​Chasing the Sun - River Cruise​Portgual/​Worldwide

              
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  • Prices per week
  • From £1969 per person
  • Call us on 01444 225633
Imagine waking up to a different view each morning.  A river cruise is the ideal stress-free way to enjoy picture perfect landscapes without the need to repack any suitcases.  Chasing the Sun allows guests to discover the beauty of the Douro river all the while exploring Portugal’s soul.  This cruise offers spectacular cliffs, the taste of port wine and the melancholy of fado – the traditional Portuguese music that dates from the 1820s or earlier.

Departures are from the mesmerising city of Porto. The heart of the city is the endless flow of the Douro river spanned by six bridges. Light coloured granite buildings are adorned with gleaming azulejo tiles. Although it’s a hilly city, the excersise is rewarded with superb views and the old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is just pure poetry.

The Route

  • The first stop is at Regua, the largest city on the banks of the Douro in this wine-growing valley. It is such a beautiful place that the Alto Douro region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The town played a fundamental role in the production and marketing of port wine – which was transported away by sailing boat – as early as the 18th century.  This is primarily an excursion stop – optional excursions are offered to the Stairway to Heaven of Lamego or the grape harvest festival at the Quinta Avessada.  Following the short stop ai Regua, the ship cruises upriver to the little town of Pinhão, located in the famous port wine region in the area where the Douro and its surrounding landscape are at their most picturesque. It is surrounded by enchanting vineyards and the quintas that produce the wine. Guests are able to visit them from Pinhão and enjoy tours and wine tasting.  Dinner tonight is included at the Quinta Avessada.

    After a lazy morning in Pinhão, cruise further to Vega Terron. Located on Portugal's border with Spain at the confluence of the Douro and Agueda Rivers, Vega de Terron is an unspoilt, rural town with a laid-back relaxed ambience. It is the gateway port for excursions to the Spanish city of Salamanca. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy the ship with all its’ amenities. The ship remains overnight in Vega de Terron.

    Departing around lunchtime, cruise upstream to Barca d’Alva, a quaint Portuguese river port near the Spanish border. This tranquil town is shadowed by mountains and surrounded by miles of gorgeous countryside filled with vineyards and orchards. This tiny port is the gateway to the Quinta do Seixo, a historic port wine–making facility typical of the Douro region. The ship remains moored at Barca d’Alva overnight.

  • After a morning cruise, arrive for an excursion stop at Pochino.  Today, this small town is the terminus of the "Linha do Douro" railway. The railway station and the railway bridge that crosses the Douro are listed monuments.  After an afternoon cruising, the ship calls and overnights at Pinhão.  The little town is located in the famous port wine region, in the area where the Douro and its surrounding landscape are at their most picturesque. It is surrounded by enchanting vineyards and the quintas that produce the wine – these can be visited for tours and tastings.

    After an early start, next up is a second visit to Régua for a longer stay and the chance to enjoy an excursion to the famous Mateus Palace - still owned by the Count of Vila Real, which was built by the architect Niccolo Nasoni in Baroque style. The original furniture and, above all, the exceptional and handcrafted chestnut wooden ceilings make the interior of the palace so unique and take visitors back to a bygone century. After the guided tour pay a visit to the famous garden of the palace, an absolute must-see. With its sculptures, ponds and rare trees, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Portugal.

    Departing from Régua, the ship will arrive into Bitetos in the evening where it will remain moored overnight. Bitetos is a Douro River cruise port and a small village located in Douro Valley, with a population of under 500. The current village was built over the ruins of a Roman settlement. The most popular attraction for cruise ship tourists is Alpendurada - an 11th-century Benedictine Monastery that doubles as a restaurant. The overnight stay allows passengers to enjoy an evening ashore to taste the local cuisine specialties and wines, and also to explore the monastery’s interior and exhibits. Other attractions include Baroque churches and the Roman ruins.

  • After an early morning start, enjoy the final morning sailing back towards the city of Porto before heading to the airport for the return flight to the UK.  For those with later flights, enjoy the optional excursion to Guimarães.  A visit here is like stepping into the pages of Portugal’s history books.  This city at the foot of the Serra da Penha is considered the place where Portugal was first established.  Afonso Henriques was born here and in 1139, following a victory over the Moors, he became the first king of Portugal and declared Guimarães his capital.  Today, visitors can still see what the city was like during its heyday. The excursion takes in sites such as Guimarães Castle, where Alfonso Henriques spent his youth. This fortress, built in the mid 10th century on the orders of the Galician countess Mumadona Dias, is considered one of the country’s best-preserved Romanesque castles. Just as impressive – and right next door – is the Paço Ducal, a French-influenced palace built in 1420 as the seat of the dukes of Bragança.  In the old town, there are small, lovingly restored town houses, grand squares and convents interspersed with modern buildings and cafes.  The most attractive street is without doubt the Rua de Santa Maria, which takes visitors from the palace to the central Largo da Oliveira (‘Olive tree square’) – the perfect place to stop for a couple of original Portuguese pastéis de nata (custard tarts).

On Board
  • ESCAPE EVERYDAY LIFE EVERY DAY

    Spacious sun deck with service and relaxed atmosphere

    Sufficient recliners and sunshades

    Heated outdoor pool and outdoor shower

    Crazy golf

    Panorama lounge with outdoor area

    Lounge bar and dance floor

    Casual dress code

  • ENJOY AND EXPLORE NEW TASTES:  CULINARY VARIETY

    FullBoardPlus2: - Daily varied buffets with breakfast and lunch buffets and served main courses for dinner incl. appetiser buffet and dessert buffet - Freshly prepared regional and seasonal specialties - Mineral water during main meals

    High-quality drinks included throughout the day

    Free meal times and choice of tables in the market restaurant

    Wine list adapted to the region

    BBQ buffet on the sun deck (depending on weather)

  • FEELING AT HOME WHILST ON HOLIDAY:  THE CABINS

    Spacious, comfortable cabins, mainly with drop-down panorama windows

    Elegant design and high-quality materials provide a feel-good atmosphere

    Facilities: safe, air conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, shower / WC, sauna towel, woolen blanket, telephone, bathrobe on request

    Outside cabins and suites: 12 m² - 29 m², partly with drop-down panorama window or balcony

  • THE FEELING OF A HOLIDAY WHILE BEING ON HOLIDAY: SPA-ROSA

    Wide range of beauty and body treatments with high-quality BABOR products

    Professionally trained spa and beauty team

    Sauna

    Gym with modern cardio equipment: Elliptical trainer, bicycle ergometer and treadmill

    Relaxation room

Cabins

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    S Cabin
    
                  
    Deck 1

    2-bed outside cabin, S 12 m²

    Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

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    A Cabin
    
                  
    Deck 1

    2-bed outside cabin, A 12 m²

    Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

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    C Cabin
    
                  
    Deck 2

    2-bed outside cabin, C 13 m²

    Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with drop-down panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

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    D Cabin
    
                  
    Deck 3

    2-bed outside cabin, D 13 m²

    Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with drop-down panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

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    F Cabin
    
                  
    Deck 3

    2-bed outside cabin, F 29 m²

    Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service.