DOURO RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY
Pre-Night Hotel Stay in Porto
Fly into Porto today and stay one night in this wonderful city in the North of Portugal, home of Port wine and a stunning UNESCO listed old town.
Day 1 – Arrive Porto, Vila Nova De Gaia, Embark Ship
Today you will embark the magnificent MS Estrela.
Day 2 – Regua, Lamego, Pinhao
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, 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 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.
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 barbeque dinner.
Insider Experience — Flamenco Show
Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.
Day 5 – Pinhao, Regua
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. Rejoin your ship, which is now docked in Régua.
Day 6 – 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 as you please.
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.
Day 7 – 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 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 historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can take 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 and other historic landmarks that highlight the city’s rich heritage.
Day 8 – Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.
