DAY 1- Porto
Arrive in Porto and, from the moment you board, the welcoming crew are at your service. In no time you’ll be settled into your luxurious, thoughtfully furnished accommodation and familiarising yourself with all the first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.
DAY 2- Pinhão
This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a historic local quinta, where you’ll learn about every stage of wine production, from planting and harvesting the vines to the winemaking, tasting, and labelling process. No visit would be complete without sampling the estate’s excellent wines, so you’ll have the chance to enjoy a tasting before returning to the ship.
DAY 3- Castelo Rodrigo
You should remember to save some room at breakfast as you’ll get to indulge in the most Portuguese of treats on board, the pastel de nata (egg custard tarts). You will learn the history of the recipe and see how they are made – which will make savouring one at the end even more enjoyable.
Afterwards you will visit Castelo Rodrigo, a charming 12th-century walled village nestled in the scenic highlands near the Spanish border. Once an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the village offers sweeping views across rolling ochre-coloured hills.
While here, enjoy tastings of regional specialities including flavoured almonds, local cheese, chorizo, cherry and almond liqueurs, and a selection of Portuguese wines. Later, experience the traditional opening of a vintage port wine using classic port tongs, a memorable local tradition.
DAY 4- Salamanca
Visit Castelo Rodrigo, a charming 12th-century walled village set in scenic highlands near the Spanish border and once a stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Take in sweeping views of the ochre hills before sampling regional specialities such as almonds, cheese, chorizo, liqueurs, and Portuguese wines, then enjoy a traditional demonstration of opening vintage port with classic port tongs.
Our included lunch today also is an opportunity to taste some of Spain’s most notable tapas dishes.
Back in Portugal, the chef will present a mouthwatering array of traditional Portuguese dishes for tonight’s on-board dinner.
DAY 5- Mateus Palace Gardens
After another superb lunch on board, cruise into the town of Peso da Régua before visiting the magnificent Mateus Palace and its elegant interiors. Famous for appearing on the label of Mateus Rosé wine, this impressive 18th-century Baroque palace is beautifully reflected in a tranquil pond and surrounded by landscaped French-style gardens.
Tonight, you’ll dine at Quinta da Pacheca where you have time to wander through part of the estate before sampling the wines with dinner.
DAY 6- Lamego
After breakfast on board, travel to historic Lamego, one of the first Portuguese towns reclaimed from the Moors and home to the sparkling wine, Raposeira. Visit the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, perched above the town at the top of a beautifully tiled Baroque staircase, where panoramic views await.
You’ll also have the chance to sample local specialities, including traditional bôla savoury bread and the region’s celebrated sparkling wine.
DAY 7- Porto
Discover Porto on a guided tour of Portugal’s second-largest city, beautifully set where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Once a Roman settlement, Porto grew wealthy through maritime trade and today charms visitors with its historic landmarks, riverside scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
This evening, enjoy a final dinner on board before relaxing in the lounge to reflect on your journey along the Douro—perhaps with a glass of local brewed port in hand.
DAY 8- Return home
Unfortunately this will be the end of your gastronomy cruise and after breakfast you can begin your journey home.
