{"id":19141,"date":"2015-10-09T12:46:53","date_gmt":"2015-10-09T18:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?p=19141"},"modified":"2022-05-24T05:45:54","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T09:45:54","slug":"portugals-river-of-gold-aboard-viking-torgil-day-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/2015\/10\/portugals-river-of-gold-aboard-viking-torgil-day-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Portugal’s River of Gold Aboard Viking Torgil – Day 7"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Splendid Salamanca<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Come<\/a>
Come explore Salamanca, Spain with us as our 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold cruise continues with Viking River Cruises! Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Monday, October 6, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today is a very noteworthy day onboard Viking River Cruises<\/a><\/strong>\u2019 10-day Portugal\u2019s River of Gold<\/em><\/strong> itinerary that we find ourselves currently enjoying. While our cruise aboard the 106-guest Viking Torgil<\/em><\/strong> focuses primarily on Portugal\u2019s Douro River Valley, today is the day that guests are invited to journey further after \u2013 to the historic city of Salamanca, Spain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunrise<\/a>
Sunrise this morning, as seen from our docking location. It would set the stage for a fantastic full-day tour into Spain. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>, Salamanca is nestled within the Iberian countryside roughly 2.5 hours away from our current docking location. I think it is particularly noteworthy that our full-day tour (which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.) is provided complimentary. Think about the cost of running three coaches all day \u2013 fuel, wages, permits and parking \u2013 and you\u2019ll realize that if you were going to do this on your own it would cost you hundreds of Euros per person. Aboard Viking Torgil<\/em>, it\u2019s entirely free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Good<\/a>
Good Morning, Salamanca! Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And yet, I was surprised when I boarded the coach this morning that it wasn\u2019t as full as it has been. Some people were put off by the duration of time on the coach (five hours in total), but the choice was entirely theirs to either participate in the excursion or stay aboard the ship. Viking doesn\u2019t pressure you into doing anything you don\u2019t want to; guests are told when coaches will be departing, and if you haven\u2019t collected your boarding pass from Reception on Deck 3 and boarded the bus at the given time, staff will assume you\u2019ve elected to stay with the ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re also honest, freely admitting that there wasn\u2019t much to do in our port of call of Vega de Terron, Spain<\/strong>, which is little more than a service docking location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Salamanca<\/a>
Salamanca is a striking blend of old and new – and even abandoned buildings have a certain artistic charm to them. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I, however, wasn\u2019t passing up the chance to see this historic Spanish city. At 8:30 a.m., I boarded the Amazing Bus (Coach A) once again, where Maria and our driver \u201cJessica\u201d (whose real name is Vladimiro) and settled in for the drive to Salamanca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the lowdown on the drive: yes, it\u2019s 2.5 hours long. My advice: deal with it. I know that sounds harsh, but let\u2019s face it, most people would give their left arm to visit Salamanca. Enduring a long ride in a luxury Volvo coach seems like an odd thing to complain about \u2013 and I dislike coach journeys with a passion. However, I\u2019ve found a way to deal with them: I bring my iPod, load up some music I enjoy, and watch the landscape pass. Sleep also appeared to be a popular option!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"At<\/a>
At every turn, baked goods, pastries, and coffee beckons. Salamanca could almost be French. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Before long, we were stepping off the coach in Salamanca. Because of the Spanish penchant for siesta<\/em>, our day started with three full hours of free time before our scheduled lunch back at a local hotel. Following lunch, guests would be taken on a guided walking tour of Salamanca \u2013 or, elect to have more free time, which is what I did, meeting the coach at the appointed time of 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The “New” Cathedral in Salamanca dates back to 1513. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

So what can you do in Salamanca? For starters, the \u201ccathedrals\u201d are a must-see. Catedral Veija <\/em>(Old Cathedral) <\/strong>and Catedral Nueva <\/em>(New Cathedral)<\/strong> are located just south of Plaza Mayor<\/strong>, in Plaza Juan XXIII, <\/strong>and are actually connected to one another. In fact, the only way to enter the Old Cathedral is by way of the New Cathedral. Of course, this is Europe: Catedral Nueva<\/em> was built between 1513 and 1733.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New Cathedral, in pictures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inside,<\/a>
Inside, the New Cathedral of Salamanca is an imposing giant of a structure; as immense in scale as it is beautiful. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Exhibits<\/a>
Exhibits with artifacts are scattered throughout the cathedral, and a hand-held headset provides interpretation in a variety of languages. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Photo<\/a>
Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Hypnotic<\/a>
Hypnotic ceilings. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You might think after seeing the New Cathedral that the Old Cathedral would be a disappointment, but Catedral Veija<\/em> is even more spectacular. Built prior to the 1100\u2019s, the cathedral runs the gamut in terms of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance to Byzantine depending on the century of construction. It\u2019s also impressively sprawling, with a variety of anterooms, chambers and hallways jutting off from the main cathedral. There are also 53 detailed murals from the 15th<\/sup> century that are impeccable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One entrance fee gives you an audio handset and admission to both cathedrals. At \u20ac4.75 for an adult admission, it\u2019s a great deal. Guests were encourage to enter the cathedral on their free time, as the afternoon walking tour would view the exterior, but not the interiors, of both cathedrals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Initially,<\/a>
Initially, the Old Cathedral seems simpler in design…Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"...until<\/a>
…until you discover its sprawling network of passageways and anterooms. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Straight<\/a>
Straight out of Poe. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Photo<\/a>
Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Aside from shopping (which will play a large role in your Salamanca experience, no doubt!), Plaza Mayor<\/strong> is another must-see. Architecturally stunning and somewhat reminiscent of Piazza San Marco <\/em>in Venice, Plaza Mayor was designed by Alberto Churriguera<\/strong> and constructed over a 26-year period between 1729 and 1755.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plaza Mayor today hosts a wide array of cafes and restaurants that all feature outdoor seating which is ideal for people-watching in this bustling space. In fact, coffee and a pastry in this square is almost an absolute-must, if only for the atmosphere that the Plaza exudes. This is the social hub of old Salamanca, and tourists and locals alike flock here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some more photographs of our time in Salamanca:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a>
The striking Plaza Mayor functions as the social hub of Old Salamanca. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Plaza<\/a>
Plaza Mayor is eerily reminiscent of Piazza San Marco in Vienna. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a>
A tasty snack, anyone? Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Coffee<\/a>
Coffee in Salamanca. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Coupled with a delicious lunch at a local hotel (seafood paella!), this was one of the highlights of our 10-night journey that began in Lisbon nearly a week ago. I\u2019d highly recommend participating in this spectacular full-day excursion that Viking clearly put a lot of time and effort into arranging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the torrential rain pelting against the windows of the motorcoach as we returned to the Viking Torgil<\/em>, and exhausted after a day of touring (river cruising is such hard work), I drifted off to sleep on the coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Returning<\/a>
Returning to the coach…Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"...and<\/a>
…and an evening of activities aboard Viking Torgil. Photo \u00a9 2015 Aaron Saunders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some guests passed Salamanca up. They didn\u2019t want to take the coach. They didn\u2019t want to be on the bus for two hours. I think they missed out. Salamanca\u2019s reputation as a beautiful and breathtaking city proceeded it, and did not disappoint. After all, you only get one shot at this thing called life \u2013 and who\u2019s to say when or if we\u2019ll be back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So forget sleep \u2013 you can do that on the coach. Push yourself to the limits. See all that you can, while you can. It\u2019s to Viking\u2019s credit that they\u2019re offering you almost more than you can take in. Seize it all with outstretched arms. That\u2019s the spirit of a true Viking.<\/p>\n\n\n

Viking Torgil - Portugal's River of Gold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
DAY<\/b><\/th>PORT<\/B><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Day 1<\/a><\/td>Lisbon, Portugal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 2<\/a><\/td>Lisbon, Portugal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 3<\/a><\/td>Porto, Portugal; Embarking Viking Torgil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 4<\/a><\/td>Porto, Portugal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 5<\/a><\/td>Regua, Portugal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 6<\/a><\/td>Castelo Rodrigo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 7<\/a><\/td>Salamanca, Spain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 8<\/a><\/td>Pinhao, Portugal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day 9<\/a><\/td>Lamego, Portugal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

Our Live Voyage Report <\/em><\/strong>from onboard <\/em>Viking River Cruises\u2019 Viking Torgil<\/em><\/strong><\/a> continues tomorrow as we visit Pinhao \u2013 <\/strong>and the Portuguese Mr. Bean!! <\/strong>Be sure to follow along with our adventures on Twitter <\/em>@deckchairblog<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Splendid Salamanca Monday, October 6, 2015 Today is a very noteworthy day onboard Viking River Cruises\u2019 10-day Portugal\u2019s River of Gold itinerary that we find ourselves currently enjoying. While our cruise aboard the 106-guest Viking Torgil focuses primarily on Portugal\u2019s Douro River Valley, today is the day that guests are invited to journey further after […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":19408,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"full-width-content","footnotes":""},"categories":[501,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19141"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19141"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19141\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}