Cruise along the River Douro through an untouched landscape of high hills and vineyards famous for producing Port wine.
Take part in a Portuguese language lesson whilst sailing upriver to the riverside town of Regua. Cross the border into Spain with a trip to Vega de Terron then spend the day in the beautiful city of Salamanca.
Enjoy an on-board cookery demonstration then take part in a tasting of local wine at the Quinta de Seixo winery which also boasts stunning views over the Douro Valley before taking a guided tour of Porto. Visits to the famous Mateus Palace and fascinating Lamego Museum offer an insight into the history and culture of this region.
TM180 Operated by APT Essential Cruises
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Douro Discovery Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Porto (Portugal)
Fly to Porto and transfer to Vila Nova de Gaia to embark ship. Welcome Reception tonight. (D)
Day 2 - Regua - Pinhao
Cruise along the stunning Douro river this morning whilst enjoying an on-board Portuguese language lesson. There is a trip to the Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Set sail at sunset, accompanied by a traditional Fado performance, then savour a delicious dinner at a traditional quinta. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Vega de Terron (Spain) - Castelo Rodrigo
Explore the small Spanish town of Vega de Terron before taking a trip to medieval Castelo Rodrigo. Tonight on board there is a Portuguese folk music performance. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Salamanca
Travel by coach to the beautiful city of Salamanca for a guided tour and lunch. The city has been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO for its outstanding beauty and its architectural treasures. Enjoy a traditional flamenco show, before a Portuguese barbecue on board tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Pinhao - Lamego (Portugal)
Enjoy a Portuguese cookery demonstration on board before disembarking in Pinhao to explore the delightful town at leisure before taking a tour of the Quinta do Seixo winery and enjoy a tasting of local port wine. Travel by coach through pretty vineyards to Lamego and explore this picturesque village, including one of Portugal's best museums, housed in a former episcopal palace. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Regua - Lamego - Entre-os-Rios
Explore Regua at leisure this morning then join an excursion to the Douro Museum (2018 only). Return to the ship in Pinhao and sail to Entre-os-Rios where there is free time to explore this evening. Later, there is a performance of traditional Portuguese folk music at a special Captain's Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Vila Nova de Gaia - Porto
From Vila Nova de Gaia, join the guided tour of nearby Porto. See the city's most famous attractions and indulge in a port tasting and tour of a local winery before enjoying time to explore Porto at leisure. There is the option to tour the Palacio da Bolsa (2018 only - extra cost) or Visit Guimaraes (2019 only - extra cost). Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Porto - UK
Disembark ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
Key: B - Breakfast, L- Lunch, D - Dinner