Day 1 (Travel To Portugal):

Today begins our cruise on the beautiful Douro River. Upon arrival in Porto or Lisbon, we will be met by our local guide who will assist us in the transfer to Porto port. Settle into our cabin and explore the range of facilities on board the MS Estrela. Then tonight, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner as you enjoy a sunset cruise along the Douro river.

You will onyl have an excursion today if you are flying into Lisbon.

Please Note: Due to late arrival of the Porto flight with Ryanair, you will have a cold plate upon cruise check in. For groups arriving in Lisbon, you will have a Lisbon city tour included en route to the cruise in Porto.

Day 2 (Discover Lamego & Pinhao):

This morning, we will begin our cruise along the Douro River, as we relax on board enjoy the spectacular views of the countless vineyards that bordered this beautiful river. As we sail into the port of Regua, you will have the option of visiting Lamego, famous for the elegantly decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of the Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego you might like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll.

In the afternoon we will continue our cruise and set sail for Pinhao, here we can explore Pinhao and discover its famous train station, decorated with blue and white ceramic tiles. Afterwards we will be treated to an authentic Portuguese dinner in a traditional local quinta.

Day 3 (Castelo Rodrigo):

Discover the beauty of the Portuguese waterways this morning as our ship departs Pinhao and sail towards Vega Terron. Here we will have a guided excursion to Castelo Rodrigo, a small village overlooking both Spain and Portugal. We will uncover many fascinating features of this well-preserved ruins and castle along with the magnificent statue of Santiago Matamoros. In the afternoon we will re-join our ship and sail towards Salamanca.

Day 4 (Uncover Salamanca):

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour or Salamanca in the neighbouring country of Spain. The historic city centre of Salamanca has began designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided walking tour will take in many of its highlights, such as the impressive Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and the famous University of Salamanca, the oldest in Europe. Before returning to the ship, we will have some free time to explore the Old Town at your own pace and discovering its many charms.

Day 5 (Discover Regua):

Today the ship will travel on to the town of Peso de Regua in the Vila Real district of Portufal, situated on the banks of the River Douro, Peso de Regua played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port wine in the past. Here we enjoy a guided tour of this historic town followed by a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.

Day 6 (Entre-Os-Rios):

This morning, we will have a guided excursion to the Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens in Vila Real. The former home of the Counts of Vila Real, the palace is situated in a beautifully maintained park and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architectures in Portugal. You will have a guided tour of the palace and time to explore the gardens before returning to your ship in the early afternoon.

In the afternoon, we continue to Entre-os-Rios, where we will have some free time to explore this vibrant Portuguese town.

Tonight, join our fellow travellers for a Captains dinner on board with traditional Portuguese folk music.

Day 7 (Porto):

This morning, we will sail into Porto, after breakfast we will enjoy an included guided tour of Portugal’s second city. See Porto’s beautiful sites including the Chamber Commerce, Palacio de Bolsa, the Porto Cathedral, and a walk along the riverside Ribeira quarter. Your tour will also include a Port wine tasting is one of the typical wine cellars for which Porto is famous.

We have the afternoon free to explore more of this beautiful city. Alternatively, we can take an optional excursion, which is payable locally to Guimaraes, known as the ”Cradle of the Portuguese Nation” home to the last of the Portuguese kings. Here you can enjoy its medieval historic centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8 (Visit Aveiro & Return Home):

It is time to say goodbye after a full week of delights aboard your ship. After breakfast, we will meet with your local guide and be transferred to Aveiro, known as the ”Venice of Portugal”, this picturesque town along Portugal’s Coast is famous for its network of canals, colourful boats, and distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. Here we will enjoy a guided your of the beautiful town followed by some free time before continuing our journey to Porto airport for our flight home.

Please Note: For groups departing from Lisbon airport, you will transfer directly to Lisbon airport from Porto.