Lisbon with Douro Discovery

Includes return flights from the UK. After three nights in Lisbon, discover the delights of the Douro River aboard the MS Douro Serenity. 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

Explore the Alfama district and marvel at the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery. Then, visit the gorgeous Belem Tower and see the Castelo de Sao Jorge.

Day 3: Lisbon

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps enhance your journey with an optional visit to nearby Sintra.

Enhance your Journey - Sintra

Travel to the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace. 

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: Régua, Lamego, Pinhão

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 Pinhão, you will enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience — Portuguese Quinta Dinner

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local  quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Day 6: Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo 

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón 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.

Day 7: Salamanca, Barca d’Alva

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 BBQ dinner.

Insider Experience — Flamenco Show

Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance. 

Day 8: Pinhão, Régua

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

Insider Experience — Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting

On arrival in Régua, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple. 

Day 9: Régua, 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-c 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.

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 like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s old-fashioned Bolhão food market. Alternatively take an excursion to Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.

Enhance Your Journey — Visit Guimarães

Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and the residence of the President of Portugal

Day 11: Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

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