Douro Cruise on the Spirit of Chartwell

Lisbon

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.

To Sintra

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.

To Porto

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.

Lamego

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.

Castelo Rodrigo and Salamanca

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.

Casa de Mateus

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.

Quinta da Aveleda

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.

Return home

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.

Nicholas Owen

On the evening of Day 1, on selected tours we are joined by our special guest speaker, former ITN Royal Correspondent Nicholas Owen. Nicholas' gives a talk on the Royal Family, a suitable topic given the Spirit of Chartwell's impressive royal connection.

Please Note

Please note: The departures on the 17th and 24th of September, and the 1st of October, are special harvest sailings, featuring a harvest experience in a quinta along the Douro river, with a presentation, lunch and a local wine tasting. The rest of the itinerary may also differ.

Please call for more details.

Recommended Airport

We recommend that for this tour you arrange flights to Lisbon Airport, which is approximately 5 miles from your base in Lisbon. For this tour, we recommend departing from Porto Airport, which is approximately 15 miles from your end point.

Visa Requirements

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.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.