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Algarve
Coast and Guadiana River Cruise
 Descriptions:
A unique European coastal cruise of 7 nights along
the Algarve, Portugal’s famous sunny resort area.
Beginning in the picturesque fishing port of
Portimao, your cruise ship sails past golden
beaches, quiet coves, ocher cliffs and lavish
resorts before entering the Guadiana River, the
natural boundary between Portugal and Spain. Sail up
river to whitewashed villages and hilltop castles.
All shore excursions are included as well as a
special day in Seville, Spain. Plenty of time for
sun, sightseeing and shopping!
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Portimao
Board your ship this afternoon in Portimao, a
bustling Algarve fishing port noted for its harbor
side, casual restaurants serving freshly grilled
sardines. Shops are filled with local pottery and
ceramics. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner
onboard the ship tonight.
Overnight in Portimao.
 Day 2 – Portimao to
Olhao
This morning will feature a tour of picturesque
Silves, a fortified hilltop town that flourished
first under the Romans and then the Arabs before the
Knights of Santiago took the city in 1242. The town
boasts a massive castle whose ramparts afford fine
views of the surrounding countryside. Depart in the
afternoon for Olhao, a short sail along the coast on
a usually delightful and calm sea, passing by
seemingly endless sandy beaches. This evening enjoy
an onboard performance by a local folk group.
Overnight in Olhao.
Day 3 – Olhao to Vila Real de Santo Antonio
After breakfast, disembark for a short tour of Faro,
the capital of the Algarve Province. Once a
prehistoric fishing village, it also became
important under Roman occupation and then the Moors.
The Old City is easily explored on foot. Faro today
boasts many fine 18th and 19th century buildings and
ancient city walls. Return to the ship for lunch.
Set sail through the peaceful inland channels of the
Ria Formosa Natural Park and along the coastal
waters of the Algarve. Enter the Guadiana River to
the town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, a planned
18th century city with a modern grid pattern of
streets. Today it’s a major fishing port and is
across the river from Spain’s city of Ayamonte.
Overnight in Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
 Day 4 – Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Mertola-Alcoutim
Cruise along the unspoiled and scenic river, which
forms a natural frontier separating Portugal and
Spain. Small, fortified towns such as Castro Marim
and Alcoutim line its banks, a testament to the
border wars with Spain. After lunch, stop at
Alcoutim for an excursion to the walled city of
Mertola, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and the ruins
of its extensive Roman and Moorish historical sites.
Visit Mertola Castle, perched high above the city.
Rejoin the ship upriver in Alcoutim. A *cocktail
party and dinner in Alcoutim Castle is the highlight
of the evening. The castle offers excellent views of
the river valley and the unspoiled village in its
idyllic setting.
Overnight in Alcoutim
*Dinner included in the months of May, June and
July, weather permitting. Confirmation will be given
onboard during other months.
 Day 5 – Alcoutim to Ayamonte. Excursion to
Seville
Sail down river to the Spanish town of Ayamonte and
travel by coach to Seville for a full day excursion
with lunch. Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage City,
is famous not only for its Flamenco dancers and
music but also for its wealth of culture and
history. Seville Cathedral, one of the largest in
Christendom, is definitely worth a visit. So are the
La Giralda Tower and the Mudejar Royal Palace. Lunch
is included in Seville. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s
Dinner onboard the ship followed by a Flamenco show.
Overnight in Ayamonte, Spain.
Day 6 – Ayamonte to Vilamoura
This morning, sail from the Guadiana River into the
Gulf of Cadiz and westward to Vilamoura where the
ship docks next to a magnificent beach. Lunch on
board anchored at Ria Formosa. Free time this
afternoon in the lively resort city of Vilamoura,
home to a 1,000-berth marina and surrounded by
several luxury hotels, restaurants, up market
boutiques and a casino. The Vilamoura Casino is the
venue for tonight’s dinner and entertainment.
Overnight in Vilamoura.
Day 7 – Vilamoura to Portimao/Silves
Continue the scenic cruise, arriving after lunch in
Portimao. Afternoon excursion to Lagos (la goosh),
one of the most interesting towns in the Algarve.
Inhabited in turn by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and
Moors, Lagos later became the launching point for
Prince Henry the Navigator’s caravels of discovery
to Africa. Unfortunately, it was also the site of
the first slave market in Europe in 1444. It was the
lively capital of the Algarve for almost 200 years,
launching a crusade in 1578, incurring heavy damage
from England’s Sir Francis Drake in 1587 and was
flattened by the great earthquake of 1755, which
also destroyed much of Lisbon. The city today is a
blend of Arab and Portuguese architecture with a
well-preserved fort, city walls and old quarter.
Tonight, enjoy a cocktail and farewell dinner
onboard.
Overnight Portimao.
 Day 8 – Portimao
Your Algarve cruise comes to an end in Portimao
after breakfast.
Combine your Algarve Cruise with a resort stay or pre/post Lisbon package. Please ask us for details!
Cabins
65 twin/double cabins with individual heat/air-conditioning controls
Twin beds can be joined together to make a large double.
Private bath
TV with satellite channels
Veranda Deck cabins have verandas
Main Deck cabins have panoramic windows
 2008 Algarve Coast and Guardiana
River Cruises Sailing Dates:
Cruises operate every Friday to Friday beginning
March 21, 2008 and ending October 24, 2008.
Note: The cruise line reserves the right to modify
the schedule if necessary.
2008 Algarve Cruise Prices
(prices per person)
|
Sailing Dates |
Main Deck Double |
Veranda Double |
Single Supplement |
|
March 21, 28 |
$1479.00 |
$1699.00 |
$549.00 |
|
April 4, 11, 18, 25,
May 2 |
$1589.00 |
$1859.00 |
$599.00 |
|
May 9, 16, 23, 30 |
$1629.00 |
$1899.00 |
$629.00 |
|
June 6, 13, 20, 27,
July 4 |
$1629.00 |
$1899.00 |
$629.00 |
|
July 11, 18, 25 |
$1479.00 |
$1699.00 |
$549.00 |
|
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
$1479.00 |
$1699.00 |
$549.00 |
|
September 5, 12, 19, 26 |
$1629.00 |
$1899.00 |
$629.00 |
|
October 3, 10, 17, 24,
31 |
$1589.00 |
$1859.00 |
$599.00 |
Note: Maximum allowed in a
cabin is 2
 Includes:
* All meals during the cruise from dinner the first
night to breakfast on the last day.
* 2 special dinners ashore at Alcoutim Castle
(seasonal) and Vilamoura Casino
* Lunch in Seville
* Shore excursions: Silves, Faro, Mertola, Seville
and Lagos
* 3 special shows
* Port taxes
Not included:
* Drinks
* Transfers
* Gratuities
* Airfare
Cabin
configuration
Main Deck cabins feature 2 twin beds which
can be pushed together to make a large double and a
picture window.
Veranda cabins feature 2 twin beds which can
be pushed together to make a large double, floor to
ceiling glass door to a private veranda.
Ship:
Algarve Cruiser features 4 passenger decks for a
maximum of 130 guests, restaurant one seating for
meals, sun deck with pool and 2 Jacuzzis, 2 bars,
lounge, reception, gift shop and an elevator.
It is fully air-conditioned. |
