Lisbon & Douro Cruise

After you independently make your way from the airport, head to our hotel. Upon arrival, we're greeted with a welcome drink and for dinner this evening, we head to our hotel's excellent restaurant for our first meal of the vacation. We spend the next three nights in the capital of Portugal - a delightful stop before our cruise with its colorful houses which contrast the deep blue sea and white beaches.

• Dinner

Our excursion today whisks us away on a tour of Portugal's famous capital. As a special touch, our tour includes a segment in a specially chartered tram from the 1930s and 40s. Our tour reveals the brilliant colors of Lisbon, and the history of its streets, squares and boulevards. We finish in the waterfront district of Belem, famous for its pastries and grand villas. Here, we stop off at one of the pastry shops to sample the Belem pastries.

This evening, explore the city at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of one of Europe's oldest cities, wander the cobblestone streets, and experience the soulful melodies of Fado music at a cozy tavern. You could end your evening by heading to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte - a unique spot with incredible panoramic views over the city.

• Breakfast

Today, we travel to the beautiful town of Sintra, located up in the hills behind Lisbon. A tantalizing selection of summer palaces of all colors and shapes await us here, at what is famously the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty. Enjoy time at leisure in this fairytale town, allowing you to discover its history and the people behind the magnificent buildings lining its streets. Marvel at colorful palaces like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Explore lush gardens at Monserrate Palace, savoring panoramic views, and visit the historic center where you can sip Portuguese coffee at one of the many quaint cafes.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Lisbon this morning, we set out on a rail journey through the Portuguese countryside to the historical city of Porto - famous for the explorers who set out from here to discover the New World.

Upon arrival, we're escorted by coach to our excellent ship. After settling into our comfortable cabins, we're greeted by our wonderful crew with a welcome cocktail. Later, we sit down to our first delicious meal on board, followed by a panoramic evening coach tour of the city of Porto by night. From our comfortable seats, we see the lovely old, preserved areas of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hopping off the coach for a brief stop at the Sao Bento railway station, we admire its magnificent azulejos, before heading back to our luxurious ship for a restful night's sleep.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we explore Porto further on a guided walking 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. Savor the velvety texture and lingering finish of these exquisite wines. From the luscious sweetness of Tawny to the robust complexity of Vintage, each sip unveils a distinct character.

We rejoin our ship for lunch on board and then later this afternoon, begin our cruise along the Douro River, enjoying its fabulous landscapes enroute to the town of Regua, a picturesque town that is rich in history and culture and surrounded by terraced slopes. After dinner this evening, we enjoy entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we visit the city of Vila Real and the magnificent Mateus Palace with its breathtaking gardens. We start with a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo. Later, we visit the Mateus Palace, one of the most beautiful and astonishing houses in all of Northern Portugal. This 18th-century masterpiece is a delight with its classic Italianate exterior, beautifully adorned interiors, and lush gardens. Our tour takes us through the grand halls and rooms of the palace before time at leisure to explore the property's chapel and winery. Returning to our ship, we cruise in the afternoon through blissful scenery to Vega de Terron on the border with Spain. This evening, after dinner, we enjoy Flamenco entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we venture into beautiful Spain and make our way through enchanting countryside to the golden city of Salamanca, in the Castille y Léon region. Known as the academic capital of Spain, this ancient city boasts an impressive array of sandstone university buildings and - founded in 1218 - is the oldest and most prestigious center of learning in the country. Our guided tour showcases the highlights of Salamanca, including the ornate House of Shells, the vibrant Plaza Mayor, and other magnificent buildings. Afterwards, you have time to wander at leisure and discover the city's hidden gems before enjoying a traditional Spanish lunch.

• Day 7 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 8 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we begin our cruise back downstream through scenic landscapes to Ferradosa. After lunch, we join our fabulous excursion along the Porto wine route where we visit San Salvador do Mundo and Sao Joao da Pesqueira, two small towns set amongst the vineyards on the Rio Torto valley. We also visit a local Quinta where we indulge in some of the region's finest Ports. Later, we rejoin our ship in Pinhao before enjoying our Gala dinner on board.

This morning, we journey to the picturesque village of Lamego. We enjoy a guided tour of this charming town, renowned for its stunning cathedral. Standing at the heart of the village, this 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. This afternoon we continue our cruise back to Porto where tonight, we enjoy an evening of Fado-themed entertainment.

This morning, we enjoy time at leisure in Porto before lunch on board. This afternoon, we visit the charming medieval city of Guimarães, known for its well-preserved 10th-century buildings, vibrant squares, and picturesque castle gardens. We return to Porto and rejoin our ship before our 4-course farewell dinner and traditional folk entertainment on board.

Today marks the final day of our adventure on the Douro. On your return flight, enjoy memories of Lisbon's vibrant hues, Sintra's enchanting palaces, and explorations of Porto and Regua where we savored port wine. Mateus Palace impressed before venturing to Spain's Salamanca. Our luxurious cruise ended with Pinhao, Lamego's steps, and Guimarães' medieval charm, leaving us with a vacation experience we will treasure for a long time.