-
Cruises
All Cruises
Cruise deals
From Australia
International
Don't Miss OutHot Offers
The best-selling holidays right now, at prices that won't last.
Browse Hot Offers -
Tours
All Tours
By region
Curated lists
Travel With CompanySocial Getaways
Small-group trips designed for over 60s who love good company on the road — new friends, shared adventures, no single supplements.
Browse Over-60 Getaways -
Destinations
All Destinations
Australia & Pacific
America
Not Sure Where to Start?Book a Call
Speak with one of our friendly travel specialists — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find the right holiday.
Browse Request a call with a travel expert - Social Getaways
- Solo Holidays
- Hot Offers
- Wishlist 0
Discover the vibrant cities of Spain and cruise the stunning Douro River in Portugal on this 20-night journey
- Visit iconic landmarks in Barcelona, Madrid, Granada and Seville
- Cruise the Douro River and explore picturesque Portuguese villages
- Enjoy authentic experiences like a flamenco show and olive oil farm lunch
Trip Details
- Departs
- 16 April 2027
- Returns
- 2 November 2028
- Operator
- APT
Visit some of Spain’s most vibrant cities, including Barcelona, Madrid and Granada. Then embark on a seven-night cruise along the stunning Douro River, discovering more glorious sights in Portugal and Spain.
Departures & Pricing
- 16 Apr 2027 - 06 May 2027
from $16,570 pp twin share / $26,420 pp solo * - 14 May 2027 - 03 Jun 2027
from $16,870 pp twin share / $26,920 pp solo * - 21 May 2027 - 10 Jun 2027
from $16,870 pp twin share / $26,920 pp solo * - 18 Jun 2027 - 08 Jul 2027
from $15,970 pp twin share / $25,420 pp solo * - 16 Jul 2027 - 05 Aug 2027
from $14,470 pp twin share / $23,270 pp solo * - 06 Aug 2027 - 26 Aug 2027
from $15,270 pp twin share / $24,620 pp solo * - 03 Sep 2027 - 23 Sep 2027
from $17,070 pp twin share / $27,320 pp solo * - 01 Oct 2027 - 21 Oct 2027
from $16,870 pp twin share / $26,920 pp solo * - 14 Apr 2028 - 04 May 2028
from $16,670 pp twin share / $26,520 pp solo * - 05 May 2028 - 25 May 2028
from $16,970 pp twin share / $27,020 pp solo * - 02 Jun 2028 - 22 Jun 2028
from $16,970 pp twin share / $27,020 pp solo * - 23 Jun 2028 - 13 Jul 2028
from $16,070 pp twin share / $25,520 pp solo * - 11 Aug 2028 - 31 Aug 2028
from $15,270 pp twin share / $24,620 pp solo * - 29 Sep 2028 - 19 Oct 2028
from $15,770 pp twin share / $25,420 pp solo * - 13 Oct 2028 - 02 Nov 2028
from $16,570 pp twin share / $26,420 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Barcelona
Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a delightful Welcome Dinner.
- 2
Barcelona
Explore Barcelona’s famous landmarks on a city tour today. Drive to the famous Montjuïc Hill, visit the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, then admire the striking exterior of the iconic Sagrada Família (entrance not included). On foot, your guide will take you through the Old Town and show you the wonders of this beautiful city.
- 3
Barcelona, Madrid
Today, travel by train to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore before sitting down to a tapas dinner at a local restaurant.
- 4
Madrid
On a guided tour this morning, visit Palacio Real, residence of the Spanish Royal Family, then see a selection of Madrid’s best-loved attractions. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps wander the lawns of Parque del Retiro or browse the Prado Museum.
- 5
Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba
Today, travel to Toledo for an escorted tour. Explore the Old Town’s winding cobbled streets and its majestic 13th-century cathedral before continuing to Córdoba.
- 6
Córdoba, Granada
Enjoy a guided tour of Córdoba, during which you’ll admire the Mezquita of Córdoba, a medieval mosque converted to a cathedral. Continue to Granada, where you’ll embark on a tour with an expert guide. Experience a revival of grand Spanish hospitality at Hotel Alhambra Palace.
- 7
Granada
This morning, pay a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Granada.
- 8
Granada, Ronda
Travel to Ronda, stopping along the way for your authentic Insider Experience. Set off on a guided tour of Ronda and see the Puente Nuevo and the Plaza de Toros.
Insider Experience — Local Olive Oil Farm
Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients.
- 9
Ronda, Jerez, Seville
This morning after breakfast, travel to Jerez and visit the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Then, continue to Seville.
- 10
Seville
Today, experience the beauty of Seville with a local guide. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
- 11
Seville, Évora, Lisbon
Enter Portugal and stop to admire the architecture of World Heritage-listed Evora, before arriving in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
- 12
Lisbon
Explore the old town and visit the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to see the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the historic Belém Tower.
- 13
Lisbon
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps Enhance Your Journey with an optional visit to nearby Sintra.
Enhance your Journey — Sintra
Travel to the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace.
- 14
Lisbon, Porto, Embark Ship
This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you’ll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.
- 15
Régua, Lamego, Pinhão
Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon, visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated Baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego – a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Dinner
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.
- 16
Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo
Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle, and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.
- 17
Salamanca, Barca d’Alva
Today, you’ll disembark and board a coach bound for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, boasting sunlit sandstone buildings, a majestic city square, and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach across the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner.
Insider Experience – Flamenco Show
Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch, and be entranced by captivating dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.
- 18
Pinhão, Régua
Join an excursion to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Tour this living museum and discover the connection between the beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus rosé wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, now docked in Régua.
- 19
Régua, Entre-os-Rios
This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town at your leisure.
Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting
Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine – Portugal’s most famous tipple.
- 20
Porto
After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time to step back out and explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.
Enhance Your Journey – Visit Guimarães
Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.
- 21
Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Flamenco Show.
- Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting.
- Olive Oil Farm Lunch.
Accommodation
- Córdoba, NH Amistad or similar
- Ronda, Catalonia Ronda
- Seven Nights, aboard your river ship, the MS Estrela
- Three Nights, Lisbon, Altis Grand Hotel or similar
- Two Nights, Barcelona, Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864 or similar
- Two Nights, Granada, Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar
- Two Nights, Nh Collection Madrid Colon
- Two Nights, Seville, Catalonia Santa Justa
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
What is generally included?
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.
You might also like
Flavours of Spain and Portugal with Douro Discovery
- Behind-the-scenes flamenco performance and authentic tapas experience
- Exclusive wine tasting at a local quinta and Portuguese tart making class
- Small group size of no more than 24 guests on the land tour
Colours of Spain
- Guided tours of top attractions in Spain and Portugal
- Insider experience at a local olive oil farm
- Three-night stays in Lisbon and Ronda for deeper exploration
Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise
- Fado performance in Palácio da Bolsa
- Visit to the historic city of Ronda
- Before-hours access to Casa Vicens in Barcelona