Viking River adds Portugal and Spain to cruise line-up

Viking River Cruises will enter a new European territory in 2013 with an all-new itinerary in Portugal and Spain, allowing “travellers to experience ‘The River of Gold’ like never before.”During this 10-day cruise-and-land journey along the Douro River, guests will explore the unique cultural, historical and aesthetic offerings of Portugal and Spain, from touring a baroque mansion in Régua to strolling through the medieval city of Salamanca. The Portugal’s River of Gold cruise begins with a land tour of Lisbon. En route from Lisbon, stop in Coimbra, and the river cruise begins in Porto, home to expansive vineyards, and pauses in Bitetos and then Régua for an excursion to Lamego’s Sanctuary of Our Lady. The next stop is Pinhão, where guests will enjoy a Portuguese folk music show, and then Barca d’Alva, where the wines of Quinta do Seixo await. After a full-day excursion in Salamanca, a city which is itself a living museum, the cruise docks at Vega de Terrón for a tour of the small village of Castelo Rodrigo, and then returns to Régua before the final stop in Porto. Guests will travel in the sleek and stylish Viking Douro, one of the newest ships sailing the Douro River. A floating hotel, the ship features elegant interiors, spacious staterooms with French balconies and a panoramic sun deck with a pool and Jacuzzi. For a limited time only, Viking is offering a 2013 Early Booking Discount: 2-FOR-1 cruise and land pricing plus $1,100 per couple off the brochure air rate. All itinerary details, dates and pricing, as well as travel agent benefits, are available on the company’s travel agent portal at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/agents .