Included Lisbon city stay and deluxe river cruise on the NEW Queen Isabel with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

A group of our travelers recently returned from an escorted Select Group Vacation to Spain and Portugal.  This unforgettable journey combined three nights exploring the seven hills of cosmopolitan Lisbon, uncovering a treasure trove of Old World architecture, and a seven night Uniworld river cruise through the scenic Douro River Valley.  This is one of Europe’s most unspoiled river valleys, decorated with deep gorges, rambling vineyards, sleepy villages and charming native farms called quintas which cling to the steep sides of the Douro River. Famous for its port wines, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most distinguished wine regions in the world. Its remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage have made it a favorite for river cruising, and internationally recognized in National Geographic Traveler as one of the World’s Great Places to visit.

Get just a glimpse at their trip from Facebook, with insight from Vicky Mischler, Fox World Travel Tour Manager.

Update #1: Portugal is beautiful. We went to Fatima today. Amazing place. Then to Nazare and obidos. This is the basilica at Fatima.  There were people crawling on their knees toward the basilica. All are free to express their faith. The graves of the children that the Virgin Mary appeared to were there and people were lighting so many candles the whole section where they were was ablaze. Pretty amazing thing to see.

Update #2: Here’s the beach in Nazare. Row after row of beach huts. We had lunch in a restaurant overlooking the sea. Beautiful!

Update #3: Hello Porto Portugal. What a view coming into this city. Just boarded the brand new Uniworld Queen Isabel. Awesome!

Update #4: In the heart of the Douro valley. Rolling landscapes and breathtaking at every turn of the river.

Update #5: Pinhao in the Douro valley. Everywhere you look is amazing. Vineyards everywhere.  Last night we went to a Quinta for dinner which was considered a farm here surrounded by vineyards where they have made port and other wines for three generations. After traveling up the mountain we entered the gates and it was so beautiful I actually got a little teary eyed. I’ve been afforded many opportunities to travel to beautiful places but this one is absolutely unbelievable. It’s so uncrowded and peaceful. In most cases we are the only ship in port and the towns are small and friendly and not spoiled by tourism. Please put this Uniworld cruise and the destination of Portugal on your must see list. You won’t regret a moment.

Update #6: Today we traveled high in the hills and learned about olive, almonds, and cork production in Portugal. They make Just about anything out of cork and they say its stronger than leather and water and stain resistant. Of course I had to buy a purse. :)

Update #7: River gets a little narrow places but our good captain gets us through. Very scenic!

If you are interested in learning more about this specific river cruise, or would like to get recommendations for other options, please contact a river cruise specialist at Fox World Travel.  As Wisconsin’s largest vacation travel agency, we can make recommendations based on your travel interests and expectations.