JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Douro River Valley

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodations
  • Details
  • Overview

    An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers. As you follow the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port. Explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. In Salamanca, Spain, you’ll see the city’s famous university. Return to Portugal with a visit to the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo and historic Guimarães. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!

    Highlights

    • Personally hosted by JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
    • 8-day cruise aboard Uniworld River Boutique Cruises’ S.S. São Gabriel
    • Bonus night in Porto
    • Round-trip scheduled airfare included
    • Transfer from airport to hotel
    • Special welcome and farewell receptions featuring JUSTIN wines
    • JUSTIN shipboard events including tastings, educational seminars and a wine paired dinner
    • Exclusive JUSTIN culinary event
    • Optional, private wine focused tours in select cities
    • Uniworld complimentary shore excursions
    • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • Unlimited wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee, tea and bottled water
    • All onboard gratuities included

    Itinerary

    Day 1

    October 20, 2023 - Depart the U.S.

    Day 2

    October 21, 2023 - Porto, Portugal (Hotel Stay)

    Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro. You will be greeted by your group’s personal driver and transferred to your hotel.
    Day 3

    October 22, 2023 - Porto (Embark)

    Exclusive JUSTIN Food & Wine Experience
    Day 4

    October 23, 2023 - Porto, Entre-os-Rios

    Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose between two distinctively Portuguese ways to explore Porto. Excursion Options: Choice of Porto city tour or “Do as the Locals Do” Porto walking tour In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
    Day 5

    October 24, 2023 - Entre-os-Rios, Régua

    Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Featured Excursions: Douro Museum Lamego Heritage Tour Nights Out: Quinta Dinner
    Day 6

    October 25, 2023 - Régua, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón

    Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park. Featured Excursion: Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley Castelo Rodrigo
    Day 7

    October 26, 2023 - Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva

    Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley. Featured Excursion: Salamanca - the Golden City and Spain's Oldest University
    Day 8

    October 27, 2023 - Barca d’Alva, Régua

    Head ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. Featured Excursion: Local Quinta Guided Tour with Tasting Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta
    Day 9

    October 28, 2023 - Régua (Guimarães), Porto

    Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. Or opt for a leisurely walking tour through Ribeira’s quaint cobbled streets. Featured Excursion: Guimarães City Tour In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
    Day 10

    October 29, 2023 - Porto (Disembark)

    If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Porto Airport for your flight home.

    Accommodations

    Deck Plan Uniworld’s S.S. São Gabriel

    Accommodations

    Deck Plan Uniworld’s S.S. São Gabriel

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I sign up for the cruise?

    For more information or to make reservations, please call (800) 614-8613 or email receptionist@foodandwinetrails.com. Click Here to Download the Reservation Form

    What is the cost for this journey?

    When is my payment due?

    A $600 deposit is required to secure your reservation. A preliminary invoice will automatically be provided with your confirmation; giving you an opportunity to view our services and confirm the pricing matches the materials you’ve received so far. If there are any discrepancies, please contact your Travel Advisor as soon as possible to review. We will then send you an official invoice approximately 120 days prior to departure. This invoice is due approximately 110 days prior to travel. This is an excellent time to let us know if you are planning to extend your stay, participate in a pre or post-tour option, or if you’re interested in upgrading your travel arrangements in some way. Once you’ve paid for the trip, we will begin finalizing airline tickets and other important travel arrangements. If you wait until after this time to let us know these important details, it may become very expensive to make those changes (Changes made after ticketing will be done at your expense). So, if you’re thinking about any of these options, put them in writing to your travel advisor prior to paying your final invoice.

    What insurance is provided in the tour package & when is the last day I can purchase cancellation coverage?

    As a guest traveling with this group, you will receive complimentary comprehensive post-departure insurance including medical, baggage, missed connection coverage. Trip Cancellation coverage is NOT included in this package. You may choose to purchase additional coverage to protect your vacation in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may require you to cancel your trip. Options include:

    • Group Policy offered through Travel Guard: this plan is designed to cover personal medical related issues and specifically does not cover the pandemic. (the cost is 7.2% of your trip total, which is approximately $216 for $3,000 worth of coverage or $288 for $4,000 worth of coverage) - this option must be purchased by the time you make your final payment for the trip. However, to receive the pre-existing waiver with your coverage, the insurance must be purchased the same day you make your deposit for the trip. The Group certificates can be accessed by clicking HERE . To view a full listing of coverage benefits click HERE .

    • Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance: Allianz Cancel ANY Time policy which covers any reason you may want/need to cancel your trip (not just the pandemic at hand) and reimburses up to 75% of the trip cost if you cancel using the CFAR option. If you cancel for medical/sickness reasons the policy will reimburse up to 100%. You can purchase this coverage by clicking HERE .

    When will I get more information on optional tours?

    Optional tour information will be sent out to all travelers approximately 110 days prior to travel. You will have plenty of time to review and pre-pay for these tours prior to travel.

    Can I upgrade my seat assignment or flights?

    Seat upgrades are possible in most cases, depending on the airlines availability and rates. Options vary depending on the specific airline booked and the equipment used for specific flight routes/connections. Requests should be submitted by the time you make your final payment for the trip, so that we can review options and ticket you accordingly. If you requested upgrade options, our air department will reach out to you with specific options at the time of ticketing. Your prompt response to those options is required as prices and availability are subject to change until finalized. Group tickets may not be upgradeable, so it is important that we know your requests prior to tickets being issued. Requests received after ticketing may not be possible and/or may incur airline change fees.

    Can I use my frequent flyer points to upgrade my flights?

    You can provide your Frequent Flyer details. If we book the airline, you have points with, we will enter the information you provided with your reservation. If you register for a Frequent Flyer account after you are ticketed, you can enter the information into your record on the airline’s website and send us the information to keep on file for future flights booked through us.

    Can I extend my trip or travel from a different home city? If so, how does that work and what is the cost?

    Absolutely. We are happy to work with you and your guests in making special travel arrangements. These are handled on a case-by-case basis approximately 120 days prior to the trip. If you wish to extend your trip or travel from a different home city, you should put your detailed requests in writing as soon as possible so that we can begin working on the research for their trips. Approximately 75-100 days prior to their travel dates, Perfect Pairings/Adelman Travel will send you information detailing your travel options. At that time, you may elect to use our services, cancel your request and simply travel with the group, or make your own arrangements. Either way, you must return the materials with your final selection noted so that we can finalize ticketing arrangements on your behalf.

    I want to travel from a different home city than the group, is there a cost?

    That’s not a problem. Let us know where you’d like to fly from prior to making your final payment for the trip. We will provide you with an estimated cost to make those arrangements for you. Prices range from $95 - $395 per person to fly from different home cities.

    Can I make my own flight arrangements?

    Yes. If you are interested in making your own flight arrangements, please let us know and we will provide you with a deduction on your final invoice.

    What if people want to travel together, what steps are needed to keep them together as much as possible?

    Guests wishing to travel together need to put their requests in writing and submit to Perfect Pairings/ Adelman Travel via email receptionist@foodandwinetrails.com and identify exactly who they wish to travel with (i.e. Marta Jones and Betty Harris wish to travel with Susie & Tom Klein - they are traveling on the JUSTIN Winery Wine Cruise with xxx in Month YEAR)

    How are seat assignments handled?

    Every airline has different rules regarding group seating. As a courtesy, Perfect Pairings/ Adelman Travel makes every effort to secure appropriate seating for you and your travel companion. However, we cannot guarantee that the individual airlines will honor our requests. Therefore, if your particular seat assignment is essential to your travel, we encourage our guests to contact the airlines approximately 1 week prior to travel to inquire as to your assignment. Please note that many airlines will wait to confirm arrangements for group seating until airport check in. Additionally, due to the nature of travel, airlines may change aircraft up until the time of departure; which may affect any pre-confirmed seating arrangements.

    What luggage requirements do I need to know about?

    Currently, most airlines allow passengers flying to Europe to check one bag at no extra charge. If you choose to check two bags, you will be responsible for the additional charge, which is typically $50 each way. Neither bag can exceed the maximum weight allowance of 50 lbs nor can they exceed the linear inches limit of 62” (total length + width + height). You are also allowed a carry-on small enough to place underneath the seat of the plane or in the overhead bin. You will not be allowed to board the plane without your passport (please be sure to check the expiration date before you leave home). As airline policies may vary and are subject to change, we recommend that you visit your airlines website for specific luggage policies and limitations 2-3 weeks prior to traveling.

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