Join this cruise through the beautiful Douro Valley in the spring or autumn, following the Douro River as it winds through a landscape of vines and green rolling hills.
From Porto your ship negotiates Europe's deepest lock at Carrapatelo on the way to Regua for an optional visit to Lamego and the magnificent shrine of Nossa Senhora Dos Remedios. The next day the ship sails on to Pinhao at the centre of the wine-making region. Perhaps visit the magnificent Solar de Mateus, as pictured on the label of the famous rosé wine.
Cruise onwards to Porto Antigo and return to historic Porto for a full day to explore. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and a World Heritage Site, with medieval streets, magnificent churches and amazing bridges. Moored near the famous Port wine shippers' warehouses are rabelos, the colourful boats once used for bringing the Port to Porto.
E180 Operated by CroisiEurope
.
POB - Porto and the Douro River Itinerary
Day 1 - Porto (Portugal)
Welcome on board from 5pm. Settle into your cabin before meeting the crew over a welcome cocktail followed by dinner on board. This evening, there is an optional coach tour of Porto by night.
Day 2 - Porto - Regua
After breakfast on board we cruise towards Regua along the Douro Valley passing wooded landscapes and Carrapatelo, the highest lock in Europe (35metres). Arrive in Regua around 2pm where the optional coach tour visits Lamego and the Nossa Senhora Dos Remedios sanctuary and the cathedral. Return to the ship for dinner around 6.30pm.
Day 3 - Regua - Pinhao - Porto Antigo
Today there is an optional excursion to Mateus Palace and Vila Real with its grand 16th and 17th century palaces. Enjoy a guided city tour followed by a tasting of a local pastry. Later, rejoin the ship and cruise into the heart of Porto's vineyards.
Day 4 - Porto
The morning is spent cruising. This afternoon, there is an an optional tour of the city with its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an additional optional excursion. Board a tram and enjoy a visit to the Tram Museum, before sampling some of the local specialties. Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 5 - Porto
Breakfast on board is followed by a free morning to explore Porto before lunch on board. In the afternoon, depart on an optional excursion to Guimaraes, an historic town with beautifully preserved medieval monuments. There is an optional hike is available which includes a visit to a wine cellar and a tasting. Return to the ship for a gala dinner and folk evening.
Day 6 - Porto
Breakfast on board. Disembark at 9am.
The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary