Uncover the timeless beauty of Portugal on this enchanting
vacation, visiting Lisbon and Sintra before embarking on a
seven-night cruise through the acclaimed Douro Valley
Travel to Lisbon and explore Sintra's palaces on a Portuguese
voyage of discovery before embarking on a seven-night Douro cruise.
Drifting through golden valleys and past enchanting towns and wine
estates, our cruise reveals the best of this river, stopping at
wonderful ports en route.
We set sail from Porto, tracing the Douro's path. Visit the
golden city of Salamanca, discover Baroque architecture in Lamego,
indulge in wine at local quintas and spend time in medieval
Guimarães - each stop offering a take on the beauty of the Douro
Valley.
Unforgettable Experiences
Tour Lisbon's colorful streets
Discover the fascinating history of Portugal's capital on a guided tour that includes a ride on a vintage tram as we explore Lisbon, admiring the city’s ornately tiled buildings as the route unfolds.
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
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
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
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
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?
Tour Manager
Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour/Cruise Manager team
Transportation
Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Accommodation
3 nights’ 4-Star hotel accommodation
Cruise
7-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes operated by Croisi Europe
Excellent service onboard
Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Excursions & Entertainment
A superb choice of excursions
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
Food & Drink
3 breakfast, 2 dinners on your Lisbon tour
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
Flights and Airport transfers
Itinerary
Arrival in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon
Your vacation begins today as you arrive in Portugal, a nation
famous for its explorers, making it the ideal destination for a
river cruise adventure on the golden Douro River. Make your own way
to our four-star hotel in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal - a
delightful stop before our cruise, with its rich culture and
colorful houses contrasting the deep blue sea and white
beaches.
After checking into our hotel for the first of three nights
and meeting the Tour Manager and travel group, you can take some
time to relax in your comfortable accommodation or walk around near
our hotel, getting acquainted with this vibrant city. This evening,
we kick off our journey with a welcome drink at the hotel and our
first dinner together in the on-site restaurant. Overnight
Lisbon.
Includes
Dinner
Exploring Lisbon
Our excursion today takes us on a tour of Portugal's intriguing
capital city. As a special touch, our excursion includes a ride in
a specially chartered tram from the 1930s and 40s. Guided by an
expert, we uncover the colors of Lisbon and the history of its
streets, squares and boulevards. We finish in the waterfront
district of Belém, famous for its pastries and grand villas. Here,
we stop at one of the local shops to sample authentic Belém egg
tarts.
The remainder of the day and evening are yours to 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 or experience the soulful melodies of Fado
music at a cozy tavern. You could end your sightseeing by heading
to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte - a unique spot with incredible
panoramic views over the city. For lunch and dinner, Lisbon has an
excellent selection of restaurants serving everything from
traditional Portuguese favorites to international
cuisine. Overnight Lisbon.
Includes
Breakfast
The grand palaces of Sintra
After having breakfast at our hotel, we walk to Lisbon's train
station to travel to the beautiful town of Sintra, located up in
the hills behind Lisbon. Once a favorite summer retreat for the
Portuguese royals, Sintra is filled with a selection of summer
palaces in all shapes and hues.
Enjoy time at leisure to discover the history and people behind
the magnificent buildings lining the streets of this fairytale
town. Marvel at Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and explore
the lush gardens at Monserrate Palace, savoring panoramic views.
During your visit, you may also like to wander about Sintra's
historic center, where you can sip Portuguese coffee at one of the
many quaint cafes.
We return to Lisbon by train this evening, arriving in time
for drinks at the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight
Lisbon.
*Please note: to enter Pena Palace it is necessary to book
in advance.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
To Porto, where we join our cruise ship
Leaving Lisbon this morning, we set out on a rail journey
through the Portuguese countryside to the historical city of Porto
on the northern coast. This destination sits on the banks of the
Douro River with its buildings stacked up the hillsides and
alluring bridges and history lining the riverbanks, making it a
lovely beginning point for our cruise.
Upon arrival, a coach transfers us to the waterfront, where our
floating hotel awaits to welcome us aboard. After getting settled
in 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, where we
admire its magnificent azulejos before returning to our
ship. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Discovering Porto and Régua
This morning, we begin to discover the soul of 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 that is 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
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 onboard
flamenco performance. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
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
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 an encore 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
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 a new 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. Overnight ship.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Homeward bound
Today marks the final day of our adventure in Portugal. Having
experienced Lisbon's lively ambiance and Sintra's gorgeous summer
palaces and explored destinations along the stunning Douro River,
including Porto, Régua, Salamanca, Pinhão, Lamego and Guimarães,
our vacation comes to a close this morning.
We say goodbye to our wonderful crew and disembark our ship for
the final time in Porto, from which you are free to make your way
home at leisure.
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.
Mobility information
Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.
Situated on the highest deck possible, these cabins enjoy the
best views on board with panoramic windows and a private terrace
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Lisbon and Douro River Cruise tour exceeded my expectations in every way. Our local tour guide in Lisbon was very professional, pleasant and knowledgeable. Lisbon is dynamic, historic, clean, friendly and contemporary. The Douro River Cruise was perfectly executed. The ship, Douro Serenity, was comfortable, efficient, delicious, entertaining, and professionally staffed. I didn't want the trip to end.
Collected by Trustpilot
RICHMAN, AL
Submitted 20 Sep 2023
The scenery on the cruise was amazing, the boat was nice but rooms were a little small?
The food while there was plenty left a lot to be desired. We left the boat to go out to eat once and would have done several more times if there was a restaurant near where we docked.
Collected by Trustpilot
Marlene Lee
Submitted 19 Sep 2023
The Douro river cruise is beautiful. Vineyards undulate along the river banks