Explore the unspoilt Douro Valley on this hiking-themed cruise with guided walks in the Alvao and Douro National Parks, along the coast in Porto and through beautiful Portuguese vineyards
Cruise through the heart of authentic Portugal and explore unspoilt areas with hiking and walking programmes for all abilities. Non-hikers can enjoy excursions to historic villages and wine-producing towns.
Enjoy a guided tour of Porto, one of the oldest cities in Europe with medieval streets, magnificent churches and amazing bridges then sail to Regua where there is chance to explore the town in the evening. Hikers will enjoy a walk through Provesende while the less active will visit Vila Real to stroll through the beautiful gardens of Mateus Palace. There is a guided tour of the World-Heritage listed city of Salamanca followed by Flamenco entertainment on board.
Hike through the wild landscapes of Vultures' Cliff or join the excursion to the beautiful 12th-century walled hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo. Hikers can walk through the vineyards of the Douro Valley while the less active enjoy wine tasting, before an evening of Fado entertainment on board. Walk along the banks of the Douro towards Porto or join the excursion to Guimaraes, birthplace of Portugal in the 12th century, then enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
Unlimited complimentary house wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks on board
Cruise itinerary as described including guided walking tours
Welcome cocktail
Entertainment on board
Cruise Manager
Gala farewell dinner
Port taxes
Excludes
Cruise only prices do not include flights or transfers
Optional Excursions (must be pre-booked at least 4 weeks before departure or bookable on board subject to availability)
Gratuities
Personal insurance and expenses
Special Features
CroisiEurope is the leading French river cruise company. Their ships have a distinctly French flavour, the service and the food having received much praise from Blue Water Holidays customers. Staff and passengers come from many European countries and there may be other English speaking passengers on board.
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Day 1Porto (Portugal)
Welcome on board from 5pm. Settle into your cabin before meeting the crew over a welcome cocktail followed by dinner on board. Learn more about the hiking programme. This evening, weather permitting, cruise to the mouth of the Douro River.
Day 2Porto - Regua
This morning there is a guided tour of Porto whose highlights include the Cathedral and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Spend this afternoon sailing towards Regua where there will be time to spend ashore at leisure in the city.
Day 3Regua - Pinhao - Vega de Terron
Hikers' Programme: Hike to Provesende. You’ll wind your way up through the low brush, green forests, and rolling hills to the one of the oldest villages in Portugal, Provesende. (2.5- to 3-hour hike, 4.3 miles (7 km), 1,050-foot elevation gain (320 m).)
Non-Hikers Programme: Trip to Vila Réal and stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Mateus Palace.
Spend this afternoon sailing through the heart of the Douro's famous vineyards. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 4Vega de Terron - Salamanca - Barca d'Alva
Today there is a guided excursion to Salamanca. This town of dazzling beauty houses some extraordinary Romanesque, Arab and Christian architectural treasures. Return to the ship late afternoon and enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment.
Day 5Barca d'Alva - Senhora da Ribeira
Hikers' Programme: Hike to Vultures' Cliff for magnificent panoramic views of the Douro River and Spain. Picnic lunch. Length 3 hours, 5 miles, 1740 feet elevation gain.
Non-hikers' Programme: Enjoy an excursion to the beautiful 12th-century walled hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo.
Back on board sail towards Senhora da Ribeira then enjoy a gala evening and dinner on board.
Day 6Senhora da Ribeira - Ferradosa - Pinhao - Regua - Bitetos
Hiker's Programme: Hike through beautiful vineyards. Picnic lunch. Length 4 hours, 8.6 miles, 1650 feet descent.
Non-hikers' Programme: Enjoy a Wines of Porto excursion with a tasting of Porto wines.
Later, cruise to Bitetos. Enjoy an evening of Fado entertainment.
Day 7Bitetos - Porto
Spend this morning cruising towards Porto.
Hikers' Programme: Hike along the banks of the Douro to its estuary for breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. Length 2 - 2.5 hours, 5 miles, on level ground.
Non-hikers' Programme: Join the excursion to Guimaraes, a historic town with beautifully preserved medieval monuments.
This evening there is traditional folk entertainment.
Day 8Porto
Breakfast on board. Disembark at 9am.
ROP_PP: Cruise and Hike the Douro Valley ItineraryFor navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
