Ship has now been transported to Hardinxveld, the Netherlands for its final outfitting
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Serbia-based Vahali Shipyard has completed the hull for Tauck’s new riverboat, Andorinha, which will sail on the river Douro in Portugal.
The vessel has now been transported to Hardinxveld in the Netherlands where the final outfitting procedures will take place.
Tauck has also released the specifics of Andorinha’s three new 2020 itineraries, which all feature a range of excursions and activities, including visits to Guimareas, Portugal.
The ‘Douro Discovery: A Family River Cruise in Portugal’ voyage begins with a two-night stay in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. Guest activities include: a tour, reception and welcome dinner at the 18th century National Palace of Queluz; a tram ride through the bohemian Bairro Alto enclave; a guided walking tour of the city’s Alfama neighbourhood; a trip to the National Maritime Museum; and a walking tour of the medieval city of Coimbra.
Guests then embark on a five-night cruise to Porto, Pinhao and the Museo do Douro in Peso da Régua. They can choose between various activities, including a hike through Pinhao’s hilltop vineyards, kayaking, an excursion to Guimareas and a bike ride to Amarante.
On Tauck’s eight-day, cruise-only ‘Villages & Vintages: Cruising the Douro River Valley’ itinerary guests can enjoy walking tours in Porto and Ribeira; private dinners with wine pairings at the Quinta do Portal wine estate; trips to the port wine ‘cave’ in Vila Nova de Gaia, the Museo do Douro and the Museo de Côa to explore Palaeolithic history; and a cocktail-making workshop. Additional choices include a walking tour of Pinhao, a hike among hilltop vineyards, a visit to 18th-century Mateus Palace in Vila Real, or a cycling excursion through the Vinho Verde wine region.
The 12-day ‘Exploring the Douro, Plus Lisbon & Madrid’ itinerary begins in Lisbon with a welcome dinner at the National Palace of Queluz. Guests will explore Coimbra before arriving in Porto to embark on Andorinha. Highlights of the river cruise include visits to a wine-growing estate in a Vinho Verde vineyard and the 12th-century Monastery of St. John, a bike ride in Peso da Régua, a cocktail-making class and a gourmet meal by Rui Paula at the restaurant DOC. After disembarking, passengers can go on a walking tour of Salamanca and then spend two nights in The Westin Palace, Madrid.