Douro Cruise on the Spirit of Chartwell

Meet your group and Tour Manager at the Hotel Mundial in Lisbon. We enjoy a guided tour of this exceptional European city on Day 2 as we visit the many attractions including the cathedral and the natural harbor, Belem. Our tour finishes at the wonderful Pasteis de Belem café where we sample some local delicacies.

• Day 1 - Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast

Our excursion today takes us to the charming village of Sintra. Used as a retreat by various royals and aristocrats, Sintra is made up by a variety of different castles and palaces, painted in a myriad of pale colors. Arguably the centerpiece of all these is the instantly recognizable Pena Palace, with its honey colored tower and impressive palace walls. Walking the streets is simply a delight, with another fascinating building on every corner. We enjoy a day at leisure here.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel by rail to Porto. On arrival into this classic Portuguese city, transfer to the dock where you board your ship, the exquisite Spirit of Chartwell. After settling in to your elegant cabin, enjoy an exotic cocktail while the captain and his crew welcome you aboard as the upper deck is bathed in the golden glow of the Portuguese sunset. Enjoy a delicious dinner together on board this evening.

Day 5 begins with a city tour of Porto. Enjoy the sights of this charming city including the city bridge, the manors of the Foz district and the cathedral with its commanding views from the top of the Penaventosa Hill. Our tour also includes a visit to a Port Wine Lodge, where we will see old casks full of Port and have the opportunity to sample the famous Portugese wine. The Spirit of Chartwell sets sail in the afternoon, on its way to Entre-os-Rios. We enjoy a vintage port wine celebration on board this evening.

• Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, your ship docks at Regua. This morning, you are given a culinary demonstration introducing you to the gastronomic traditions of this part of the world. In the afternoon, you pay a visit to Lamego, a picturesque village near the banks of the Douro where you take a guided tour. The Cathedral is the centrepoint of Lamego, a remarkable example of Baroque architecture.

Arguably more impressive however, are 700 steps which lead up to its doors, decorated as they are in cheerful white and blue tiles. Enjoy dinner at a local wine estate later.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Barca d'Alva is today's docking point and from here, you take an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. A fascinating medieval town, hidden in the hills, Castelo Rodrigo has seen a variety of different peoples and civilisations come and go. Enjoy a historical tour here. Later, you take dinner with the Captain at the Captain's Dinner before a Portuguese Music Show which features a delightful performance of folk music.

Your excursion on Day 8 sees you venture from Portugal into neighbouring Spain by coach, where you visit the magnificent city of Salamanca. This honey-coloured city is home to some stunning buildings and architecture, both of which you discover on your tour here. We see the oldest university in Spain, the decorous House of Shells and the grand Plaza Mayor.

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

The Spirit of Chartwell departs Barca d'Alva today, sailing back to Regua. On arrival, you pay a visit to the Vila Real and the Casa de Mateus. This romantic villa was owned by the Count of Vila Real, and features a chapel and gracefully manicured gardens. After the dinner tonight, we enjoy a tasting of Graham's Six Grapes, Winston Churchill's favourite port.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail today to Entre-os-Rios this morning for your excursion to Quinta da Aveleda. One of the notable wine estates which sit near the banks of the Douro, the Quinta da Aveleda belongs to the Guedes family who have been in operation since the mid-19th century. Tonight, the Spirit of Chartwell returns to Porto and it is here where you are treated to a farewell sunset cruise across the harbor.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Say farewell to your ship today and disembark the Spirit of Chartwell in Porto where your tour comes to an end - perhaps spend a little more time exploring this remarkable city before you depart.

• Breakfast