Vega de Terron-Salamanca (Spain)

Vega de Terron is a Douro River cruise port in Spain and the gateway to Salamanca (Spain).  Town's most distinctive feature is the fountain Chafariz dos Pretos (located close to market square).

Vega de Terron is also near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo - village with surrounding defensive walls, and offering insight into region's life as early as 13th century. Castelo Rodrigo has been a way station for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

Salamanca

Salamanca is Tormes River cruise port and city in northwestern Spain, with population around 155,000. Cruisetours to Salamanca are offered from Vega de Terron. The city is one of Spain's greatest artistic and historical places.

Plaza Mayor, a pretty main square, is in the centre of the city. On Cathedral Square cruisers will find the twin cathedrals - Romanesque 12th century old cathedral and new cathedral (begun in 16th and completed in 18th century). Facing the new cathedral is the main university building with a beautiful 15th century Plateresque facade. Nearby is Neoclassical 18th century Colegio de Anaya and 16th century Colegio de Fonseca, the only remaining old residential college.

Also worth seeing are 16th century Dominican convent, 17th century church of the convent of Augustinians, and the church of San Esteban where Christopher Columbus was examined by the Council of Theologians (1486), the Romanesque Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury and 12th century Church of San Martín. Other sights of interest include the Roman bridge, Torre del Clavero - almost all that remains of the city walls from the 15th century and legendary Cave of Salamanca in the ruined crypt of former Church of Saint Cyprian. 16th century Casa de las Conchas features outside walls covered with carvings of scallop shells, symbol of military Order of Santiago.