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Discover the Douro

 
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202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
$2,999 $2,799
Tour code
DOZ26
Mobility Rating 2
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Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Fly into Porto for an enchanting Douro River cruise, unveiling fascinating Portuguese ports and destinations, including Porto, Mateus Palace and Lamego 

From the cultural city of Porto, set sail for a seven-night cruise along the Douro. Our floating hotel drifts past golden valleys, enchanting towns and wine estates as the route reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way.   

A showcase of culture, history and scenery in the Douro Valley, our journey takes us to Régua, surrounded by terraced vineyards, and the golden city of Salamanca. Follow the Porto wine route and explore Lamego, brimming with Baroque architecture, and the medieval town of Guimarães. 

Unforgettable Experiences

Savor scenic Porto
Savor scenic Porto
 Explore the UNESCO-listed World Heritage city of Porto - renowned for its port wine and picturesque location on the Douro - and its historic landmarks like the Clerigos Tower and Porto Cathedral.
Visit Mateus Palace – a Baroque masterpiece
Visit Mateus Palace – a Baroque masterpiece
 Uncover the historic grandeur of Mateus Palace, a stunning Baroque-style 18th-century mansion near Vila Real that boasts beautiful gardens and a grand interior with opulent rooms. 
Soak up the grandeur of Salamanca
Soak up the grandeur of Salamanca
 Admire the golden city of Salamanca, with its ancient cathedrals and age-old UNESCO sites which stand as testaments to its rich heritage, before experiencing a traditional Spanish lunch.
Spend a morning in Lamego
Spend a morning in Lamego
 Enjoy a guided tour of Lamego, seeing its impressive Baroque cathedral and its historic center adorned with ornate churches and elegant squares.
Uncover the treasures of Guimarães
Uncover the treasures of Guimarães
Venture amongst the medieval buildings of Guimarães, a picturesque city known as the “birthplace of Portugal,” and see its beautifully preserved medieval old town, historic churches and charming squares.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1 To Porto, where we board our cruise ship

 Your vacation begins today as you arrive in Porto. This city is famous for the explorers who set out from here to discover the New World, and thus, makes a fantastic starting point for our cruising adventure. 

Upon arrival, transfer to the waterfront, where our floating hotel awaits to welcome us aboard. After meeting the Tour Manager and group of fellow travelers and settling into your cabin, take some time to explore the ship's layout and get acquainted with its amenities. This evening, we enjoy an official welcome with a drink before our first three-course dinner onboard. 

After, we set out on a panoramic evening coach tour of Porto. We see the preserved areas of the city - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and hop off the coach at the São Bento railway station. Here, we admire the magnificent azulejos (traditional patterned tiles), before returning to our ship. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2 Discovering Porto and Régua

 This morning, we begin to discover Porto on a guided tour. We wander its winding streets, steeped in centuries of history. Admire townhouses adorned with intricate azulejos, the ornate details of regal churches and the iconic iron bridge - an emblem of the city's industrial prowess and architectural ingenuity.    

We also visit a wine cellar to sample the city's famous port wine, hearing tales of the region's viticultural legacy and the meticulous craftsmanship behind every drop. From the luscious sweetness of Tawny to the robust complexity of Vintage, each sip unveils a distinct character.     

Rejoining our ship for lunch onboard, we begin our cruise along the Douro. Enjoy the river's picturesque landscapes en route to Régua, a picturesque town rich in history and culture and surrounded by terraced slopes.     

After docking this evening, we enjoy drinks, a three-course dinner and entertainment onboard. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3 The delights of Mateus Palace and Gardens

 Another Portuguese attraction lies ahead this morning as we disembark our ship and make our way by coach to Mateus Palace, one of the most beautiful and astonishing houses in northern Portugal. This 18th-century masterpiece is a delight, with a classic Italianate exterior, beautifully adorned interiors and lush gardens. Our visit includes time to explore the grand halls and carefully preserved rooms of the palace, and then we enjoy time at leisure to explore the property's chapel and winery, which dates to the 16th century.  

  Returning to our ship in time for lunch, we spend the afternoon cruising through astounding scenery to Vega de Terrón on the border with Spain. This evening, we enjoy a three-course dinner and a colorful display of music and dance during an on-board flamenco performance. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4 The golden city of Salamanca

 Soak up the changing views as we venture by coach into Spain and through the countryside to the golden city of Salamanca in the Castille y Léon region today. Known as the academic capital of Spain, this ancient city boasts an impressive array of sandstone university buildings and, founded in 1218, is the country's oldest and most prestigious center of learning.   

On arrival, you can delve into its attractions on one of two optional excursions. The first is a guided city tour showcasing the highlights of Salamanca, including the House of Shells, Plaza Mayor and other magnificent buildings.    

Afterward, there is a free afternoon to wander at leisure and discover the city's hidden gems. You might like to continue admiring the architecture of this ancient location or explore Salamanca's culinary side while perusing the Central Market. We return to the ship this evening for drinks and a three-course dinner onboard. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5 The renowned Porto wine route

 We begin our cruise back downstream through scenic landscapes to Ferradosa today. Spend some time relaxing in the ship's lounge or have a seat on one of the loungers on the sun deck, admiring the views while the route unfolds.   

After having lunch on the ship, we discover the wines of Portugal on an excursion along the Porto wine route. Our excursion takes us to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, two small towns set amongst the vineyards on the Rio Torto valley. We also visit a local quinta, where we indulge in a tasting of some of the region's finest ports. 

  We rejoin our ship in Pinhão this evening and indulge in an evening to remember. Filled with delicious food and wonderful company, tonight's Gala dinner is an opportunity to celebrate our Portuguese journey of discovery. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6 Baroque splendor in Lamego

 Our day begins with a morning tour in the picturesque village of Lamego, renowned for its stunning cathedral. Standing at the heart of the village, the cathedral is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture. But the real highlight of this masterpiece is the 700 steps leading up to its doors, beautifully decorated with cheerful white and blue tiles.    

We return to our ship in time for lunch and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening of sailing. Our route takes us back to Porto, where we began our cruise, providing yet another look at the small towns and breathtaking scenery lining the Douro as we approach our final port of call. This evening, we enjoy a three-course dinner and Fado-themed entertainment, offering another taste of Portuguese culture. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7 Exploring Porto and Guimarães

 The morning is yours to have breakfast onboard and explore Porto at your leisure. Having spent the last few days on the Douro, you might like to get another perspective of its beauty - and that of Porto - while riding the Gaia Cable Car. You could also revisit favorite sites from our previous tour or find a spot to sit in one of city's squares, soaking up the atmosphere while enjoying a coffee.  

  After lunch on the ship, we visit the charming medieval city of Guimarães, known for its well-preserved 10th-century buildings, vibrant squares and picturesque castle gardens. A guided tour presents the city's most enticing sights and history before we return to our ship later this afternoon.  

  Tonight, a three-course farewell dinner and traditional folk entertainment onboard offer the perfect conclusion to our time in Portugal. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8 Homeward bound

Today marks the final day of our adventure on the Douro. This week-long discovery has allowed us to experience the cultures, traditions and flavors of Portugal in memorable ways, both on the ship and while in fantastic ports of call. Having explored favored Douro destinations like Porto, Régua, Salamanca, Pinhão, Lamego and Guimarães, your tour concludes as you disembark the ship for the final time in Porto, saying goodbye to our wonderful crew as you begin your journey home independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Ship Information

See more details about this tour's ship.

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MS Gil Eanes Cabin USU | Vacations by Rail
Upper Deck Suite with Terrace

Situated on the highest deck available, these cabins offer the finest views on board, with panoramic windows and a private terrace that let you fully take in the passing scenery. They also include your choice of a double or twin beds, a flat-screen TV, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, hairdryer, direct-dial telephone, and in-room safe.

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MS Gil Eanes Cabin UDS | Vacations by Rail
Upper Deck Superior Cabin

Situated on the highest deck possible, these cabins enjoy the best views on board with panoramic windows allowing you to make the most of the passing landscapes. Also included are tea & coffee making facilities, a choice of double or twin beds, a flat-screen television, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and W.C, a hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

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MS Gil Eanes Cabin MSU | Vacations by Rail
Middle Deck Suite

These cabins sit on the middle level of the ship and feature panoramic windows as well as tea & coffee making facilities, a double bed, flat-screen television, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and W.C, a hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Find out more
MS Gil Eanes Cabin MDS | Vacations by Rail
Middle Deck Superior Cabin

These cabins sit on the middle level of the ship and feature panoramic windows as well as tea & coffee making facilities, a choice of double or twin beds, flat-screen television, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and W.C, a hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

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MS Gil Eanes Cabin MDA | Vacations by Rail
Middle Deck Class Classic Cabin - Accessible

These cabins sit on the middle level of the Cyrano de Bergerac and feature panoramic windows as well as a French balcony, tea & coffee making facilities, a choice of double or twin beds, flat-screen television, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and W.C, a hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

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MS Gil Eanes Cabin MDC | Vacations by Rail
Middle Deck Classic Cabin

These cabins sit on the middle level of the Cyrano de Bergerac and feature panoramic windows as well as a French balcony, tea & coffee making facilities, a choice of double or twin beds, flat-screen television, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and W.C, a hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Find out more
MS Gil Eanes Cabin LDS | Vacations by Rail
Main Deck Superior Cabin

Situated on the main deck of the ship, these cabins have windows (which can't be opened), tea & coffee making facilities, a choice of double or twin beds, a flat-screen television, individual climate control, an en-suite bathroom with shower and W.C, a hairdryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

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