we are very pleased to offer once again this exciting · 2019. 12. 19. · we are very pleased to...

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Page 1: We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting · 2019. 12. 19. · We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting itinerary unveiling the great maritime city of Lisbon,
Page 2: We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting · 2019. 12. 19. · We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting itinerary unveiling the great maritime city of Lisbon,

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

We begin our journey in 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. In Porto, 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 Vega de Terrón and head into the countryside to see some UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as Toledo and Salamanca. We will end our journey in the Spanish capital city of Madrid to take in many of its landmarks. The architecture in Portugal is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Moorish and Italian belying its history of trade and invasions throughout the years. It will certainly satisfy all travellers’ curiosity.

Our cruise ship, the ms AmaVida, 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.

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, 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 television. 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.

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

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 - 11 dinners)

Cocktail Reception, Welcome and Farewell Dinners

Services of your tour escort and / or cruise director

Escorted shore excursions

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

We are pleased to have Rev. Brian and Karen Galligan escorting this exciting journey. Before joining Craig Travel several years ago, Brian had already travelled extensively throughout the world for both business and pleasure including the Middle East where he lived for several years. Karen is a retired teacher who has also visited areas of North and Central America, the Middle East, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They are looking forward to sharing this exciting journey with you.

Page 3: We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting · 2019. 12. 19. · We are very pleased to offer once again this exciting itinerary unveiling the great maritime city of Lisbon,

take in the breathtaking view of the river from the terrace of the 11th century Alpendurada Monastery. Enjoy a home cooked dinner in this beautiful setting. BLD

April 17, Friday Régua Explore the ancient and picturesque town of Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles. You will also have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. BLD

April 18, Saturday Régua / Pinhão Enjoy an excursion to 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-wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. Next, a wine tasting will be waiting for us in a local quinta in Pinhão. BLD

April 19, Sunday Pinhão A leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line. The station’s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where we will enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Enjoy the warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run Quinta as family members play music while you savour a delicately prepared meal. The delightful Quinta da Avessada is also home to a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region. Learn of all the various stages of wine production while you sample the region’s fine wine. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. BLD

April 20, Monday Vega de Terrón Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th century facades and Manueline style windows. Enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. BLD

April 21, Tuesday Vega de Terrón / Salamanca / Madrid, Spain This morning we disembark and drive 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. Then, we continue on to Madrid. Novotel Madrid Centre Hotel (3 nights) BL

April 22, Wednesday Madrid Today we will have a guided tour of Madrid, Spain’s capital since the Spanish Golden Age and now the largest city of

Enjoy the beautiful sights of Madrid, Spain

April 10, Friday Depart Canada Tour members from across Canada fly to Lisbon.

April 11, Saturday Lisbon, Portugal Upon arrival in Lisbon, we are transferred to our hotel with the balance of the day and evening left free to explore the city at our leisure. Tonight we gather for our Welcome Dinner. Hotel Mundial (3 nights) D

April 12, Sunday 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 13, Monday Lisbon / Serra de Sintra 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. Enjoy some free time before gathering for dinner. BD April 14, Tuesday Lisbon / Fatima / Porto This morning enjoy a scenic drive to Fatima, a town famous for its shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Local legend claims that she appeared here before three children in the early 20th century. Explore this world-renowned pilgrimage site before continuing to Porto where we embark our delightful ship. ms AmaVida (7 nights) BD April 15, Wednesday Porto Today we discover the sights of Porto, Portugal’s northern capital. 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. BLD April 16, Thursday Porto / Entre-Os-Rios This morning, enjoy some free time in the colourful “City of Bridges” to explore further on your own before continuing on to Entre-Os-Rios. Savour a pre-dinner glass of Port and

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REV07NOV19

Cruise / Tour Only ..................................................... $6,550 Toronto ...................................................................... $7,995 Montreal / Ottawa ...................................................... $8,075 Halifax / St. John’s ..................................................... $8,175 Winnipeg / Thunder Bay ............................................ $8,215 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $8,315 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver............................... $8,255 Victoria ....................................................................... $8,315

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.

Cat D Deluxe (Douro - Window) ................................. $350 Cat B Deluxe (Lisbon - Balcony) ............................. $1,550 Cat A Deluxe (Porto - Balcony)................................ $1,920 Suite Deluxe (Porto - Balcony) ................................ $3,600

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 January 2019 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 $348 to $520 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $197 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 January 6, 2020 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:

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.

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 23, Thursday Madrid / Toledo 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. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. BD

April 24, Friday Madrid / Canada Our journey comes to an end as we catch our flights bound for our homes across Canada. B

Past Passenger Bonus! Travelled on AmaWaterways before?

Let us know when you book for possible savings!

Blue and W

hite Tiles depicting P

ortugal’s History - C

redit Jon Gurr

Enjoy a fantastic day exploring Salamanca Spain