PORTUGAL AND THE DOURO RIVER

PORTUGAL AND THE DOURO RIVER 20 Day Insight Vacations Country Roads of Portugal Tour & Uniworld Douro Valley Cruise Fully Escorted Tour Ex Perth 10 Au...
Author: Bruno Joseph
5 downloads 3 Views 2MB Size
PORTUGAL AND THE DOURO RIVER 20 Day Insight Vacations Country Roads of Portugal Tour & Uniworld Douro Valley Cruise Fully Escorted Tour Ex Perth 10 August 2017*

Immerse yourself in cobblestone villages, medieval castles, fascinating history and idyllic scenery as you experience the depth and breadth of Portugal by road and boutique river cruise ship.

7 Forrest Avenue, Bunbury WA 6230 Telephone: 08 9721 9588 Freecall: 1800 177 788 Email: [email protected] Lic: 9TA00495 2nd printing 7/7/2016

The itinerary is subject to change - once Insight Vacation’s firm 2017 brochure is available we will reconfirm the itinerary. 10 August 17 - Depart Perth for Lisbon We depart from Perth on our Emirates flight to Lisbon, via Dubai

(meals on flight)

11 Aug - Welcome to Lisbon On arrival at Lisbon Portela Airport, we are transferred to our hotel. Settle in and relax. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Altis Grand, Lisbon (Superior Rooms)

(D)

12 Aug - Lisbon & the Age of the Great Discoveries Your panoramic guided sightseeing takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city, named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755 (along with much of the rest of the city). Visit the Belem Quarter from where sailing ships set forth to discover unknown lands. Visit an old patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for over 100 years and enjoy a demonstration and tasting of the famous 'Pasteis de Belem'. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belem Tower, erected to protect Jeronimo's Monastery, whose church we visit. Enjoy free time this afternoon. Perhaps take the funicular railway up into the steep alleyways of the old town or explore the terraces of the Alfama district? Hotel: Altis, Lisbon (B) 13 Aug - On to the Algarve Cross the River Tagus and head for the sun-drenched southern coast. Lunchtime finds you on the coast at Portimão, a fishing port nestled at the back of a bay. After free time to explore, your gracious resort hotel is not too far away, set within a magnificent 360 acre estate. In free time, perhaps visit the quaint fishing village of Sagres and adjacent Cape St. Vincent with its famous lighthouse. Simplicity is the soul of Algarve cuisine, along with seafood so fresh it still tastes of the sea. The small coastal towns and fishing ports house a rich variety of restaurants and your Tour Director knows the best! Enjoy a delightful evening of wine and classic seafood dishes rooted in the region. Hotel: Hotel Ria Park, Algarve

(B,D)

14 Aug - Travel to Everlasting Evora (Relaxed Start) In the morning, journey to the medieval walled city of Évora. Join a Local Expert to explore the highlights of this beautifully preserved town. See the Roman Temple and visit the Capela dos Ossos, an extraordinary 17th century chapel comprising the skulls and bones of 5,000 bodies. Visit the cathedral, an attractive mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. In the afternoon, perhaps hire some bicycles and enjoy a ride through Évora's unique historical centre and follow the aqueduct inside the city walls. Hotel: M’Ar De Ar Aqueduto, Évora

(B)

15 Aug - Monsaraz and Évora (Relaxed Start) In the morning, you'll be transported to the striking white village of Monsaraz, situated on imposing hilltop, surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards. From the castle ruins, admire the spectacular views across to the dry Spanish plains, contrasting with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes. Enjoy a leisurely cruise before a delicious and memorable lunch in a restaurant that was formerly an old olive oil mill. The choices offered are all typical of the local Alentejo region, with wine and drinks included. Later, return to Évora where cathedrals, churches, aqueducts and ancient castle walls all serve to create the feeling that this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city is a living, breathing museum to Portugal's rich past. Hotel: M’Ar De Ar Aqueduto, Evora

(B,L) 16 Aug - Scenic drive to Obidos, Fatima and Tomar

In the morning, take some lesser roads to the fortified city of Óbidos, for a walk inside the walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-bedecked houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Continue to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Now on to one of Portugal's historical jewels - the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ at Tomar. With a Local Expert, explore the octagonal Templar's Rotunda in the cloister and glimpse the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. Outside on the battlements, the Maunalina window is perhaps the finest example in the country. Next, visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal, housing a small Jewish museum. Hotel: Dos Templarios, Tomar

(B,D)

17 Aug - Coimbra, the Douro and Pinhao (Relaxed Start) Drive to Conímbriga, Portugal's best-preserved Roman archaeological site. With a Local Expert, marvel at the mosaics, explore the ‘House of the Fountains' and visit the museum. Move on to Coimbra, where guided sightseeing shows you the highlights of the Old Town, including a visit to the sumptuous baroque University library. Continue through rolling hills to your hotel, nestled on the vine laden banks of the Douro. Hotel: CS Vintage House, Pinhao

(B)

18 Aug - Guimarães and Porto Journey to Guimarães, known as the Cradle of Portugal. From the ruined castle there are wonderful views. Down in the historic heart, lies a web of washing-hung alleyways, cobbled streets and cosy squares with tiny bars and cafés. Now on to the bright lights of Porto, situated on the River Douro and celebrated as the Port wine capital of the world. The Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores house these famous port wines. Walk along corridors of casks and get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. Hotel: NH Porto Batalha, Porto

(B)

19 Aug – Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro (Relaxed Start) A free day to enjoy at your own pace. Why not admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles, as well as the iconic bridges (‘Eiffel Towers on end' according to one Frenchman) or join a relaxing Douro River cruise for a different perspective and excellent views of the city. In the evening, bid 'adieus' to your Tour Director and friends with a palateprovoking Celebration Dinner, complete with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant. Hotel: NH Porto Batalha, Porto

(B,D)

20 Aug – Porto (embarkation) Today we board Queen Isabel to begin our captivating journey along the Douro River. (B,D) Accommodation: Queen Isabel (7 nights) 21 Aug – Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Pinhão FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Douro Museum, Mateus Palace and Gardens and dinner at Quinta da Avessada The Douro Museum provides a fine introduction to the region and its unique wines. You’ll also see Mateus Palace and its beautiful gardens. This evening, tour the family-owned Quinta da Avessada, where you'll meet the owner, learn about winemaking, and enjoy a rustic dinner featuring local wines and live music. (B,L,D)

22 Aug – Vega de Terrón (Castelo Rodrigo) FEATURED EXCURSION: Castelo Rodrigo tour with wine tasting Take an expertly guided tour of the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a fascinating site that dates back to the 12th century. 23 Aug – Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d'Alva FEATURED EXCURSION: Full-day Salamanca tour with flamenco show Travel overland from Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border to Salamanca. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has golden sandstone buildings, monumental churches, a historic university and a broad public square ideally suited for people watching. After exploring the city’s beautiful university, you’ll have an opportunity to take in a traditional flamenco show. 24 Aug – Pinhão FEATURED EXCURSION: Wine tasting at a local quinta Make your way to Quinta do Seixo—a prestigious Port wine estate—for an enlightening tour of its state-of-the-art facility. Sample some of their famous Sandeman Port, learn more about the production of this famous fortified wine and admire breathtaking views from the estate’s tasting room. 25 Aug – Porto FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Porto city tour OR exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Porto walking tour, and wine cellars of Cais de Gaia The epicenter of the Port wine industry, Porto is experiencing a booming cultural revival. See its well-preserved historic buildings and cutting-edge architecture on a guided city tour, or opt to see the sites from a local’s perspective, with stops at a pastry shop and an opulent bookstore. After lunch, visit one of the city’s famed Port cellars for a tasting.

26 Aug – Porto (Guimarães) FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Guimarães city tour OR “Soul of Porto” Ribeira district walking discovery tour Enjoy a panoramic city tour of historic Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital and the home to its first king, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternately, you can explore Porto’s UNESCO-designated Ribeira district on foot. In the evening, enjoy a Gala Dinner onboard your ship. 27 Aug – Porto (disembark), transfer to the airport After breakfast we disembark the ship and transfer to Porto Airport for our Emirates flight home. 28 Aug 17 – Arrive Perth

Category 2 & 3 – French Balcony Staterooms

Category 4 & 5 – Window Staterooms

Category 1 – Full Balcony Stateroom Sun Deck Service

Tour Prices: Category 5

$10,990.00 * pp twin share

Category 4

$11,540.00 * pp twin share

Category 3

$12,340.00 * pp twin share

Category 2

$12,840.00 * pp twin share

Category 1

$13,940.00 * pp twin share

* These fares are based on twin share accommodation and economy class air travel. Single cabins are limited – please contact our office for availability and a price.

Emirates air taxes current as at 28 January 10. Air taxes are subject to increase until tickets are issued; BUSINESS CLASS AIRFARE SURCHARGE we will endeavour to advise you of any changes should they occur. Air taxes vary depending on the return flight itinerary. You will receive a quote for taxes to other cities at the time of enquiry. Upgrade to Business Class on international flights can be arranged. Please ask for cost and availability. Please note flights out of system untilthe September 2016. discounts as shown. The above prices range include early booking TOUR INCLUSIONS Economy class airfares with Emirates from Perth to Lisbon and return; economy class airfares on TAP Air from Porto to Lisbon; Insight Vacations Country Roads of Portugal Tour including Tour Director & Driver gratuities; Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Douro River Cruise including port taxes, ship gratuities and $100.00 per person ship board credit; all transfers including private coach transfers from Busselton, Bunbury and Mandurah and return for passengers taking scheduled group flights. NOT INCLUDED Travel insurance; onshore gratuities & tips (drink waiters, coach drivers other than Insight Vacations driver, local guides etc.); items of personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, phone calls, meals other than those indicated; additional sightseeing; optional shore excursions; excess baggage; passport and visa fees; extensions, stopovers, amendments (if applicable).

TOUR PARTICIPATION Cathie Rice Travel welcomes passengers with disabilities or special needs provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all assistance required. Any special requirements must be advised at the time of booking. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a passenger for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches or other transportation vehicles, carrying luggage, or other personal needs. Travellers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Cathie Rice Travel reserves the right to refuse to carry any person who it deems cannot fully care for themselves on Tour without assistance. BOOKING CONDITIONS PAYMENTS A non-refundable deposit of $1800.00 is required with 7 days of booking to confirm your cabin. At this time we require the completed booking form (attached) showing names as they appear on your passport, and a photocopy of your current passport. Final payment is required by 1 May 2017.

FORMS You are required to complete some forms when booking which provide essential information we require to process your booking. These forms are attached to this brochure. Please ensure you read the booking conditions which follow. CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS Payments made by credit card incur the following merchant charges: Visa/Mastercard 1.5% American Express 3.5% Diners Card not available FARES AND PRICES Tour prices specified are based on cruise and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing and do not include airline taxes, airport/port charges or gratuities unless indicated. The economy class airfare on Emirates is an indicative price as flights are out of system range until September. Reservations and firm prices cannot be confirmed until flights are in system range. Prices are based on currency exchange rates therefore may be subject to increase without prior notice until the final payment date. All prices are in Australian dollars. Please note: As this holiday package may incorporate many different facets such as flights, hotels, transfers, tours and/or a cruise, the payments you make will be forwarded to the individual companies involved to secure your reservations. Individual payments are not able to be made to these companies, therefore prices are subject to change as per the clause above, until the final payment date. Prices are based on travellers utilising group flights. Airlines may charge a fee for those passengers who deviate from group flights. Airline taxes vary between European cities, therefore taxes may be higher for alternate itineraries. Travel insurance is not included in your tour cost. Please refer to the “travel insurance” section for more information. MINIMUM NUMBERS Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum 15 paying passengers travelling together. Cathie Rice Travel reserves the right to increase the tour price or cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum. Tour escort travels when minimum numbers are met. If group numbers are not met, the cruise portion will proceed as independent travel arrangements. AMENDMENTS / CHARGES A fee of $100, per amendment will be charged for any reservation changes after your booking is confirmed, unless change increases the value of your booking. This fee is in addition to any charges from airlines, land operators or cruise liners. Bookings are non-transferable. CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY In the event of cancellation by the passenger, the following fees will apply: Deposit - non refundable After final payment date – any charges imposed by the principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost of this tour. Bookings and payments are non-transferable. There is no refund for any sightseeing tours, meals, accommodation, or any other services not utilised or required during this tour. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance at the time of paying your deposit. Cancellation fees will not be waived if insurance cannot be obtained.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is mandatory for this holiday and recommended to be purchased at time of booking. Travel insurance may be subject to age and pre-existing medical condition surcharges. It is important to consider the purchase of travel insurance as early as possible as cancellation penalties will be enforced by the cruise/tour companies, hotels, airlines etc. Cancellation fees will not be waived if insurance cannot be obtained. Medicare will not pay for services or hospitalization outside Australia. Medical disembarkations do occur on cruises and passengers (or their families) are held personally liable for medical and associated costs incurred onboard ship or overseas. In conjunction with your tour, we are offering a 10% group discount on Suresave Insurance. Please contact our office for a brochure and a quote. PASSPORTS AND VISAS All passengers must be in the possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return date to Australia. Passengers not travelling on an Australian passport must have a valid re-entry visa for Australia. Visas may be required for other countries. You must advise us if you wish us to make any necessary visa application on your behalf. ITINERARY ALTERATIONS Alterations may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes or other reasons beyond our control. In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. Any additional expense incurred by the passenger is not the responsibility of Cathie Rice Travel. We can give no guarantee as to the exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used in the tour and Cathie Rice Travel will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control.

SPECIAL NOTE Every endeavour has been made to ensure that the contents of this brochure are correct at the time of printing, however, details may have changed since the brochure was published. Please ensure you check with Cathie Rice Travel as operational reasons may necessitate itinerary changes and amendments to the hotels as specified. E&OE

Cathie Rice Travel and South West Cruise Centre PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN WITH A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT/PHOTO ID SURNAME (as shown on your passport) GIVEN NAMES (as shown on your passport) NAME YOU LIKE TO BE CALLED

TITLE

ADDRESS

HOME TELEPHONE FAX

MOBILE

BUSINESS TELEPHONE

EMAIL

PASSPORT NUMBER OR PHOTO ID DATE ISSUED PLACE OF ISSUE DATE OF EXPIRY NATIONALITY DATE OF BIRTH PLACE OF BIRTH MEDICAL CONDITIONS Please provide details of any condition that you think your tour escort should be aware of. Please refer note below *

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS (required when? – please tick)

□ Aircraft only FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER AND AIRLINE ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS *

□ Entire tour

□ twin □ double □ single □ triple □ ground floor (if no elevator) □ non smoking room □ smoking room

*OTHER SPECIAL REQUESTS/ REQUIREMENTS/REMARKS Subject to availability – see note below *

EMERGENCY CONTACT (next of kin)

Name: Telephone: Address:

* Special requirements/requests: All special requests such as those for particular airline seating, hotel rooms and dietary requirements will be forwarded to the appropriate operators, however cannot be guaranteed by Cathie Rice Travel. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a passenger for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches or other transportation vehicles, carrying luggage, or other personal needs. Travellers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion.

SIGNATURE _______________________________

DATE __________________

Cathie Rice Travel and South West Cruise Centre PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN WITH A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT/PHOTO ID SURNAME (as shown on your passport) GIVEN NAMES (as shown on your passport) NAME YOU LIKE TO BE CALLED

TITLE

ADDRESS

HOME TELEPHONE FAX

MOBILE

BUSINESS TELEPHONE

EMAIL

PASSPORT NUMBER OR PHOTO ID DATE ISSUED PLACE OF ISSUE DATE OF EXPIRY NATIONALITY DATE OF BIRTH PLACE OF BIRTH MEDICAL CONDITIONS Please provide details of any condition that you think your tour escort should be aware of. Please refer note below *

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS (required when? – please tick)

□ Aircraft only FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER AND AIRLINE ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS *

□ Entire tour

□ twin □ double □ single □ triple □ ground floor (if no elevator) □ non smoking room □ smoking room

*OTHER SPECIAL REQUESTS/ REQUIREMENTS/REMARKS Subject to availability – see note below *

EMERGENCY CONTACT (next of kin)

Name: Telephone: Address:

* Special requirements/requests: All special requests such as those for particular airline seating, hotel rooms and dietary requirements will be forwarded to the appropriate operators, however cannot be guaranteed by Cathie Rice Travel. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a passenger for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches or other transportation vehicles, carrying luggage, or other personal needs. Travellers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion.

SIGNATURE _______________________________

DATE __________________

Suggest Documents