Europe River Cruises

Cruise Portugal's Picturesque Douro River

This 8-day river cruise is the ideal way to explore the magnificent Douro River for a unique insight into Portuguese culture

Special Offers
Exclusive Blue Water Holidays Offer - Save £100 per cabin on prices shown2011 cruises available now - call us to book and receive 5% early booking discount!Offer applies to bookings made before 30 September 2010. Terms and conditions apply

This seven night cruise is one of the most unique and exciting ways to discover the beautiful landscapes of Portugal. Board the MS Amadouro for a relaxing cruise along the scenic Douro River, one of Europe's most pure and unspoiled waterways, with deep cleft gorges, lush vineyards, and sleepy fishing villages.

Cruise the magnificent Douro River for a unique insight into Portuguese culture

More information about MS Amadouro

A184: Cruise Departure Dates 2010
Apr 10, 17; May 8, 12, 15; Jun 5;
Jul 3, 10, 31; Aug 28; Sep 4, 11;
Oct 2, 9, 16
A184: Cruise Portugals Picturesque Douro River 2010£ price per person
Exclusive Blue Water Holidays Offer - Save £100 per cabin on prices shown
2011 cruises available now - call us to book and receive 5% early booking discount!
Offer applies to bookings made before 30 September 2010. Terms and conditions apply
Prices are per person based on two sharing a cabin. Single supplements are also available on request
Cat C Cabin: £345 supplement
Cat B Cabin: £410 supplement
Cat A Cabin: £480 supplement

The cruise price includes
  • 7 nights full board cruising in an outside cabin aboard a luxury APT river ship
  • Flights from London Gatwick with transfers between ship and airport
  • All tipping and gratuities included
  • Choice of open seating dining venues including main restaurant, casual lounge and alfresco on selected evenings
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner
  • Welcome Reception, Captain's Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
  • In-cabin entertainment system with flat screen TV, keyboard, free internet access, film and music library
  • Guided excursions in small groups with personal headsets
  • Evening entertainment including music performances, folklore dances, lectures and piano interludes
  • Services of a professional Cruise Director
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529
Useful Links
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529
Useful Links

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Cruise Portugals Picturesque Douro River
Day 1
Porto, Embark Ship

Fly from London Gatwick to Porto where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the MS Amadouro, conveniently moored on the Douro River close to the centre of the city. After settling in to your suite for the week of cruising ahead, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend as you choose before a Welcome Reception this evening. Afterwards, enjoy the first of many delicious meals in the ship's restaurant at the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner.

Day 2
Porto - Regua, Lamego

Arrive in Régua and disembark for a tour to Lamego, a small but picturesque town rich in history. Visit Lamego Castle with its cisterns and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Afterwards, spend some free time exploring the narrow and winding streets of the town or to enjoy local delicacies such as the Bola de Lamego, which is local bread filled with smoked ham, regional cakes, and the well known sparkling wine called Raposeira.

Day 3
Regua - Barca d'Alva

Today, cruise along the scenic Douro River and arrive in the afternoon in Barca d'Alva. This quaint village is the last Portuguese settlement situated along the river. The rest of the day is free for you to explore and enjoy the tranquillity of this sleepy village.

Day 4
Vega de Terrón - Salamanca

Today take a fully day excursion by coach to the ancient city of Salamanca. Dating back to 220 BC, Salamanca is known as one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Over centuries, the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has lent the city the nickname La Ciudad Dorada - The Golden City. A tour here features the University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, the House of Shells, a visit to the New Cathedral and more. After lunch at a local restaurant and free time to explore, you'll return to the ship in Vega de Terrón. Tonight after dinner, enjoy a colourful Flamenco show, featuring traditional dancers, on board.

Day 5
Vega de Terrón - Pinhão

Today after breakfast you'll visit Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, one of the twelve historical parishes of Portugal. Located on an isolated hill, enjoy 360° views and visit the Rocamadour Church. Afterwards, re-board your ship and cruise to Pinhão, located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers. Tonight's dinner venue is in one of the most beautiful Quintas in Real Companhia Velha, which was established in 1756. Upon arrival to the Quinta, enjoy the breathtaking river views. Afterwards, spend your evening with a wine tasting presented by the Quinta's wine experts followed by dinner in the family's dining room.

Day 6
Pinhao - Regua - Bitetos

This morning, depart Pinhão and take a coach excursion to Régua. On arrival visit the Palacio de Mateus. The palace and gardens of Mateus are located in the region of Trás-os-Montes just outside the city of Vila Real. See beautiful furniture, dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries, which decorates the palace and discover the story of the Mateus Rose Wine. Take the time to explore the gardens with its lovely Topiary work and an impressive Cedar tunnel. Rejoin your ship and cruise to Bitetos. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery, which traces its origins back almost a thousand years and was in the possession of the Benedictine Monks until 1834.

Day 7
Bitetos - Porto

This morning after breakfast, you'll arrive back in the city of Porto. Disembark for a panoramic tour of Porto, which traces its origins all the way back to pre-Roman times. See fascinating landmarks such as Torre dos Clerigos, Crystal Palace, Dom Luis Bridge, and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Then, after lunch, visit a port wine cellar for wine tasting before travelling to the city centre where you can enjoy some free time to further explore the city at your leisure. Afterwards, return to the ship and this evening, enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 8
Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

Disembark in Porto after breakfast on board, and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706529
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you  book your holiday through us.