Spain’s most beautiful places, with its warm people, delightful shops, and music filling the air.
A capital of culture since 2002 and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Salamanca showcases one of the finest mixtures of Renaissance and plateresque architecture in Spain. The city has been a seat of learning since the early 13th century and is often referred to as a living museum. Let Salamanca transport you back to the Middle Ages as you visit the University, House of Shells, and beautiful “Plaza Mayor.” While exploring Salamanca, you’ll come to love its multicultural blend of diverse people who, together, create a fascinating cosmopolitan city.
Step aboard the privately chartered Spirit of Chartwell and experience luxury fit for a queen—literally. This graceful vessel was chosen by Her Majesty the Queen for use during her Diamond Jubilee, and as one of just 30 privileged guests, you too will enjoy royal treatment while on board. With a spacious layout, club-like atmosphere, and high number of staff members per guest, the Spirit of Chartwell is more than accommodation or transportation; it is an experience in itself that perfectly complements the breathtaking scenery and quaint, historic towns past which it gracefully glides. The Spirit of Chartwell is ready to become your home away from home.
