TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

Most Douro cruises sail out and back from the northern city of Porto; AmaWaterways’ AmaVida sails one way from Porto to Vega de Terron on the border with Spain, where passengers disembark and transfer to Madrid for three nights (the itinerary also starts with three nights pre-cruise in Lisbon). There’s time to enjoy the scenic cruising, visit palaces, churches and museums, imbibe a drop of port, try local delicacies such as bolas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham) and have a lunch in a quinta. In Madrid an included excursion visits the walled city of Toledo.

From £3,586 per person, excluding flights, for a 14-day Flavours of Portugal and Spain holiday departing April 13 2019 (0800 320 2335; amawaterways.co.uk). The fruit of the Rhine can be sampled in Germany, Austria and the Alsace region of France. Visit the region and learn from expert Ewald Moseler (who grew up on the Moselle) who is hosting an Enchanting Rhine cruise on April 11 2019 (0800 320 2335; amawaterways. co.uk).

Medieval Bavaria and the evocative setting of the former Prince Bishop’s Court Cellar, entered via a candle-lit passageway, are highlights of an Emerald Waterways Legends of the Moselle, Rhine and Main cruise departing on June 2, 2019 (0808 115 8568; emerald waterways. co.uk).

The special Riesling and More itinerary offered by Amadeus River Cruises includes visits to three wineries and a wine pairing gala dinner. Departs Sept 12 2019 (0800 035 6411; amadeusrivercruises. co.uk).

A visit to Boppard’s Schloss Vollrads, a castle set in woodlands and surrounded by vineyards, is Germany at its bucolic best. An excursion here is included on Uniworld’s Castles along the Rhine cruise, departing March 24, 2019. A local expert talks guests through the castle’s winemaking legacy, dating back to 1211. (0808 168 9110; uniworld.com).

Visit Cochem Castle for wine tastings, and to learn how grapes are harvested by hand, on a cruise with Titan Travel. The Grand Rhine Cruise on board the refurbished MS Serenade 1 departs June 1, Aug 2 and 12 and Oct 22 2019. (0808 250 6361; titantravel. co.uk).