Douro Discovery – Premium River Cruise

Today you begin your cruise along the spectacular Douro River. As you cruise this morning, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. Disembark your ship in Regua and join an excursion by coach to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Afterwards, travel by coach to Pinhao for a special dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terron in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today you’ll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Enjoy a Portuguese cooking demonstration on board as your ship cruises past Pinhao to Regua. On arrival, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Afterwards, board a coach and take a scenic drive past swathes of expansive vineyards, visiting the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an important Portuguese place of pilgrimage. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums, home to a vast collection of paintings, tapestries and jewellery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

This morning, enjoy free time to explore Regua. You may like to wander along the riverfront, or venture into the lovely Old Town. Continue on to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please. Tonight, be treated to an energetic performance of traditional Portuguese folk music back on board at a special Captain’s Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After breakfast, cruise back to the enchanting city of Vila Nova de Gaia. On arrival, join a tour of nearby Porto, where you’ll be led past a collection of the city’s most famous attractions, and visit a local port winery for a tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You might choose to take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast dinner

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast