Portugal & the Douro

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, in Standard Premier Class. In Paris we join the TGV to Biarritz, where we stay overnight. On Day 2 we transfer by coach to San Sebastian, where we board the train to Vallodolid in First Class, before transferring to a regional train for the short journey onward to Salamanca (Standard Class). Our hotel for the next two nights is the Catalonia Plaza Mayor. This evening we dine in a traditional restaurant on the Plaza Mayor.

• Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we take a guided tour of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as the 'Golden City' because of the glow from its sandstone buildings. During the tour we see the 15th-century cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and the unusual Casa de las Conchas.

• Breakfast

Today we travel by coach into Portugal to Barca d'Alva. Here we board a cruise boat for a journey through the magnificent Douro Valley, one of the highlights of the vacation. Our cruise on the 'Golden River' takes us through the heart of the Port-producing region of Portugal. Here, terraced hillsides surround the riverbanks, with vineyards plunging from the hilltops to the very edge of the Douro River.

We pass splendid, isolated Port 'quintas' - wine growing estates that produce the region's high-quality fortified wines. As we enjoy lunch on board we pass quietly through the undulating landscape of sleepy towns and villages which appear on the riverbank. We glide past delightful almond orchards and through dramatic gorges, eventually arriving in Peso da Régua, the official center of Port production in Portugal. The town lies in a peaceful spot beneath the Serra do Maoro Mountains and was traditionally the place where barrels of Port were loaded onto wooden cargo ships to be transported along the Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia. On arrival in Peso da Régua we transfer to our hotel for two nights, the Hotel Régua Douro. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we travel by train to Pinhão, a small town located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers which is the epicenter of the Port-making region. We enjoy a Port tasting in Pinhão, followed by some free time to explore the town at leisure. We return to Peso da Régua for an afternoon at leisure, during which you could visit the celebrated Douro Museum, located in the town, which includes exhibits relating to the history of Port production in the region. Tonight, we dine in a beautiful local Port wine estate, a short distance from Peso da Régua. The excellent Quinta da Casa Amarela is set in beautiful surroundings with terrific views of the Douro.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we continue by train down the beautiful Douro river valley to Porto, the city which was once the very edge of the known world and a port from where daring explorers risked their lives to discover the New World. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of the city, which has a wonderful unspoiled charm. We stay at the 4-Star Hotel PortoBay Teatro for the next three nights. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we head to the vast Bom Jesus do Monte, known for its grand staircase up to the church that climbs a staggering 381 feet (116 meters). 

After time to explore, we continue to Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal, whose attractive, narrow streets have UNESCO World Heritage status. We spend this evening at the famous Taylors Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. We enjoy a tasting of port and dinner at the cellars.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you are free to further explore the city of Porto. You could head to the ancient Ribeira (Riverbank) district to explore the narrow winding streets or visit the charming little Harry Potter bookshop with its beautiful staircase.

• Breakfast

Today we take a high-speed train to Lisbon arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital. You could perhaps stroll through the streets to Rossio Square or ride the unique public elevators of Santa Justa or Glória to the Barrio Alto. We spend two nights at the PortoBay Marquês Hotel

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we take the train to Sintra, the summer residence of many Kings of Portugal. Sintra is a beautiful village surrounded by wooded hills, home to the spectacular and brightly colored Pena Palace. Your time in Sintra is free to explore at leisure.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we take a tour of Lisbon by historic tram and coach, seeing the neighbourhood of Alfama, one of the oldest parts of Lisbon, and the Barrio Alto, a quirky maze of cobbled streets, bohemian boutiques, and hip bars. We pause at a cafe for a local specialty - Portuguese custard tart. This evening, we board the sleeper train* to San Sebastián.

*Please note: your luggage will travel on the sleeper train with you, as opposed to via our luggage service.

• Breakfast

On arrival into San Sebastián, we check into our hotel before the rest of the day is free. Take a walk along the seafront or explore the beautiful old quarter with its tapas bars.

• Breakfast

Today we travel by coach to Bilbao to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, admiring its impressive art collection.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we take the train to Paris and board the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast, Eurostar Meal