20 August 2008

Globus Launches New Northern Portugal Cruise

Discover the warm hospitality of Portugal and the cultural heart of Spain with a new river cruise from Globus that explores the Douro River from the sea to the Spanish border.

The seven-night journey begins and ends with a free day in Portugalââ¬â¢s vibrant capital, Lisbon, giving passengers the chance to soak up the cityââ¬â¢s rich history and visit cultural highlights including the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the cobbled alleys of the Alfama quarter.

The cruise begins aboard the MS Douro Cruiser in Vila Nova de Gaia, just south of the city of Oporto, and visits RÃ~©gua and PinhÃ&#pound;o ââ¬' the epicentre of the Port winemaking area ââ¬' on the Douro River.

The Douro meanders through northern Portugal to the sea, providing stunning views of deep cleft gorges, hundreds of terraced vineyards and sleepy fishing villages.

Passengers will also get the chance to visit the nearby Portuguese towns of Lamego, famous for its pilgrimage site the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies shrine, the 16^th century Figuera de Castelo de Rodrigo and the TrÃ~¡os-os-Monts region where the renowned Mateus wine is produced.

Barca dââ¬â¢Alva, the closest Portuguese riverside city to the Spanish border, provides the opportunity for passengers to take a day-trip to Spainââ¬â¢s Salamanca ââ¬' the birthplace of Castillian, the purest form of the Spanish language. A guided walking tour of the city centre will reveal the cityââ¬â¢s magnificent baroque Plaza Mayor, House of Shells, its impressive Cathedral and one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Salamanca.

The final stop prior to returning to Lisbon is the fascinating city of Oporto, Portugalââ¬â¢s second largest city. In an afternoon visit, passengers will discover 16^th century buildings, the Cathedral and baroque churches as well as a 19^th century iron bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel.

Departing October 31, 2009, the voyage is priced from $2689 per person twin share and includes accommodation, meals with complimentary wine at dinner, tours of ports of call with English-speaking guides and visits to tourist attractions.

Travel packages including return international airfares with Singapore Airlines. For further details go to www.globus.com.au

A Report by The Mole

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