Portugal & the Douro 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, in Standard Premier Class. In Paris we join the TGV to Bayonne, where we stay overnight at the Best Western Grand Hotel. On Day 2 your morning is free to explore Bayonne, a charming town of typical Basque half-timbered buildings and narrow streets. At lunchtime we transfer to Irún, where we board the train to Salamanca (Standard Class). Our hotel for the next two nights is the Catalonia Plaza Mayor. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2-B,D)

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. (B,D)

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 holiday. Our private 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 Duoro 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 centre 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 de Régua we transfer to our hotel for three nights, the Hotel Régua Douro. (B,L,D)

Today we enjoy a rail journey through the marvellous Douro region. The line is a remarkable feat of engineering, traversing the natural obstacles with the help of tunnels and bridges. We travel to Pinhao for a port tasting before continuing through the rolling hills and lush vineyards to the town of Tua, where we enjoy time to explore before taking lunch in a traditional local restaurant, with food sourced from around the region. Tonight we dine in a beautiful local Port wine estate, a short distance from Peso da Régua. The Quinta da Casa Amarela is set in beautiful surroundings with terrific views of the Duoro. (B,L,D)

Today is free for you to explore Peso da Régua at your own pace. You could go for a walk in the area, admiring the stunning scenery and wandering among the vineyards. Alternatively, you could visit the celebrated Duoro Museum, located in the town, which includes exhibits relating to the history of Port production in the region. Otherwise, you may wish to simply relax at the hotel and make use of its leisure facilities. On Day 7 we continue by train down the beautiful Douro river valley to Porto. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of the city. We stay overnight at the Mercure Porto Centro and 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. (Day 6-B; Day 7-B,D)

In the morning of Day 8 we head to Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal, whose attractive, narrow streets have UNESCO World Heritage status. After time to explore, we continue to the vast Bom Jesus do Monte, known for its grand staircase leading up to the church which climbs a staggering 381 feet (116m). There is a funicular to the top for the less energetic. (B,D)

Today we take a high-speed train to Lisbon, and on arrival we board an historic private tram for a guided tour. Our exploration of the city takes us through historic, picturesque neighbourhoods, passing through the steep and narrow streets of the Lisbon's traditional quarters. This fantastic tour is wonderful opportunity to get a feel for 'real' Lisbon, as we experience the small-village surroundings of Alfama and Mouraria, as well as the elegant and noble surroundings of Chiado and Lapa. We pass beautiful squares and grand architecture as we travel in restored carriages dating from the 1930s and 1940s. We end the tour in Belem, Lisbon's natural harbour that was regarded as "the historical heart and soul of Portugal". Belem was the starting point for many of Portugal's notable voyages of discovery, during the period when Portugal was a powerful nation with a vast and expanding empire. We visit the historic Pasteis de Belem café, where we enjoy coffee and the famous cakes which give the place its name. We spend three nights at the Hotel Aviz. (B,D)

Today you are free to enjoy the delights of Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, so you could re-visit the quarter of Belem, and take in the Columbus monument and Jeronimo's Monastery. You could perhaps stroll through the streets to Rossio Square and relax in one of the many cafés, or ride the unique public elevators of Santa Justa or Glória to the Barrio Alto. (B)

Today we take the train to Sintra, the summer residence of many kings of Portugal. Sintra is a beautiful village surrounded by wooded hills, and is home to the spectacular and brightly coloured Pena Palace. You have free time here to explore. On Day 12, enjoy the day at leisure, before we board an overnight sleeper train, which takes us from Lisbon to San Sebastián. (Day 11-B,D ; Day 12-B)
If returning by air, you will transfer to Lisbon airport on Day 12 for the return flight to London.

We arrive in San Sebastián this morning and transfer to the Mercure Monte Igueldo, boasting fabulous views over the bay. Breakfast is served in the hotel on our arrival. The rest of the day is free for you to explore San Sebastián at leisure. Perhaps visit the Miramar Palace, a grand structure dating back to the 19th century, or the beautiful old quarter with its many wonderful tapas bars. Take the opportunity to stroll along the promenade, or simply relax on one of the town's three beaches. On Day 14 we travel by coach to nearby Bilbao to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum with its impressive art collection. We return to San Sebastián in the afternoon and you have time at leisure in this elegant resort. On Day 15 we transfer across the French border to Hendaye, where we join the high-speed TGV service to Paris. Here we board the Eurostar service to London, with a light meal and drinks served before our arrival into St Pancras International. (Day 13-B,D; Day 14-B; Day 15-B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

We also offer the option to return to the UK by air, rather than by train. This version of our Portugal & the Douro tour is three days shorter and on Day 12 when the group leaves Sintra for San Sebastián, those selecting the return by air option will transfer to Lisbon Airport for the return flight to London.

The return by air option is not available to book online, so if you are interested in flying back to London, please call one of our Tour Advisors who will be happy to help you.