Inclusive Cultural Douro Cruise
A port wine cellar tour, an excursion to the celebrated city of Salamanca and tours of beautiful towns on route are included on this low-cost over-50s Douro river cruise in Portugal. Cathedrals, palaces and port – this Douro river cruise explores the many sides of Portugal.
Admire the beautiful landscapes and quaint towns of the Douro Valley on this Portugal river cruise, which includes a visit to Salamanca in Spain. If you’re taking our Douro Discovery cruise, do take a few minutes to read through the Itinerary below to see what a wonderful tour this is.
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return flights and transfers
ACCOMMODATION
Entertainment and activities on the ship
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
EXPERIENCES
Tour Company Representative
Tour of Lamego
Visit Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo
Sightseeing in Salamanca
Dinner at a local quinta
Casa de Mateus Palace
A tour of Oporto including a port wine cellar visit
FOOD & DRINK
20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Captain’s dinner and drinks reception
Day 1 UK - Oporto
Fly to Oporto on the north bank of the Douro and embark your ship the Douro Spirit at Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.
You'll remain moored here overnight.
Day 2 Oporto - Régua - Pinhão
This afternoon travel by coach from Régua to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal.
On arrival, you’ll see the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which is set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town. There’ll be free time to explore this impressive baroque church and walk down into the city from the Sanctuary using the ornate staircase – but be warned, there are almost 700 steps! Alternatively, take the coach down to the city and visit the Gothic cathedral, which in parts dates back to the 12th century!
Re-join your ship in Régua then continue your cruise to Pinhão.
Day 3 Pinhão - Vega de Térron
Depart Pinhão early this morning and take in the scenery as you sail towards Vega de Térron. This afternoon, join an included excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval village with a stunning hilltop location. See the 18th-century baroque church and stroll around the village in your own time. Back on board ship look forward to a traditional Portuguese dinner.
Day 4 Vega de Térron - Barca d'Alva
Today join an included excursion across the border to the city of Salamanca in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beautiful old university buildings of golden-coloured stone.
The journey here usually takes about two hours, during which your guide will give an interesting commentary on Spanish history. After half an hour of free time join a walking tour with a local guide to the magnificent Plaza Mayor, one of the finest town squares in Spain. You also see the famous cathedral, built in two parts. The original Catedral Vieja, which dates from the 12th century, is now incorporated into the much larger 16th-century Catedral Nueva.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a flamenco show to give you a taste of traditional Spanish culture. Return to the Douro Spirit which will now be in Barca d’Alva and moor overnight.
Day 5 Barca d'Alva - Cais de Espinho - Pinhão
Depart Barca d’Alva and enjoy the panoramic views as you spend the morning sailing towards Cais de Espinho, arriving after lunch. This afternoon visit Quinta do Seixo, a local winery, for an included tour of the estate, followed by an opportunity to taste their port wines.
Continue sailing to Pinhão late this afternoon and this evening you’ll visit a local quinta for dinner, with wine and entertainment included. The ship remains moored in Pinhão overnight.
Day 6 Pinhão - Regua - Bitetos
Cruise to Régua for an included visit to Mateus Palace gardens. Your guide will give you an introduction to the palace which features on the Mateus rosé wine label. Admire the exterior and explore the exceptional formal gardens.
This afternoon relax on board as the Douro Spirit departs Régua. Look forward to a traditional Portuguese folk music show after dinner.
Moor overnight in Bitetos.
Day 7 Bitetos - Oporto
Sail back to Oporto this morning. Discover the history of Portugal’s second-largest city on an included tour. This famous centre of port wine production is located on the Douro estuary. The coach tour includes a visit to Sé Cathedral, which dates from the 12th century and a visit to a port wine cellar where you’ll learn about the production of this famous drink and enjoy a tasting.
Remain moored in Vila Nova de Gaia overnight.
Day 8 Oporto - UK
Disembark after breakfast and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
