Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is proud to announce its new luxury ship, the Douro Spirit, which will sail along Portugal and Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Douro River. In 2011, the beautiful NEW Douro Spirit will be the most elegant ship to sail through the magnificent Douro River Valley.
“The Douro River Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and has also been one of Uniworld River Cruises fastest growing destinations,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld. “We are so excited to be able to offer a new ship in an area that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the World’s Great Places in their annual Destination Survey,” furthers Young.
The Douro Valley is being increasingly recognized for its wine making, natural beauty and exceptional value. Its wine heritage-Port-dates back over 2,000 years with the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The Douro Valley is also a cultural landscape of exceptional beauty with rambling vineyards and charming quintas clinging to the steep slopes of its valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions. And this is what you can expect to see and experience from the comfort of Uniworld River Cruises new Douro Spirit.
Every river-view stateroom and suite onboard features a French balcony, so guests can get closer than ever to the breathtaking scenery of the region’s unspoiled natural landscapes. Staterooms and suites also feature hotel beds draped in fine linens, built-in closets, flat-screen televisions with satellite, and complimentary bottled water; each bathroom is stocked with L’Occitane bath and body products and cozy waffle bathrobes.
The Douro Spirit’s common areas provide added comfort with a main lounge featuring a full-service bar and dance floor, sun deck with Jacuzzi® and small swimming pool, lovely onboard restaurant with open seating, fitness room, massage room, beauty salon, and a boutique. And all of this is presented on an intimate ship built to accommodate a maximum of 128 guests and provide the small-ship ambiance preferred by our experienced travelers.
Of course, even a great ship is incomplete without a great itinerary. The stylish luxury of the Douro Spirit is perfectly matched to our UNESCO World Heritage-rich Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley itinerary. Explore the seven hills of cosmopolitan Lisbon, uncovering a treasure trove of Old World architecture. Visit Coimbra, the “Birthplace of Kings;” Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center; Guimãres, which has its own UNESCO-listed Medieval city center; and Salamanca, Spain, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste a variety of wonderful local wines from village vineyards, including the famed Port wine. Feast on a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery; enjoy an authentic Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show; and dine at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. And all along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking charm, and meet warmhearted, friendly people with welcoming open arms.
Uniworld’s 11-day Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley Cruise includes: three nights in Lisbon at a deluxe hotel with breakfast; a seven-night cruise in a stateroom with a French balcony onboard the new Douro Spirit; all meals with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks served with dinner onboard; ten fully hosted shore excursions by English-speaking local guides; and transfers on arrival and departure days. Prices start from $2,999 per person, exclusive of airfare. And, if the trip is paid in full at time of booking by October 31, 2010, travelers can enjoy up to $400 per person savings, depending on the category stateroom.
