Lisbon with Douro Discovery

Includes return flights from the UK. Explore beautiful Lisbon for three nights, before discovering the delights of the Douro River aboard your river ship. Stop off to find local castles, cities and quintas that invite you to explore and taste local port wine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lisbon

Fly from the UK to Lisbon today, Portugal’s invigorating capital. Upon arrival, be transferred to your centrally located hotel and enjoy free time.

Day 2: Lisbon

On a guided tour, explore the alleyways of the Alfama district and marvel at the Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery. Then, visit the World Heritage-listed Belem Tower and admire the beautiful Castelo de Sao Jorge.

Day 3: Lisbon

Today, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this vibrant city. Perhaps enjoy an optional excursion to the Sintra Mountain range of Serra de Sintra. Visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace and take a guided tour of Sintra.

Day 4: Lisbon, Vila Nova de Gaia, Embark Ship

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Vila Nova de Gaia where you’ll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

Day 5: Regua, Lamego, Pinhao

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. 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. This afternoon you’ll visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhao, you will enjoy an Insider Experience. 

Day 6: Vega de Terron, Castelo Rodrigo

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 many 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.

Day 7: Salamanca, Barca d’Alva

Today you’ll board a coach and set off for Salamanca, a glorious Spanish city that boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square. Here you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, 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.

Day 8: Pinhao, Regua

This morning, enjoy a fascinating history lecture as your ship cruises past Pinhao to Regua. After your Insider Experience on arrival in Regua, this afternoon, enjoy a guided tour in Regua followed by free time to visit the Douro Museum.

Day 9: Regua, Mateus Palace, Entre-os-Rios

Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Afterwards, continue 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.

Day 10: Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

After breakfast, cruise back to the enchanting city of Vila Nova de Gaia. On arrival, join a fascinating tour of nearby Porto, which sits just across the river. Here 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 may choose to take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimaraes. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner.

Day 11: Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

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