• Enjoy a guided tour of Porto and a visit to a famous port producer with plenty of opportunities to taste their fortified wine.

• Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis with a visit to Castelo Rodrigo in the highland ranges near the Spanish border.

• Visit two historic Quintas to learn all about the stages of wine production, from planting to tasting and labelling, enjoying dinner with a selection of their wines at Quinta da Pacheca.

• See historic Salamanca, one of Spain's most beautiful cities, and enjoy a Flamenco show over a typical tapas lunch.

• Discover Lamego with its Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, and the iconic Mateus Palace and its gardens.

• Enjoy 7 nights on board a five-star ship
• 10 included experiences
• Full board dining

• Free all-inclusive drinks package

• Complimentary on-board tea & coffee

• Free Wi-Fi

• All port charges and taxes
• Optional pre- or post-cruise extension in Porto and/or Lisbon available 

Cruise towards Pinhão

One of the benefits of life aboard a river cruise is the sheer sense of relaxation it brings; our elegant ship slips its moorings during breakfast and we enjoy most of the day sailing. There is plenty of time for a spot of pampering in the on-board spa, or simply watch the seamless changing of the riverbank scenery passing by from the comfort of a cozy seat in the lounge.

We’re in port wine territory, where the lush hillsides have largely given way to a patterned landscape of terraced vineyards. Inland from the Atlantic, the climate has changed, too; it’s noticeably warmer and drier, while the area has a Mediterranean appearance with orangey, earthy colors replacing verdant greens.

Quinta visit

Later we arrive back in the pretty little town of Pinhão. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to a local historic quinta to learn all about the stages of wine production, from the planting of the vines, harvesting, the wine-making process and finally tasting and labelling. No visit would be complete without sampling some of their excellent produce of course, so we enjoy a tasting before returning to the ship.

We are moored overnight in Pinhão.

Cruise towards Vega Terron

This morning, early risers can witness the ship’s graceful departure. Relax over a leisurely breakfast whilst the ever-changing scenery idly slips by through the restaurant’s superb panoramic windows. The Douro was once a wild river, notoriously challenging to navigate, especially for the traditional flat-bottomed boats, which often foundered in its waters. Today it has been tamed by a system of dams and locks, which have raised the water level to produce a topography reminiscent of Scotland’s lochs that enhances the valley’s charm.

As we cruise into ever more rural territory towards the Spanish border, the river here is at its most peaceful. It’s the perfect time to take a refreshing dip in the Sun Deck pool – a rare treat on a cruise ship – or catch up on some reading, perhaps with a cool pre-lunch glass of vinho verde, the local, gently fizzy white wine. Portuguese wine is just outstanding, but production is low, so the best is rarely exported. Our on-board wine list includes some excellent regional wines, and the friendly and attentive restaurant staff will gladly guide you through them. Do experiment a little and you’ll be greatly rewarded.

Castelo Rodrigo

This afternoon we visit Castelo Rodrigo, a delightful 12th-century walled village tucked away in the picturesque highland ranges bordering Spain. Its church was a resting place on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and it is said that Saint Francis himself stayed here. The views are simply stupendous, stretching across almost-deserted ochre hillsides.

This evening after dinner we will see a celebratory vintage port wine opened in the traditional way, then head up on to the sun deck to listen to the unmistakable sound of crickets and breathe in the scents from the surrounding valley slopes that pervade the warm evening air.

Today we have a guided tour of historic Salamanca, seeing its main sights. This is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who erected its 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-colored glow in the sunlight. Perched on a hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, the city is a picture of tranquility, but its history is turbulent, having been successively fought over by Hannibal, the Moors, then the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.

Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. Founded in 1218, the university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilized world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept here, and as early as the 16th century it boasted some 12,000 students. Seeing its immaculately preserved lecture halls with their vaulted ceilings, it’s easy to conjure an image of Christopher Columbus addressing the learned men of the day or legal experts constructing the international laws that originate here.

On arrival in Salamanca, you are free to explore as you wish. You may choose to linger, admiring the ornate interiors of its cathedrals – the more recent dates from the 16th-century – or explore its tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens and marketplaces. The main square, the Plaza Mayor, was built in the 18th-century in Spanish Baroque style with colonnaded walkways all around at ground level, ideal for finding a shaded spot to sit and watch the locals pass by. 

Flamenco Show & Tapas (included)

We have a special treat over lunch, as we sample Spanish tapas accompanied by a traditional flamenco show.

This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the city seeing the main sights, before we return to our ship.

• Free morning of sailing towards Folgosa
• Visit to Mateus Palace (option 1), or
• Visit to the Douro Museum in Régua (option 2)
• Dinner at Quinta da Pacheca 

Cruise towards Folgosa

As dawn breaks over Porto the adventure begins as our elegant vessel commences her stately passage upstream. Your first delicious breakfast is served by the attentive crew and whilst you linger over another coffee, you can really start to unwind as we leave the city skyline far behind. There’s a perfect opportunity to avail yourself of some of the ship’s range of five-star facilities – maybe a little gentle exercise in the fitness room before heading up on deck to appreciate the changing landscape in all its splendor as the river weaves its way between the lush hillsides; from the first morning on board, it’s very apparent that the Douro is one of Europe’s most photogenic river valleys and the topography has prevented the building of extensive riverside roads. 

This afternoon you have a couple of choices.

Mateus Palace (option 1)

After another superb lunch on board, we stop at the village of Folgosa, from where we visit the grounds of the splendid Mateus Palace and its sublime palace interiors. Anyone familiar with Mateus Rosé and its characteristic ‘squashed’ bottle will recognise the palace from the label. Whatever your opinion of the wine, it is an impressive 18th-century Baroque edifice, mirrored in its stunning pond, surrounded by landscaped French gardens.

Douro Museum Régua (option 2)

Alternatively, you can choose to stay on board and continue your journey down the river, sailing toward the charming town of Peso da Régua, where you'll arrive by mid-afternoon. Once ashore, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Douro Valley with a visit to the Douro Museum. Here, you'll explore captivating exhibits that bring the history of wine production to life, offering fascinating insights into the region's winemaking traditions and the storied past of port wine trading.

Quinta da Pacheca

This evening, we take the short drive to the 126-acre Quinta da Pacheca for a special dinner. It dates back to the 18th-century and is simply one of the most beautiful and distinguished properties in the region. It is also notable as being the first quinta – in 1738 – to bottle wine under the name of its owner, the aristocrat Mariana Pacheco Pereira. Here we'll stop for dinner accompanied by a selection of their wines, while enjoying dramatic views over the Douro.

We are moored in Régua overnight.

This morning after breakfast we take a short drive to historic Lamego, home of Portugal’s sparkling wine, Raposeira, and one of the first places to be reclaimed from the Moors in the 12th century. Situated atop the hill overlooking this lovely town is the ancient Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, its stairways adorned with attractive azulejos, the country’s characteristic painted ceramic tiles.

If you're up for a bit of a challenge, consider taking the 686 steps that lead from the top of the staircase down to the town below, offering incredible views of the city as you descend. Don’t worry if you need a break - along the way, you can pause to admire the beautiful fountains, intricate mosaics, and neatly trimmed hedges. As you explore this charming town, you'll encounter a rich mix of history and beauty, including an ancient Moorish castle, an exquisite Gothic cathedral, and elegant 18th-century villas that add to the town’s character. For a relaxing afternoon, stroll along the Avenida, the town's grand boulevard, where you can sip tea at one of the open-air cafés and test your bargaining skills at the lively market stalls. 

Cruise along the Douro

By the time we return to our ship, our chef and his team will be adding the finishing touches to another delicious lunch, ready to be served as we depart for our next destination.

After lunch there’s the perfect opportunity to take to the sun deck to enjoy the kaleidoscope of Douro views – or perhaps a spot of reading in the lounge over a cup of tea.

Chef's dinner

This evening is the Chef’s Dinner, a truly memorable experience featuring exquisite regional specialties, expertly served by our restaurant staff under the supervision of the maître d’. Afterwards, perhaps settle into the lounge to enjoy a colorful performance of traditional Portuguese folk music by a local cultural group.

• Panoramic guided coach tour of Porto (option 1), or
• Active tour: guided walking tour of Porto (option 2)
• Port wine cellar visit with tasting (all)

Cruise towards Porto

Head up to the sun deck to enjoy a coffee whilst chatting with newly-made friends as our ship makes a graceful arrival in Porto once more, passing under the city’s spectacular bridges. 

Porto

On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of Porto. Strategically overlooking the Douro as it empties into the Atlantic, Portugal’s second largest city was originally a Roman town, but its wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India, with fortunes made from trading spices, silks and other fine goods. Our tour unveils some of its major and more surprising sights. 

You have a couple of choices this morning. 

Panoramic coach tour (option 1)

Embark on a panoramic coach tour that showcases both the major landmarks and some of Porto’s more surprising and hidden gems. Along the way, there will be a stop to explore the exquisite cathedral and the iconic São Bento station, where you can admire the beautiful tile work.

Active tour of Porto on foot (option 2)

For those seeking a more active adventure, this walking tour of Porto offers an unforgettable experience. We first cross the bridge and explore the charming Ribeira district. From there, we head along Rua das Flores to São Bento station and finally the majestic cathedral. We then cross the top of the famous Luis I Bridge, taking in the sweeping vistas of the city to the Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll be rewarded with incredible views. We then make our way back to the ship, with the city's characteristic hills adding a bit of challenge to this scenic and immersive tour. 

Vila Nova de Gaia Port Cellar

Porto is of course synonymous with wonderful port wine and all the famous port producers are here, such as Cálem, Sandeman and Ferreira, so a visit here would not be complete without a tour of one of them. After lunch on board, you’ll learn about this fortified wine’s fascinating history and its close British connections. Port is made from grapes still pressed in the traditional way – by feet – then lovingly matured, sometimes for decades, before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course, you’ll get the chance to sample various port styles at the end of our visit.

You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the truly fascinating city; so perhaps return to the terraced streets of the old town and wander the sloping maze of winding, cobbled alleyways, soaking up the atmosphere whilst stopping to admire the lovely architecture, soaring bell towers, fine baroque churches, golden rooftops and beautiful tiles of this slice of traditional Portugal. Stop for a drink in a cozy café and be tempted by an array of delicious cakes and pastries – perhaps sample a pastel de nata, the traditional Portuguese custard tart.

It’s time to bid farewell to your crew and begin your journey home. If you’d like to continue exploring Portugal, consider extending your trip with a few nights in Lisbon. I can also arrange a scenic transfer from Porto to Lisbon, including optional stops in the historic university city of Coimbra and the charming medieval village of Óbidos along the way.

In Lisbon, enjoy a private half-day or full-day sightseeing tour to discover the city’s historic neighborhoods, grand plazas, and riverside landmarks. You may also wish to visit the enchanting town of Sintra, known for its colorful palaces, lush hillsides, and fairy-tale atmosphere, with the option to explore highlights such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.