Douro Discovery

Intro:

Enjoy 7 nights cruising Portugal’s Douro river aboard brand new river ship, MS Estrela. Discover the sun-drenched city of Porto and enjoy a Flamenco show by captivating Flamenco dancers. In Pinhao, enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta.

So much included:

· Return scheduled flights from the UK*

· 7 nights cruising aboard the brand-new MS Estrela

· Enriching sightseeing & special Insider Experiences, including a dinner at a local quinta

· Delicious dining (20 meals) with complimentary soft drinks, beer and local wine with lunch and dinner on board

· Services of a Cruise Director and local guides

· Overseas transfers, port charges and tipping

Douro River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Embark Ship

Fly from the UK to Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city. Transfer to your river ship, the MS Estrela, and settle in. This evening, meet your fellow travelers and Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you enjoy a sunset cruise along the Douro River.

Stay: Seven Nights, aboard MS Estrela
Meals: Dinner

Day 2

Regua, Lamego, Pinhao

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Dinner at a scenic local quinta.

Begin cruising the Douro River, bordered by rolling vineyards. Partake in a Portuguese language lesson, then visit Lamego’s Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample local specialties. Upon arrival in Pinhao, experience a traditional Portuguese dinner at a local winery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Vega de Terron, Castelo Rodrigo

Cross the Spanish border to Vega de Terron. After some leisure time, join an excursion to the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo, featuring well-preserved ruins, an ancient castle, and views over Portugal and Spain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Salamanca, Barca d’Alva

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Flamenco show and Spanish lunch.

Travel by coach to Salamanca, known for its sunlit sandstone architecture and historic university. Enjoy a lively Flamenco show before returning to Barca d’Alva for a traditional Portuguese BBQ dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Pinhao, Regua

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Port wine tasting at a local quinta.

This morning, enjoy a history lecture as you sail to Regua. Visit a quinta to taste Portugal’s famous port wine, followed by a guided tour and free time to explore the Douro Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Regua, Mateus Palace, Entre-os-Rios

Tour the beautiful 18th-century Mateus Palace and gardens. Continue to Entre-os-Rios for an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a lively Captain’s Dinner featuring Portuguese folk music.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

Return to Vila Nova de Gaia for a guided tour of Porto, including a port wine tasting. Spend the afternoon exploring Porto or take an optional tour to Guimaraes. Enjoy a final Farewell Dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

After a farewell breakfast, transfer to Porto airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast