The journey from Portugal to Spain in the magnificent Douro river… .It is an unforgettable experience! . The cruise features all meals including quality local wines with dinner and all shore excursions. Optional features include pre-cruise package from Lisbon, post-cruise package from Porto and airfare from your gateway city.
A smooth and relaxing journey through Portugal's Douro River Valley, famous for its steep terraced vineyards of Port wine grapes. You'll visit charming towns, sample tasty cuisine aboard your ship and at local restaurants, and enjoy local Portuguese and Spanish entertainment. The cruise begins and ends in the city of Porto, first settled 5.000 years ago.
This is the cruise itinerary:
Day 1 Port
Board your ship this afternoon in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto. Vila Nova de Gaia is home to the Port Wine Lodges. Many are open for tours and tastings. A welcome cocktail and dinner tonight. During your cruise you will experience many blockages when traversing the dams, including the 1976 built Valeira, which tamed the nature of the Duero as you cruise up and down the river.
Night on board in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day 2 Porto - Régua - Lamego
Sail to Régua, arriving after lunch. From the jetty, your journey today will take you to Lamego to tour the city. Old and picturesque Lamego houses one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, that of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies), located at the top of an endless staircase.
The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own to visit the Gothic cathedral or the city museums. You can also visit one of the bars to taste a "Bola de Lamego" (bread stuffed with smoked ham), regional cakes or enjoy a glass of Raposeira, a sparkling wine. Overnight in Régua.
Day 3 Régua-Barca d'Alva
Enjoy lunch on board as the ship sails to the picturesque town of Barca d'Alva. Arrive tonight and enjoy free time to explore this picturesque city on your own. Night in the Barca d'Alva.
Day 4 of Salamanca, Spain-Vega de Terrón, Portugal
After breakfast, departure from Salamanca, declared a World Heritage Site for a full day excursion. The city is famous for its Renaissance architecture, 13th century university and its cathedral with two unusual towers combining an old 12th century cathedral (Old) with a new 16th century cathedral (New).
Enjoy a typical Spanish meal, followed by free time in the afternoon to stroll through the city streets and squares. Tonight will feature a flamenco show by four dancers. Vega de Terrón overnight
Day 5 Vega de Terrón-Pinhão
After breakfast, an excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a typical Portuguese-Spanish border town with 16th century ramparts and steep, narrow medieval streets. Many castles were built, besieged and rebuilt only to have the cycle repeated in the long border conflict in the area. That afternoon, you will enjoy wine tastings and dinner at a local "quinta" (wine estate). During the night Pinhão
Day 6-Lamego Bitetos
Go sailing this morning to Régua and disembark for an excursion to the Casa de Mateus and its gardens. This impressive and extravagant example of Portuguese Baroque architecture is famous around the world as the Mateus wine label. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink of the port and the breathtaking view of the river valley from the balcony of the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery. Dinner will be at the monastery. During the night Bitetos
Day 7 Bitetos-Porto
Depart from Porto today, navigating through the city's colorful, medieval quarter of Ribeira. Your harbor sightseeing tour will include 16th century arched buildings, baroque churches and magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustav Eiffel. Drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For some modern culture, visit the Boavista area, where the Casa de la Música and the Museum of Modern Art are located. Enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner on board tonight.
Day 8
Your crossing of the Douro River comes to an end after breakfast.