Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Arrive Madrid

   Arrive in the Spanish capital of Madrid and be transferred to your hotel.

2. 2

   Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Embark Ship

   Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.

3. 3

   Vega de Terron, Pinhão

   On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhão, where your ship will dock overnight.

4. 4

   Pinhão, Régua

   Visit Pinhão Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. Later, be awed by the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before you as your ship cruises through the heart of the Douro Valley region to Régua. Soak up the serenity of this enchanting setting as you glide past terraced vineyards and lush, rolling hills.

5. 5

   Régua

   Enjoy a full day in Régua, where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing options before a special Signature Experience.

   Freedom of Choice – Tour Lamego

   Set among hills adorned with vineyards in the Alto Douro region, Lamego is a charming town. On a guided tour, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego.

   Freedom of Choice – Visit Palácio de Mateus

   Embark on a trip to Palácio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine.

   Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca

   Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in the Lamego municipality, the prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features 75 hectares of vineyards.

6. 6

   Entre-os-Rios

   Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.

   Freedom of Choice – Tour Guimarães

   Explore the historic city of Guimarães with a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   Freedom of Choice – Winery Tour and Tasting

   Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Vinho Verde wine region since the 1870s. Explore the gardens and round off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

7. 7

   Entre-os-Rios, Porto

   Arrive in the charming city of Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town before enjoying a Signature Experience in the evening.

   Signature Experience – Fado performance in Palácio da Bolsa

   Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

8. 8

   Porto

   Spend a full day discovering Porto, beginning in the morning as you set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. On your final evening on board, take in Porto from a privileged vantage point as your ship glides along the river, revealing the city's sights and landmarks illuminated in the evening light.

   Freedom of Choice — Portuguese Tart Cooking Class

   Put on your baker's apron for a hands-on class devoted to Portugal’s most beloved sweet, the pastéis de nata. Guided by a renowned chef, discover the secrets behind its delicate, flaky pastry and silky custard filling as you take part in the preparation process yourself. As the tarts emerge warm from the oven, savour your freshly baked creation, perfectly paired with a glass of Portuguese port.

   Freedom of Choice – Port Tasting and Cable Car

   Take a scenic cable car ride, savouring panoramic views of the city below. Then visit Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto's famous Port wine cellars. Here, you'll visit Taylor's Port, established over three centuries ago, it stands as one of the oldest founding Port houses in the region. Take a guided tour of the recently renovated 300-year-old cellars, learn about its history and production today, followed by a tasting.

9. 9

   Porto, Disembark Ship, Coimbra, Lisbon

   After you disembark from your ship, travel through Portugal’s countryside towards Coimbra. Discover this preserved medieval city, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.

10. 10

    Lisbon

    Set off to see the sites of Lisbon with a tasting of Pastel de Bacalhau and a visit to a local bakery while exploring the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a special dinner.

11. 11

    Lisbon, Sintra

    As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena before enjoying free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then soak up the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Make the most of your final night in Lisbon and head out to try one of the local restaurants for an authentic dinner.

12. 12

    Lisbon, Algarve

    Travel towards the sun-drenched Algarve coast today, renowned for its alluring cliffs, attractive bays and pristine islands. Arrive at your hotel, where you'll stay for the next two nights.

13. 13

    Algarve

    This morning, discover Ria Formosa National Park on a local boat trip. Extending about 60km along Portugal's southeastern coast from Faro to Tavira, this area features islands, sandbars, lagoons, canals and marshes that shift with currents and tides, supporting diverse wildlife. You’ll then have the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the facilities at your resort. Relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment.

14. 14

    Algarve, Seville

    Cross the border into Spain today and travel to historic Seville. The Andalusian capital is known for flamenco dancing and its Moorish architecture.

15. 15

    Seville

    Today, explore beautiful Seville. Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Europe’s oldest active palace, which dates back to the 11th century when Muslim rulers built a fortress in a strategic part of Seville for security. Enclosed by walls, the site features various palaces and gardens, reflecting different historical periods. Afterwards, admire Seville Cathedral and La Giralda tower.

16. 16

    Seville, Ronda, Granada

    Travel to Ronda and embark on a guided exploration of this mountaintop town set above a deep gorge. Revel in the beauty of its vistas. Later, travel to Granada.

17. 17

    Granada

    Embark on a guided tour to see the World Heritage-listed Alhambra, a location encapsulating Andalusian history. Be captivated by the Moorish architecture of this masterpiece that is part fortress, part palace. Admire the Court of the Lions, featuring the restored Lion Fountain, and wander through the beautiful Nasrid Palace complex with its opulent courtyards, reception halls and royal quarters. Tonight, a spectacular Signature Experience awaits.

    Signature Experience – Flamenco Show and Tapas

    In a local gypsy cave, feel the passion of a flamenco show as you graze on tasty tapas.

18. 18

    Granada, Córdoba

    Today, visit an authentic Spanish olive estate and sample some of the finest olives that are used to produce Spain's world-famous olive oil. Afterwards, head to the city of Córdoba, a prominent Roman city.

19. 19

    Córdoba

    This morning, set out on a guided tour of Córdoba. Visit the impressive Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba and the historic Jewish Quarter. Delight in the unique architecture of the city, influenced by a melting pot of cultures and religions. Later, enjoy time at leisure to explore more of this fascinating destination.

20. 20

    Cordoba, Toledo, Madrid

    Travel to Toledo and take a guided stroll through the city’s the narrow streets, rich in history. As one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire, ancient Toledo is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Afterwards, continue to Spain’s capital, Madrid.

21. 21

    Madrid

    Enjoy a guided discovery of Madrid’s icons. Head out to see the vast Royal Palace, the lush Buen Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The evening is yours to explore this vibrant city at leisure. Perhaps dine at one of the city’s restaurants and indulge in authentic Spanish cuisine.

22. 22

    Madrid, Barcelona

    Today, visit the world-renowned Museo del Prado, Spain's principal national art museum, located in the heart of Madrid, and enjoy a guided tour of the museum, marvelling at works by master painters including Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. Later, be transferred to Madrid railway station and board your train to the coastal city of Barcelona.

23. 23

    Barcelona

    Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. Afterwards, take a panoramic tour of the city, including a drive along Passeig de Gràcia, where you will see the facades of many of Antoni Gaudí's emblematic buildings. You'll also see the exterior of the towering Sagrada Família. This evening, come together to share a farewell dinner.

    Signature Experience – Before-Hours Visit to Casa Vicens

    Begin your day with an exclusive before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Gaudí. Situated in the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona, Casa Vicens is Gaudí’s first major project and a brilliant example of his unique architectural style.

24. 24

    Depart Barcelona

    It is time to say farewell. After breakfast, be transferred to the airport.

Accommodation

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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