Five-Star Douro Cruise and Lisbon
Undulating idylls and verdant vistas of the Douro River
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You are viewing the 2018 itinerary
Itineraries and pricing may vary by departure year
Take in the undulating idylls and verdant vistas of the Douro River region on this marvellous cruise. Delve into the popular wine culture of Portugal on a tour that mixes beautiful scenery with outstanding cities.
Meet your group and Tour Manager at the Hotel Mundial in Lisbon. We enjoy dinner in the hotel together this evening.
Today we take a guided tour of Lisbon, through historic, picturesque neighbourhoods, passing through the steep and narrow streets of Lisbon's traditional quarters. 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".
We visit the historic Pasteis de Belem café, where we enjoy coffee and the famous cakes which give the place its name. Continue exploring independently this afternoon - perhaps visiting the Columbus monument and Jeronimo's Monastery.
This morning we take the train to Sintra, nestled high in the hills above Lisbon, the favoured former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for generations. Sintra is a beautiful village surrounded by wooded hills and is also the home of the spectacular and colourful Pena Palace. Your time here is at leisure, and you may like to venture into the Palace (payable locally) or perhaps explore one of Sintra's other exquisite estates. We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
We head to Porto today by rail to board our ship, the MS Gil Earns/MS Infante. On arrival you are welcomed by the crew with a cocktail on board. You take dinner for the first time on the ship tonight. You also have the chance to take an optional excursion to explore Porto by night.
We enjoy a guided tour of Porto today, famous for its fortified wine. Its historic centre is UNESCO listed and provides a fantastic place to walk around. While in Porto, we enjoy a visit to a traditional wine cellar and try the local produce. Later this evening we enjoy a Fado-themed night.
Today our cruise includes an excursion to Guimaraes, reboarding in Leverinho. Following our stop we continue sailing towards Regua. On our way we pass through the colossal Carrapatello lock. After we moor in Regua you can enjoy a dancing evening on board.
Today we moor at Vila Real, the capital of the Vila Real district in northern Portugal. While here we visit the delightful Baroque manor house, Solar de Mateus and walk through its beautifully manicured gardens. The interior of this property is certainly worth a closer look with delightful carved wood ceilings, furniture from several historical periods and 17th and 18th century paintings. Following our time here we continue cruising through some of Portugal's prime wine real estate towards Vega de Teron. As the ship moors we are treated to an evening of Flamenco entertainment.
We arrive in the last Portuguese village along the Douro today, Barca d'Alva. You enjoy time here at leisure.
We moor at Ferradosa today and take a splendid excursion delving deep into the fascinating culture of the wines of Porto. We take the coach towards San Salvador do Mundo and San Joao da Pesqueira. Two idyllic towns set amidst the verdant and sweeping vineyard region of the Rio Torto Valley. Our time in Sao Joao de Pesqueira is spent exploring the town's arcaded main square, its attractive chapel and visiting a local 'quinta' to sample some of the famous Porto wine. Following our wine excursion you have time at leisure in the afternoon to enjoy Pinhão, we rejoin our ship here as it moors.
Today we continue sailing on our return leg to Porto. We stop off at Lamego with a guided tour. At Porto, we spend our final night on board and are treated to a traditional folk evening.
Following breakfast on board we disembark our ship. Make your way to the airport for your flight back home.
Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.
For this tour, we recommend Lisbon Airport as your arrival airport (code LIS), which is approximately 5 miles from your first hotel. Our recommended departure airport is Porto Airport (code OPO), which is situated approximately 10 miles from your final base in Porto.
It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.
You may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; this is where you will meet your Tour Manager.
An escorted experience and travel during your tour
Comfortable accommodation
Delicious meals included
Exciting excursions and free time to explore
Not Included
This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
Undulating idylls and verdant vistas of the Douro River
Call:
Enquire
