Your Douro itinerary
Day 1
arriVal in oPorto
On arrival at Lisbon or Oporto airport, you’ll be taken to your ship in Oporto, where your crew will welcome you aboard.
Day 2
lameGo at dawn, the ship will begin its journey upstream and you’ll enjoy your first breakfast on board. By late morning you approach Peso da régua, port wine territory. the afternoon includes a short drive to Lamego, home of Portugal’s sparkling wine raposeira and the ancient Sanctuary of our Lady of remedies church. Here you’ll visit one of the region’s best vineyards, learning how legendary port is produced – culminating in a tasting of the delicious final product!
Day 3
castelo rodriGo the douro was once a precariously wild river, now tamed by a series of locks. the ship navigates several of these towards the Spanish border. en route, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or enjoy a cool pre-lunch glass of local wine. now on the river douro, you’ve crossed into Spain, however the northern bank remains in Portugal! the afternoon sees a visit to Castelo rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village. that evening, enjoy a Portuguese barbecue, served on the sundeck.
Day 4
salamanca today you’ll visit historic Salamanca, a uneSCO world Heritage Site. the city is dominated by its two cathedrals and Spain’s oldest university, founded in 1215. Over lunch you’ll enjoy a traditional flamenco show, then explore as you wish.
Day 5
Peso da reGua during breakfast, the ship slips its moorings, cruising towards Peso da régua. enjoy watching the everchanging scenery gently pass by. Late afternoon, there’s time to wander along the quayside, before an evening drive to enjoy a dinner at Quinta da Pacheca, an 18th-century manor house.
Day 6
mateus Palace Gardens after a leisurely breakfast you visit the magnificent 18th-century mateus Palace Gardens – featured on the label of its famous mateus rosé! return to the ship for lunch on board and the ship departs towards entre-osrios. this afternoon is spent cruising and this evening is the Captain’s dinner, featuring local specialities. after dinner, a cultural group performs traditional Portuguese folk music.
Day 7
oPorto this morning you arrive in Oporto, where you’ll be guests of port brand Cálem, learning the history of the wine. enjoy lunch back on board before starting your sightseeing tour. this evening and after a final dinner, you can reflect on the splendours of the river douro – over a glass of port of course!
Day 8
return Home after a final breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport, with memories of one of the most unspoilt corners of europe to savour.