Get Cultural With ACE 
07.12.2013
Get Cultural With ACE
Dec 7.- For anyone who can recall the Royal Barge during Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations last year, here is a truly regal opportunity to sample that majestic style, sailing on the Spirit of Chartwell as it cruises along the ‘River of Gold’ through the vineyards and historic towns of Portugal’s northern valleys.
This unique cultural cruise is new for 2014 from ACE Cultural Tours. The Spirit of Chartwell was completely refurbished to host the Queen and Prince Philip during the pageant along the River Thames and is now based in Portugal, fully equipped with a restaurant, piano bar and observation deck.
Every cultural tour from ACE is led by an expert Tour Director who is not only a specialist in their field, but a convivial host. This cruise will be joined by Martin Symington, of the famous Portuguese family that owns the Graham’s Port Lodge business. The cruise includes an exclusive tour and tasting at Graham’s Port Lodge, a vintage port wine celebration one evening on board ship, and a private visit to the Factory House (Association of Port Wine Shippers) in Oporto.
Other excursions include the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca, the mediaeval hill-top town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, and the pilgrimage town of Lamego.
The 7-night Douro River cruise departs October 18 and costs from £2,420 per person, including return airfare, accommodation, full board with unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee, sparkling wine with breakfast, shore excursions and admissions, music recitals and all crew gratuities.
More info: visit http://www.aceculturaltours.co.uk or call 01223 841055.