Walking the Douro
Travel along the beautiful vineyard-covered valleys of the River Douro on this great value inclusive river cruise and enjoy wonderful guided walks and great local food and wine. See cathedrals, palaces and bodegas on route, and join the included excursion to the UNESCO-listed Salamanca city. Admire the beautiful landscapes and quaint towns of the Douro Valley on this cruise through Portugal which includes five guided walking excursions.
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return flights and transfers
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation, entertainment and activities on the ship
EXPERIENCES
Saga Cruise Representative
Walking experts
Visit to the Douro Museum in Régua
Wine tastings and dinner at a local quinta
Sightseeing in Salamanca
Walking tour of Quinta das Carvalhas
A walking tour of beautiful Oporto with visit to the House of Filigree, the São Bento train station and the Church of St Anthony’s Congregation
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
Distance: approximately three miles
This afternoon enjoy an included visit to the Douro Museum in Régua.
The museum is housed in the historic Casa da Companhia Velha and documents the region’s history of wine production from the growing of vines and harvesting of the grape to the fortification of port wine. Following your visit you will venture across Régua’s pedestrian bridge designed by Gustavo Eifel before continuing by coach to a local Quinta for a wine tasting.
After re-embarking your ship you will continue cruising towards Pinhão this evening.
Day 3 Pinhão - Vega de Térron
Distance: approximately four miles
After a morning on the water you’ll disembark in the afternoon and travel by coach to the traditional village of Provesende.
From here you’ll set off on a walk through lush vineyards and along a historic Roman road before arriving back at your ship. Look forward to a traditional Portuguese dinner on board this evening.
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 Queen which will now be in Barca d’Alva and moor overnight.
Day 5 Barca d'Alva - Cais de Espinho - Pinhão
Distance: approximately three miles
Depart Barca d’Alva and enjoy the scenery as you spend the morning sailing towards Cais de Espinho, arriving after lunch.
This afternoon pay a visit to a local quinta for an included tour of the estate, followed by an opportunity to taste their port wines before continuing your journey to Pinhão. This evening there’ll be an included trip to a local quinta for dinner, with wine and entertainment included.
The ship remains moored in Pinhão overnight.
Day 6 Pinhão - Régua - Bitetos
Distance: approximately three miles
Sail from Pinhão to Régua early this morning.
From here you’ll continue by coach to Ribadouro, from where you will set off on a walk along the banks of the river. You’ll re-board Douro Spirit in Bitetos and will be treated to a traditional Portuguese folk music show after dinner.
Your ship moors here overnight.
Day 7 Bitetos - Oporto
Distance: approximately two miles
Spend the morning at leisure as you sail back towards Oporto.
An included walking tour heads along the banks of the River Douro, across the double-decker Luis I Bridge and into Portugal’s second-largest city, Oporto. This famous centre of port wine production is beautifully located on the Douro estuary. The tour includes visits to the House of Filigree, where you’ll learn more about this specialised Portuguese art; the 20th-century São Bento train station with its elaborate tiling; and the 18th century Church of St Anthony’s Congregation. You’ll also walk along Santa Catarina street, home to the famous Majestic Cafe with its Art Nouveau influences, and the atmospheric flower street, which leads you back to your ship.
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.
