Page 9 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2017

TRAVEL AGENCY
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Portugal’s Dramatic But Serene Douro River
Cruise a Valley of Vineyards with Ports of Port
Savor the “sunny side” of Europe by river cruising along the Douro River through Portugal with a step into Spain. Feel the warm sun and fresh air
as you glide past terraced hillsides blanketed
with vineyards and olive orchards. Step ashore at photogenic riverside villages and country towns that lead you to friendly townsfolk, their local lore and welcoming wines. This is the ideal voyage for travelers in search of one of Europe’s best-kept secrets – the dramatic but serene Douro River and its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Portugal especially piques the interests of wine connoisseurs whose palates are pleased by private tastings of the country’s legendary beverage, Port.
Begin your vacation by breathing the sea air in Lisbon, the city that launched a thousand ships and hosted renowned navigators, including Vasco da Gama. Explore this historic capital by weaving your way along winding streets where the sound of fado music fills the air and lures you to stop,
sit and sip a bica (espresso) at an outdoor café. Continue on to Coimbra, a majestic university city and the birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings; here, a fresh-fare Portuguese lunch is sure to satisfy you.
Proceed to Porto, proudly astride the Douro River and the epicenter of the country’s prosperous
wine industry. This city’s rejuvenated historic buildings juxtaposed with imaginative modern architecture are home to a booming cultural revival. Porto’s ancient Ribeira district is where you find picturesque rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and
a thriving art scene. While wandering on your own, watch for tastings at wine cellars and pastry shops!
Launch on the river cruise portion of your vacation by sailing from Porto through the breathtaking UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, where acres of carefully cultivated vines
cling to precipitous slopes. Receive a
warm welcome and informative introduction to this famous region and its unique wines
at the Douro Museum. The grand Baroque Mateus Palace and its magnificent gardens transport visitors to
the opulence of early 18th century Europe. Following a tour of the family-owned Quinta da Avessada wine estate,
relax with a traditional dinner featuring local wines and live music. A guided tour of the 12th century hilltop walled village of Castello Rodrigo reveals a fascinating Castilian history and elevated views of the plain leading to Spain.
Cross into northwest Spain to visit the “Golden City” of Salamanca. This UNESCO World Heritage Site glows with golden sandstone buildings including its historic university, monumental churches, palaces and popular Plaza Major, a perfect place for people watching; attending a traditional and high-spirited flamenco dance performance here is a “must do.” Return to Portugal to sample Sandeman Port, the famous fortified wine, right where it is produced at the prestigious wine estate of Quinta de Seixo, whose state-of-the-art facility is overshadowed only by the breathtaking panoramas from the estate’s tasting room terraces. When you dock again in Porto, try to slip away to visit historic Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and its first king’s home. Now featuring a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guimaraes received this prestigious award for its old town section’s medieval architecture plus its palaces, porticos and pilgrimage sites well-preserved among archways and protected by stone towers.
These are just some of the sights and sites on view and visited on an extraordinary journey designed for the culturally curious traveler to explore Portugal and the Douro River. Portugal looks forward to putting its stamp in your passport and its country in your fondest memories of travels.
Edited with extra content by Craig Haberle, CTC, AAA Travel
2016 TRAVEL + LEISURE
#1 RIVER CRUISE LINE
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley
Lisbon to Porto | 11 Days
From $3,624 per person, cruise/tour only
AAA Member Benefit
SAVE $125 per person on all departures†
AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusions
Book select departures and receive a complimentary one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Lisbon with breakfast & transfers.*
For additional information,
CALL: 800.717.4222 CLICK: AAA.com/travel
VISIT: Stop by your local AAA Central Penn office today!
*Rate and savings listed in USD. Rate is for cruise/tour only, per person based on double occupancy for travel in Category 5, Queen Isabel, on the 11/2/2017 departure date. Rate may vary by category of accommodations and departure date. Rate includes AAA Member Benefit Savings; rate does not include airfare. AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusions are applicable to select departure dates only; if forfeited, no cash reimbursement will be given. Offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please contact AAA Travel. CST #2075415-20 †$125 per person AAA Member Benefit Savings is based on 8 to 13 day itinerary length.
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