Travel

International Travel Program 2008
Portugal and Spain
September 03 – 13

This fall, September 3 – 13, the Broward Community College Foundation will host its Fourth Annual International Travel Adventure in Portugal and Spain. The program includes a prelude stay at the 5-Star Le Méridien Park Atlantic Lisboa and an exclusive, first-class itinerary aboard the MS AMADOURO, the newest ship sailing the scenic Douro River.

This year we are able to offer our travel program at an exceptional price: $6,500 per couple, including 2 nights at the Le Méridien* hotel in Lisbon and 7 nights in a “Category A” stateroom on the Upper Deck of the MS AMADOURO. This an incredible value for two people, and because the BCC Foundation is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization supporting Broward Community College, a portion of the total cost of your trip can go toward scholarships for deserving students and may be tax-deductible.

The Le Méridien hotel is located in the heart of Lisbon, capital city of Portugal, one of the oldest countries in Europe. Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history, but it is the people who will truly amaze you. You will never forget how genuinely warm and welcoming they are. Onboard the MS AMADOURO, you will sail to historic villages, grand monuments, baroque monasteries and romantic castles situated along the Douro River.

The foundation’s cruises have sold out for the last three years and this year is sure to be no exception. With the value of the dollar down, the value of the Euro up, and considering that all onboard meals, dinner wines and shore excursions are included, this is truly an extraordinary opportunity.

A $2,500 reservation fee per stateroom is required, and the balance will be due May 2.

Become part of our valued tradition of offering the best in unique and classic luxury travel with a purpose.

2 Nights at the 5-Star Le Méridien Park Atlantic Lisboa*

Le Méridien is in the heart of Lisbon, the capital city and cultural hub of Portugal, in the sophisticated area of Eduardo VII Park, next to the Marquês de Pombal Square. Le Méridien offers superb regional and international cuisine at L’Appart, a cozy bar, a fitness facility, 24-hour room service and nearby access to a private health club, “Clube VII,” which includes a gym, indoor pool, tennis courts, whirlpool and massages. Unique and stylish guestrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with an in-room safe, TV, mini-bar and telephone with voicemail. A daily breakfast buffet is included.

7 nights aboard the MS Amadouro, the Newest Ship Sailing the Douro River.

Built in 2005, the MS Amadouro is designed for your comfort and aesthetic pleasure. The 255-foot vessel has a crew of 30 and a spacious Sun Deck with two Jacuzzis, a swimming pool and bar. There is a Panoramic Lounge where you can relax and watch the scenery by day and enjoy the dance floor at night. Your dining experience is enhanced by gleaming mahogany woods and polished marble. Also onboard are a gift shop, internet access and an elevator that reaches the lower, main and upper decks. Your evening entertainment features performances from a local Portuguese Troup and an all-woman Spanish flamenco group.

All staterooms are 135 square feet, “Category A” on the Upper Deck, and feature private balconies. All staterooms offer TV, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, hairdryer, ample closet space, vanity with sitting area and full length mirror. Electric current is 220 volts.

EXPLORING THE DOURO VALLEY – ITINERARY**

Day 1, Wednesday, September 3. DEPART USA. Board your overnight flight to PORTUGAL.

Day 2, Thursday, September 4. LISBON. Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to your hotel.

Day 3, Friday, September 5. LISBON. Amadeus Waterways will customize a tour for the BCC Foundation’s Group.

Day 4, Saturday, September 6. LISBON – COIMBRA – PORTO. Depart Lisbon this morning and drive north through Portugal’s countryside towards Porto. Stop along the way to spend several hours in the historic city of Coimbra. Not only were six Portuguese kings born here, but it also has one of the oldest universites in the world, which was founded August 13, 1290. Explore the city at your leisure then continue on to Porto where your ship awaits you. Relax or explore the city on your own before gathering onboard for a Welcome Cocktail.

Day 5, Sunday, September 7. RÉGUA – CASA MATEUS – PINHÃO. After lunch, arrive in Régua and drive to Casa Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the beautiful region of Trásos-Montos just outside the city of Vila Real. After your tour, rejoin the ship in Pinhão. Tonight, enjoy a gourmet meal at the esteemed Vintage House Hotel, which lies on the very edge of the river surrounded by the world’s oldest distinguished wine region. The ship moors overnight in Pinhão.

Day 6, Monday, September 8. PINHÃO – BARCA D’ALVA. Spend your morning at your leisure to explore the city on your own, and perhaps see the railway station that is beautifully inlayed with panels of Azulejos. Before lunch, visit the Vintage House Hotel for a Port wine lecture and wine tasting. Return to the ship and sail to Vega de Terrón. The ship moors overnight in Barca d’Alva.

Day 7, Tuesday, September 9. SALAMANCA, SPAIN – VEGA DE TERRÓN, PORTUGAL. Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the “Castilla y León” region of Spain. During a guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12^th century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant for some delicious authentic Spanish cuisine. There will be some time to explore the city on your own before returning to the ship. Perhaps, visit the locals “living room,” otherwise know as the Plaza Mayor, or stop by a café for a drink and some Tapas. Tonight, enjoy a flamenco show by four traditional female dancers performing to an array of popular Spanish songs. The ship moors overnight in Vega de Terrón.

Day 8, Wednesday, September 10. VEGA DE TERRÓN – PINHÃO. After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop. See 16^th century walls and walk down very narrow and steep medieval streets and the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain decorated with black faces, which sits stoically in the market square. Return to the ship for lunch to sail to Pinhão. Onboard this evening, enjoy a show by a folklore Portuguese troupe.

Day 9, Thursday, September 11. LAMEGO – BITETOS. Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you sail to Regua. Then, drive to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient and picturesque, Lamego houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The remainder of the morning is yours to explore the town on your own to visit the gothic Cathedral or the town’s museum. You may also want to visit one of the cafés to sample a “bola de Lamego” (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes or treat yourself to a glass of Raposeira, Lamego’s very well-known sparkling wine. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Tonight, appreciate a traditional “home-cooked” meal at the 14^th century Alpendurada Monastery. Before dinner, savor a glass of Port wine and a breathtaking view of the river valley from the monastery’s terrace. The ship moors overnight in Bitetos.

Day 10, Friday, September 12. PORTO. During your sightseeing city tour, you will see 16^th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge build by French engineer Gustav Eiffel. Drive through its elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore its Old City with steep medieval lanes and alleys. If you’re looking for some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you’ll find the Casa da Musica and the museum of Modern Art. Tonight, say goodbye to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail.

Day 11, Saturday, September 13. PORTO. Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

* This hotel is subject to change and will be substituted with one that is comparable.

** Please note: Confirmed schedules will be supplied with your travel documents about three weeks prior to the trip.

Airfare and airport transfers are not included. This year we are pleased to welcome a new travel partner, Olwell Travel Service, which can offer assistance with flight arrangements, airport transfers and trip cancellation insurance. For information, contact Lynn or Ulli at 954-764-8510 or 1-800-234-8510, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday - Friday.

The Broward Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. A portion of the cost of your trip may be tax-deductible. Please consult your financial advisor.

BCCF 2008 Travel Order Form

Please Click here to place your deposit