Cruise the Douro River and explore the city of Porto

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Arrive in Porto

   Porto, Portugal

   Fly from your chosen UK airport to Porto. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board your five-star river ship for your seven-night River Douro cruise. Settle into your luxurious accommodation and familiarize yourself with all the first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.

2. Day

   2

   Pinhao

   Pinhão, Portugal

   Watch terraced vineyards pass by on your way to Pinhão. There's plenty of time for a spot of pampering in the on board spa, or simply watch the seamless changing of the riverbank scenery passing by from the comfort of a cosy seat in the lounge.

   This afternoon, visit a local historic quinta to learn all about the stages of wine production - from the planting of the vines and harvesting, to the wine-making process, tasting and labelling. No visit would be complete without sampling some of the excellent wines, so enjoy a tasting before returning to the ship.

3. Day

   3

   Castelo Rodrigo

   Pocinho, Portugal

   Enjoy a leisurely morning on board, sailing towards Pocinho. Take a refreshing dip in the Sun Deck pool or catch up on some reading, perhaps with a glass of vinho verde, the local, gently fizzy white wine. Cruise into ever more rural territory towards the Spanish border, where the river is at its most peaceful.

   This afternoon, visit Castelo Rodrigo, a delightful 12th-century walled village tucked away in the picturesque highland ranges bordering Spain. Its church was a resting place on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and it is said that Saint Francis himself stayed here.

   This evening, see a celebratory vintage port wine opened in the traditional way.

4. Day

   4

   Salamanca

   Salamanca, Spain

   Spend the day in the historic Spanish city of Salamanca. Regarded by many Spaniards as their nation's most beautiful city, Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. Explore at your leisure, perhaps admiring the ornate interiors of its cathedrals, or explore its tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens and marketplaces.

   Enjoy a typical Spanish tapas lunch, over a traditional flamenco show. This afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the city seeing the main sights, before returning to the ship.

5. Day

   5

   Peso da Régua

   Regua, Portugal

   Travelling back upstream, appreciate the changing landscape in all its splendour from the deck, as the river weaves its way between the lush hillsides. Cruise towards the small town of Peso da Régua, from which, visit the splendid Mateus Palace. Surrounded by landscaped French gardens, this 18th century Baroque palace has stunning interiors.

   This evening, drive to the 126-acre Quinta da Pacheca. Enjoy dramatic views over the Douro, and spend time wandering through part of the estate, before sampling its wines with dinner.

6. Day

   6

   Lamego

   Lamego, Portugal

   This morning after breakfast, take a short drive to historic Lamego, home of Portugal's sparkling wine, Raposeira. Explore this lovely town and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, with its iconic painted ceramic tiles.

   This afternoon, sail along the Douro as you make your way back to Porto. After lunch there's the perfect opportunity to take to the sun deck to enjoy the kaleidoscope of Douro views. This evening is the Chef's Dinner, a truly memorable experience featuring exquisite regional specialities, followed by a colourful performance of traditional Portuguese folk music by a local cultural group.

7. Day

   7

   Porto

   Porto, Portugal

   Make the most of the ship's facilities again this morning as your ship makes a graceful arrival in Porto, passing under the city's spectacular bridges. Visit a famous port producer where you'll learn about this fortified wine's fascinating history before enjoying a tasting.

   After lunch back on board, explore Porto, first on a guided tour and then at leisure. Your escorted tour will unveil some of its major and more surprising sights. Later on, you may wish to spend time at the Old Town, or perhaps visit a pasteleria for a pastel de nata - Portugal's famous custard tart.

   This evening, enjoy a final dinner on board and later, perhaps settle into the lounge to chat into the evening and reflect on the splendours of the remarkable River Douro - over a glass of port, of course.

8. Day

   8

   Depart porto

   Porto, Portugal

   Disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.