The River Douro has created a valley of spectacular beauty with steep hills and stone terraces built to give the vines a sheltered hold on the step rocks.
This week-long all-inclusive cruise is the ideal way to explore the spectacular port wine country which is the first and oldest wine region in the world.
Highlights include the magnificent Mateus Palace in Regua, the charming town of Pinhao and the medieval city of Salamanca in Spain.
H180 Operated by Uniworld
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A Week on the Douro Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Porto (Portugal)
Fly from the UK to Porto. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark your ship, the Queen Isabel.
Day 2 - Porto - Entre os Rios
Explore the centre of the Port wine industry, Porto, and choose from a choice of included excursions. Enjoy a panoramic tour or a walking tour. There are also two optional excursions available - an Amorim Cork Factory visit and scenic bike ride. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Regua - Pinhao
Enjoy a visit to the Douro Museum followed by a tasting of Moscatels ad lunch at a family-owned wine estate or take the optional helicopter flight over the Douro Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Pinhao - Vega de Terron
Enjoy a guided tour of Quinta do Seixo with tasting or opt for the vineyard hike followed by a tasting at a local quinta. Back onboard, enjoy a Portuguese barbecue dinner on the top deck. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Vega de Terron - Salamanca - Barca d'Alva
Join a full day excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Barca d'Alva - Pocinho - Regua
Travel through the countryside to the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo which dates back to the 12th century for a guided tour or visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered to be one of the world's most important Paleolithic open-air rock art site. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Guimaraes
Explore historic Guimaraes, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved city centre. Enjoy a city tour through the narrow streets of the medieval quarter and to all the city's main highlights. Alternative excursion: join the surprise discovery tour. There are also two optional excursions - scenic helicopter ride and biking around the natural marina and estuary. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Porto - UK
Disembark the Queen Isabel and transfer to Porto Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.