Douro Delights – Madrid to Porto

Once you’ve arrived in Madrid, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in.

Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor

Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.

Stay: Seven Nights, the MS Estrela

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight.

Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. Later, your ship will sail to Regua.

Enjoy a full day in Regua where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing before a special Signature Experience. FREEDOM OF CHOICE: On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.

Enjoy a relaxing sailing morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option. FREEDOM OF CHOICE: Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

Arrive in Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Tonight you’ll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

On your final night on board, your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto. FREEDOM OF CHOICE: Visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.

Disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport. Interested in extending your European holiday? Ask our Travel Advisors about our incredible range of accommodation, touring and cruise packages.