By Susan Hanson
Splurge: Porto, Portugal
Fifteen days, $12,400
CRUISE: In
Portugal, terraced vineyards and cozy
quintas (estates) line the slopes of the Douro River Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.
Viking River Cruises sails through on a
ten-day Lisbon-to-Porto adventure on the 106-passenger
Viking Torgil. Visit wineries in Régua and Pinhão – plus Salamanca, Spain – then uncork a bottle on your Veranda Suite’s balcony. A pair of overnights in Porto allow plenty of time for sampling the city’s renowned ports.
Departures: Multiple dates, March 21 through December 19, 2017; Veranda Suites from $4,499 per person.
PLUS: See more of Spain with three pre-cruise days in
Madrid and two more after in
Santiago. Both packages include accommodations, guided tours, and ship transfers.
From $1,198 per person.
SOUVENIR: Everything at
A Vida Portuguesa (
Rua Anchieta 11) is made in Portugal. Pick up a pair of Ideal & Co leather messenger bags, perfect for toting the rest of your purchases.
$517 each.
TOTAL: From $12,428 per couple
Steal: Portland, Oregon
Eight days, $7,400
CRUISE: Oregon may not typically conjure images of the French countryside, but the Willamette Valley shares a similar climate with Burgundy, making its pinot varietals a worthy contender. A wine expert leads daily tastings on board and at local vineyards during
UnCruise Adventures’
eight-day, round-trip-from-Portland cruise along the Columbia River on the 88-passenger
Legacy. A pre- or post-cruise deep dive into Portland’s diverse restaurant scene pairs well with the voyage.
Departures: Multiple dates, April 15 through October 21, 2017; from $3,695 per person.
PLUS: While at port in Hood River, take in panoramic Columbia River Gorge views during a vineyard and wine-cave tour at
Maryhill Winery.
Included in fare.
SOUVENIR: A Portland can’t-miss: the International Rose Test Garden. Local perfumer Olo Fragrance’s Cedar & Rose scent, available at
Milk Milk Lemonade (
1407 SE Belmont Street), will trigger olfactory memories for months to come.
$45.
TOTAL: From $7,435 per couple
*
Prices were accurate when the article appeared in the February/March 2017 issue of Virtuoso Traveler
. Check with your travel advisor for current rates.
Photo Credits: (Verandah Balcony) Mary Quincy
