DOURO RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive Porto, Vila Nova De Gaia, Embark Ship
Fly into Porto today, a perfect introduction to sunny Portugal.
Day 2 – Regua, Lamego, Pinhao
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.
As you cruise this morning, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language.
This afternoon you’ll 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 Pinhao, you will enjoy an Insider Experience.
Day 3 – Vega De Terron, Castelo Rodrigo
Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terron 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.
Day 4 – Salamanca, Barca D’Alva
Today you’ll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over 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 BBQ dinner.
Day 5 – Pinhao, Regua
On arrival, 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.
This morning, enjoy a fascinating history lecture as your ship cruises past Pinhao to Regua. After your Insider Experience on arrival in Regua, this afternoon, enjoy a guide tour in Regua followed by free time to visit the Douro Museum.
Day 6 – Regeua, Mateus Palace, Entre-Os-Rios
Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th Century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please. Tonight, be treated to an energetic performance of traditional Portuguese folk music back on board at a special Captain’s Dinner.
Day 7 – Vila Nova De Gaia, Porto
After breakfast, cruise back to the enchanting city of Vila Nova de Gaia. On arrival, join a fascinating tour of nearby Porto, which sits just across the river. Here, you’ll be led past a collection of the city’s most famous attractions, and visit a local port winery for a tour and tasting.
This afternoon, there’s ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s old-fashioned Bolhao food market. Alternatively, you might choose to take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimaraes.
This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your new-found friends.
Day 8 – Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.
