Douro Delights – Porto to Madrid

Arrive in Porto and transfer to your river ship. Your ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors.

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE: Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, 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.
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.

Set sail this 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.

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Regua. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.

After enjoying the experience your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhao. 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 Rosé wine.

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. This evening you’ll be treated to the captain’s farewell dinner.

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Returning on board, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. 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 your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please.

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.