Madrid to Lisbon

April 6 - 20, 2018 • 15 Days • 30 Meals Escorted by Peeter Vanker

Port Wine and Flamenco AmaWaterways • ms AmaVida

We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting itinerary unveiling central Spain, the Douro River and the great maritime city of Lisbon. This unique itinerary will delight river cruisers and those who love to explore the Old World.

We begin our journey in the capital city of Madrid and its many highlights, before heading into the countryside to see some UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as Toledo and Salamanca. In Vega de Terrón our seven nights of discovery of the mighty Douro River begins. The banks of the Douro are peppered with villages and vineyards that are uniquely Portuguese. Our visits along this important Iberian waterway will include wine tastings, UNESCO sites, and some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Portugal. We disembark in Porto, then travel to Lisbon, the city where most of the Portuguese expeditions in the “Age of Discovery” started their voyage, including Vasco da Gama. We will spend three days here with many opportunities to explore its rich heritage and surrounding towns such as Fatima, one of the holiest places of pilgrimage on earth.

The architecture is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Moorish and Italian belying its history of trade and invasions throughout the years.

Our cruise ship, the ms AmaVida, debuted in the spring of 2013. Built in Portugal, it brings the distinctive standard

of excellence of AmaWaterways. Accommodating only 106 passengers with balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms, we will most certainly cruise in style.

AmaWaterways • ms AmaVida

Having debuted in the spring of 2013, the AmaVida has brought AmaWaterways’ distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 106-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites. Panoramic Window Staterooms are 161 sq. ft., Balcony Staterooms are 215 sq. ft. while spacious Suites are 323 sq. ft. All suites feature sitting area with sofa, complimentary internet access and Wi-Fi as well as in room safes, hair dryer and ample closet space. Plush bedding, terry bathrobes, 42” flat-screen TVs and full marble bathrooms are signatures of the ms AmaVida. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Guests on the AmaVida will enjoy fine dining in the main dining room, plus al fresco dining for up to 32 guests. The AmaVida also features a Sun Deck offering unimpeded panoramic views with lounge chairs, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa.

There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel and in-stateroom Internet access on your 42” flat-screen. The Main Lounge with bar and piano is a relaxing way to spend an evening. Dining is a delight with sophisticated cuisine drawing on the best of the region with gourmet and al fresco options to compliment the free-flowing local wines at dinner.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy airfare from Canadian cities listed

3 nights first class hotel accommodations with buffet breakfast daily in Madrid and Lisbon as indicated or similar

7 night cruise in an outside cabin on AmaWaterways’ ms AmaVida with overnight moorings

Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship

Baggage handling at the hotels and shipside

All meals during the cruise plus quality European wines at lunch and dinner (B - 13 breakfasts, L - 7 lunches, D - 10 dinners)

Cocktail Reception, Welcome and Farewell Dinners

Services of your tour escort and / or cruise director

Escorted shore excursions (see itinerary for details)

Local guides / lecturers throughout the cruise

All gratuities including guides and ship staff

All taxes for included services including departure and port taxes

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

Past Passenger Bonus! Travelled on AmaWaterways before? Let us know when you book for possible savings

TOUR ESCORT

Rev. Dr. Peeter Vanker was born in Estonia and lived in Sweden before immigrating to Canada. Ordained in 1967, he served parishes in Toronto and Montreal before retiring in Markham where he continues to minister to various communities. He and his wife, Carol, have travelled extensively throughout much of Europe including the Baltics, Germany, Egypt, Turkey, South America and Antarctica. He has escorted a number of groups on our behalf, including Alaska, Israel and Costa Rica. They are looking forward to helping their fellow travellers enjoy yet another delightful journey.

April 12, Thursday Pinhão This morning, enjoy an excursion to the palace and gardens known as the Palacio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork and hand-carved wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal This afternoon, visit Quinta da Roêda for lunch and wine tasting. BLD

April 13, Friday Régua / Caldas De Aregos This morning, you may choose one of three excursions. Your first option is an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafés. Your second option is a visit to Quinta da Pacheca where you will enjoy breathtaking views over the Douro River and a picnic in a terraced vineyard. Your third option is a port wine tasting at Quinta do Seixo. BLD

April 14, Saturday Caldas de Aregos / Entre-Os-Rios Today we will take an excursion to Quinta da Aveleda, a historic family-owned wine estate near the city of Peñafiel. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a tour of the winery followed by a delicious wine and cheese tasting. Afterwards we will have some free time to explore the grounds and admire the estate’s famous gardens before returning back to our ship. This evening we will journey to a nearby winery for a delicious Portuguese dinner off the ship at Casa de Vila Verde. BLD

April 15, Sunday Porto This morning, we depart for Porto, Portugal’s northern capital, arriving early afternoon. Our guided tour of the historical quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. This afternoon, take a short journey to a nearby coastal town for your Tastes of Matosinhos tour. We will visit a traditional restaurant for a sardine and bacalhau cooking demonstration and tasting. Our ship overnights in Porto. BLD

April 16, Monday Porto / Guimarães Today, we will enjoy an excursion to Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also designated European Capital of Culture in 2012. Birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães claims to be “the cradle of the nation” and boasts a historic centre that is one of the most attractive and best-preserved in the whole country. You may also opt for a seaside walk along the Atlantic Ocean with a café stop in Alfurada. This afternoon take part in a guided hiking tour of Porto where we will explore the old harbour quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto, and cross the Dom Luis Bridge by foot. Our last night aboard the gracious ms AmaVida will feature a farewell cocktail party. The ship moors in Porto overnight. BLD

April 17, Tuesday Porto / Fatima / Lisbon After disembarking in Porto, we drive to Fatima, a town famous for its shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Local legend claims that she appeared here before three children

Enjoy the beautiful sights of Madrid, Spain

April 6, Friday Depart Canada Tour members from across Canada fly to Madrid.

April 7, Saturday Madrid, Spain Arrive in Madrid and transfer to our hotel with the balance of the day and evening left free to explore the city at our leisure. Courtyard Marriott Princesa Hotel (3 nights)

April 8, Sunday Madrid Today we will have a guided tour of Madrid, Spain’s capital since the Spanish Golden Age and now the largest city of the country. It is a place with broad avenues, grand museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars. Known for its historic districts, art, music and epicurean delights, Madrid is also a cosmopolitan metropolis with a vibrant nightlife scene. The city’s top landmarks include the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and such renowned art galleries as the Prado Museum and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. This evening we will enjoy dinner and a Flamenco show at a local restaurant. BD

April 9, Monday Madrid We will have an excursion today to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches that once inspired Spanish Renaissance artist El Greco, with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of our guided tour, we will visit the Cathedral of Toledo, one of the world’s greatest Gothic structures, as well as the Synagogue Santa Maria La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. B

April 10, Tuesday Salamanca / Vega de Terrón This morning, we will depart Madrid for an excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the centre of Spain’s Castilla y León region. After some free time to explore we shall head off on a guided city tour that includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Spanish cuisine. Later, we will be transferred to Vega de Terrón to board our luxurious river ship. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. ms AmaVida (7 nights) BLD

April 11, Wednesday Vega de Terrón / Pinhão, Portugal After breakfast, we tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with steep, narrow streets and incredible views of the surrounding county. There, we will get to taste some of the region’s freshly harvested produce. We rejoin the ship in Barca d’Alva and enjoy lunch on board before departing early this afternoon for Pinhão where the ship moors overnight. BLD

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Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars per person

Cruise/Tour Only ........................................................ $5,965 Toronto ....................................................................... $7,425 Montreal / Ottawa ....................................................... $7,485 Halifax / St. John’s ..................................................... $7,585 Winnipeg / Thunder Bay ............................................ $7,615 Regina / Saskatoon .................................................... $7,725 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................... $7,665 Victoria ....................................................................... $7,725

Rates are per person based on sharing a Cat E Outside Twin on Douro Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details.

Supplement to Upgrade to higher category:

Category/Description/Deck Sharing Twin

Cat D Deluxe Twin (Douro - Window) ........................ $350 Cat C Deluxe Twin (Lisbon - Balcony) .................... $1,250 Cat B Deluxe Twin (Lisbon - Balcony) .................... $1,450 Cat A Deluxe Twin (Porto - Balcony) ....................... $1,800 Suite Deluxe Twin (Porto - Balcony) ....................... $3,500

Stateroom categories are subject to availability at time of booking - book early for best choice. See Deck Plan for full details on various categories available. Singles are extremely limited - please ask for rates.

Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange rates effective April 2017 and are subject to change. Cruise price is based on sharing a twin-bedded stateroom with private bathroom and a minimum of 20 participants travelling. Our escort will accompany this cruise with a minimum of 20 members travelling. Group members benefit from excellent group rates for included services - if group numbers do not reach set minimums, supplements may apply.

Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $314 to $520 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $191 to $414 pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due December 20, 2017 Deposit is $700 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

CT RATING 2.5 - Slightly Challenging: Excursions and land arrangements include some extensive walks, often over rough surfaces. Cobblestones are used in many European cities, making walking more difficult. Access to some decks and to shore in some ports may involve steep steps. Members should be in good physical condition, able to walk a kilometre or more without assistance to fully enjoy this cruise.

in the early 20th century. Explore this world-renowned pilgrimage site before continuing to Lisbon. Disembark / Hotel Mundial (3 nights) BD

April 18, Wednesday Lisbon One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Our city tour will guide us along two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the fortified Belem Tower and the spectacular late gothic Jerónimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is left free to explore the city at your leisure. You may want to visit the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, Tagus River and Rossio Square. B

April 19, Thursday Lisbon Our morning excursion takes us to one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal; Serra de Sintra. This charming village was the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family as well as a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. We will enjoy a guided tour of the Pena National Palace, a fairy tale castle from Portugal’s Romantic period, situated high up on a rocky peak. Tonight we have a farewell dinner. BD

April 20, Friday Lisbon / Canada Our journey comes to an end as we catch our flights bound for our homes across Canada. B

Cruise through the gorgeous Douro Valley, Portugal

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143 cruises@craigtravel.com | www.craigtravel.com