Fred Child

A floating classical music, food and wine festival

SOLD OUT! Classical Portugal and Spain Cruise with Performance Today

SOLD OUT! CALL TO GET ON WAIT LIST!

Calling all classical music enthusiasts – as well as lovers of food, wine, art and history! Join Performance Today host Fred Child for 2023 Classical Cruise to Portugal and Spain! This exclusive PERFORMANCE TODAY voyage begins in Lisbon, where you’ll be immersed in Portugal’s diverse heritage. The fun continues as you travel north to charming Porto via Portugal’s oldest university town, Coimbra. Savor traditional Portuguese cuisine in a seaside café and lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of Porto’s medieval center before boarding the privately-chartered, newly built MS Amalia Rodrigues for a stunning seven-night classical cruise highlighting Portugal and Spain’s extraordinary cultural heritage.

Cruising the Douro River Valley by small ship you'll discover quaint villages, elegant estates and lush vineyards. Spend an afternoon at the remarkable Prehistoric Rock-Art Site of the Côa Valley which today is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. To top it off, you will enjoy evening Perf Chats on board with Performance Today host Fred Child and numerous classical performances, Portuguese fado and Spanish Flamenco. Our
tailor-made custom voyage to Portugal and Spain promises to be an adventure unlike any other. A delightful blend of classical music, history, food and wine – all enjoyed with classical music public radio enthusiasts like you! Space is limited – Reserve now by calling 800-723-8454.

Fred Child

Fred Child

Since 2000, Fred has been the host of APM's Performance Today, the most-listened-to classical music radio show in America. Fred is also the commentator and announcer for Live From Lincoln Center, the only live performing arts series on television. Fred also hosts musical events on stages around the country, working with major orchestras and festivals, and connecting with audiences coast to coast.

Fred has hosted live national concert broadcasts, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic from Walt Disney Hall, the Last Night of the Proms from London, New Year's concerts by the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, dozens of A-list artists from Carnegie Hall, and BBC specials for American audiences.

Fred's music reviews have appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, and his music reports have appeared on NPR's Morning Edition. He's been a contributor to Billboard magazine, and a concert host and commentator for BBC Radio 3.

While growing up in Portland, Oregon, Fred studied classical piano. He also dabbles in guitar, percussion and bagpipes. His percussion band opened for the Grateful Dead at the Oakland Coliseum. He has narrated works at the Aspen Festival, with the Virginia Symphony, with the U.S. Marine Band and at the Round Top Festival-Institute. This will be Fred's eighth hosted adventure with Performance Today listeners.

Itinerary

Day 0 - April 30, 2023: Depart North America for Lisbon

You may opt to fly over a few days early, however, all travelers must depart North America by April 30, in order to attend the our first festive group gathering in Lisbon at 6:00pm on May 1. When booking your flight, please note that Earthbound Expeditions is providing complimentary airport transfers for guests arriving in Lisbon on May 1, between 8am and 12pm.

Day 1 - May 1: Welcome to Porgugal

Bem vindo a Portugal (Welcome to Portugal)! Guests arriving between 8am and 12pm today will be greeted at the airport and transferred to our 4 star hotel located in the heart of Lisbon. Rest up and relax before meeting your Earthbound Expeditions guide Matthew Brumley and PERFORMANCE TODAY host, Fred Child for a festive welcome feast. Sleep in the heart of Lisbon at the EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel (D)

Day 2 - May 2: Discover Vibrant Lisbon

Today’s excursion begins in the Belém district with an indepth tour of the Jerónimos Monastery, one of the most prominent examples of Portuguese late Gothic Manueline style of architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Monument to the Discoveries: a romantic celebration of Portugal’s Age of Exploration during the 15th and 16th centuries. End your day stepping back in time in the medieval alleys of the Alfama District, named by the Moors who gave this historic district its distinct atmosphere. Certainly Lisbon’s most emblematic quarter, it’s also the most rewarding to walkers and photographers with spectacular views and enchanting architecture. Sleep in Lisbon. (B)

Day 3 - May 3: North to Porto via Coimbra

After breakfast, we depart for the vibrant university town of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest university towns and the birthplace of six Portuguese kings. After an independent lunch, we arrive in Porto in the late afternoon and board our luxury river ship, the MS Amalia Rodrigues. Enjoy a welcome aboard briefing by the captain and guides, followed by dinner. Sleep aboard the MS Amalia Rodrigues. Classical Performance Today. (B,D)

Day 4 - May 4: Explore Porto, Portugal

You’ll spend a full day in Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. The historic riverfront with its colorful houses is a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with local experts, you’ll admire the city’s artful bridges, gorgeous Baroque cathedral and grand plazas. Enjoy the vibrant, bustling atmosphere in the narrow cobblestone streets of the Ribeira district. And of course, no visit would be complete without tasting the namesake drink, so we have arranged a visit with a local wine maker to sample some port wine. Lunch will be served on board the ship and you’ll have the afternoon for independent discovery. Your local guides will assist with suggestions such as Guimarães and its medieval quarter or wine and port lovers may choose to visit the famed Graham’s 1890 Lodge to sample a selection of their world-class ports. This evening, you’ll dine on board and enjoy an evening classical concert while watching the sunset over the harbor. Sleep onboard. Classical Performance Today. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - May 5: Regua, Portugal

Sailing east up the Douro River, by midday we arrive in Régua. After lunch, an excursion is planned to the Vila Real and the fabulous Mateus Palace. This gorgeous Baroque palace, famous for its grand staircase and priceless antiques, was the home of the last count of Vila Real. After our tour, enjoy a wine tasting at a nearby vineyard. We rejoin the ship at Pinhão. This evening you’ll be treated to another delicious dinner onboard and a sunset classical concert. Sleep onboard. Classical Performance Today. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - May 6: Barca D'Alva, Portugal

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we continue cruising east along the Douro past extraordinary steep rock formations, lush terraced vineyards, and charming bridges and trestles en-route to Barca d’Alva, located near the Spanish border. After lunch, enjoy a scenic excursion to the 12th century Castelo Rodrigo, towering above the valleys below. This ancient stronghold was a place of refuge for Jews during the Spanish Inquisition, evidence of which is found on Sinagoga Street. We return to the ship in the late afternoon stopping along the way where the views are at their best. Classical Performance Today. Sleep onboard. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - May 7: Full Day in Stunning Salamanca, Spain!

We’re in Spain today and we’ll tour Salamanca’s most interesting sights. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this elegant town is the home of an ancient Roman bridge, a towering Gothic cathedral and a thriving university. Salamanca also boasts Spain’s most beautiful central plaza. After a morning orientation tour, the day is yours to relax, stroll and seek out your own Spanish treasure. In the late afternoon meet the ship in Vega de Terrón. Sleep onboard. Classical Performance Today. (B,D)

Day 8 - May 8: Pinhao, Portugal

Sail west down the Douro passing some of the region’s most beloved vineyards. Disembark for a short scenic drive up to the little village of Favaios. This small town is one of the six official wine producing villages of the Douro Valley. Enjoy a visit to the bread and wine museum and enjoy some of the local products before continuing on for lunch at Quinta da Avessada, a rustic centuries-old winery in the heart of the Douro Wine District (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here we sample some local varieties of wine, such as Moscatel. In the late afternoon we return to the ship to make the return voyage to Porto! Sleep onboard. Classical Performance Today. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - May 9: Regua Lamego Tour and Bolas Tasting

Travel to charming Lamego, a renowned and important pilgrimage site. Visit the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) which features exquisitely decorated white and blue tiles. For the more active, you may wish to set out on a hike. This afternoon sample local traditional specialties, such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a delicious Portuguese sparkling wine. After, we visit the Episcopal Palace Museum which houses the Museu de Lamego. Lovers of archeology, paintings and tapestries will greatly enjoy their time here. Classical Performance Today. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - May 10: Your Journey Culminates

Your classical journey officially ends after breakfast today. Early and mid-morning complimentary airport transfers will be included for anyone departing by air this morning. Return home with a lifetme of happy memories. Bon Voyage!

Trip Highlights

  • Numerous private classical concerts in historic venues, wineries and on-board your first-class luxury ship
  • On-board Perf Chats with hosted by Fred Child
  • Exclusive Performance Today shore excursions with two pre-cruise nights in Lisbon
  • Daily talks on music, architecture, wine, food and history
  • All custom shore excursions included
  • Excursion to Salamanca, Spain
  • A full day exploring vibrant Porto
  • The Duoro wine route with its unique UNESCO-listed landscape
  • The prehistoric UNESCO Rock-Art site of the Coa Valley
  • Gratuities for shore excursions for all local guides and drivers
  • Travel with like-minded public radio guests who a share a passion for classical music

Pricing and Terms

$4,465 - $7,145 per person based on double-occupancy

Call for early bird pricing and discount information!
Brahams - Lower Deck: $4,945 per person before discount (add $1795 for single supplement)Bach- Mid Deck: $5,645 per person before discount (add $1795 for single supplement)Bach - Mid Deck Suites: $6,145 per person before discount (add $1795 for single supplement) Beethoven - Top Deck: $6,145 per person before discount (add $2395 for single supplement)Beethoven - Top Deck Suites : $7,145 per person before discount (add $2395 for single supplement)

Not included: Gratuities for ship staff, travel insurance and any items not mentioned in your itinerary. Port taxes, charges & fees are currently at $199 and are additional. Fuel surcharges may apply.

Savings: $100 discount applies for all Performance Today or Earthbound travel alum.

Advanced, canceled or delayed sailing for cruises: Please note that cruise schedules and tour activities are subject to change due to changes in water levels, port
accessibility, weather, labor disputes or for any other reason whatsoever. The Owner or Operator of the cruise vessel may, at any time, cancel, advance or postpone
any scheduled tour and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel or itinerary, and it shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of
any such cancellation, advancement or postponement.

Travel Insurance: Earthbound Expeditions strongly encourages the purchase of Travel Insurance Coverage. We include information on trip insurance in your deposit information. It is important to check with your medical insurance provider to understand your medical benefits and coverage while traveling abroad. Please read our cancellation policy carefully in order to avoid incurring a costly penalty.

Concerts and Events: If a planned concert or event is cancelled for any reason, another concert or event will be included in its place. This is not cause for refund.

Hosted Journeys: If a host or special guest is unable to attend as planned, Earthbound Expeditions will do its utmost to find another host who has similar interests, talents and expertise. The inability of a host to participate in a tour is not grounds for a full or partial refund.

Fine Print: The most up to date Terms & Conditions found at the Earthbound Expeditions website at https://earthboundexpeditions.com/terms-conditions/

Need more information?

Call us: (1) 800-723-8454 Earthbound Expeditions is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Contact us! Complete our contact form and one of our travel consultants will contact you to answer your questions and help you complete your reservation.
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