Douro River Cruise: Porto Roundtrip

Begin in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Portugal. Here, you’ll be met and brought aboard your luxury river ship. You’ll have some time to settle in to your river-view stateroom and explore your home for the next week, from the sun deck’s pool, the open bar and the fitness centre to the wine cellar, coffee station and spa. Then, it’s time for the first of your included dining, with a dinner of fine, wine-paired local delicacies.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Today, you’ll be exploring Portugal’s second city with the first of your included excursions. Your first option is an expert-led tour of the city, from its 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace and pastel-coloured townhouses to its Baroque churches and medieval alleyway walls. The views from the hilltop cathedral are a special highlight. Your second option is a locals’ walking tour, beginning at the 17th-century Monastery of Serra do Pilar before heading over the city’s iconic double-decked bridge. This will bring you right among Porto’s famed blue tilework, beautiful 20th-century railway station and panoramic cathedral views, before old-town alleyways and a refreshment stop take you back to a special captain’s reception and dinner onboard.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

With the city’s urbanity fading from view, you’ll be heading up into the Douro Valley itself, swapping Porto’s river-side townhouses for steep-green valley contours. And, with a wine-making tradition dating back to the Romans, you’ll learn all about the region’s ancient oenological practices with a visit to the superb Douro Museum – enjoying a chance to taste some of the fine local offerings, too. Today’s lunch is equally delightful, taken at a local quinta farmhouse.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

With postcard-perfect vineyards terracing pretty hills, this is true Douro wine country. And, today begins with a chance to sample some of its delights, with a special invitation to a prestigious Port wine estate whose tasting room boasts superlative views over the valley. Alternatively, a hike will see you right among the vineyards, ending at a family-owned quinta estate for a tasting. Whichever you choose, this afternoon’s excursion will see you visit the superb Côa Valley Archaeological Park to admire prehistoric carvings, something facilitated by short hikes and a trip in a four-wheel drive.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Dipping across the border, today you’ll visit the gorgeous university town of Salamanca, termed the ‘Golden City’ for its gorgeous sandstone buildings and gilded churches. Your expert guide will bring you among its 16th and 12th-century cathedrals before plazas lined with Baroque buildings point you on to Spain’s oldest university. Its ornate façade opens onto stunning interiors. It all culminates with a visit to the city’s famous food hall, where you’ll sample chorizos, cheese, olive oil and fine ham before you’ve some time to explore on your own. Wherever your interests lie, your host will be able to make some recommendations, whether that’s the best spots for a tapas lunch or the boutiques of Rua Mayor.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Sweeping back into Portugal, you’ll be welcomed back with a pause at the quaint river port of Barca d’Alva for a trip to the 13th-century Castelo Rodrigo. You’ll be brought through a scenic countryside of almond groves and wild lavender fields to the castle’s village, where you’ll have some time to wander its cobbled streets and explore its historic pillory, Manueline church and market square. However, the highlight is perhaps the fantastic views over the Portuguese countryside from the castle itself, its stern stone walls and ruined palace built high atop Marofa Mountain. You’ll also be invited into a restored teahouse for a drink. And, you’ll get the chance to sample some of the local delicacies, from honey and almonds to olive oil and fine cheeses.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Continuing back towards Porto, you’ll dock at the quiet, valley town of Régua to explore Guimarães – a World Heritage jewel that was home to the first king of Portugal. Your expert guide will bring you among the charming little plazas and half-timbered houses of its old town to explore Gothic monuments, churches and monasteries before taking in the grand medieval castle that adorns Portugal’s coat of arms. Instead of Guimarães, there’s also the option of a guided trip to Ribeira, if you’d like to explore Porto further. This medieval maze of alleyways plies the banks of the Douro River, lined with pastel houses and hole-in-the-wall taverns. Whichever you choose, you’ll end the day back onboard with a captain’s farewell reception and dinner. 

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

After a last indulgent breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. For those that’d like to take in more of Portugal’s wonders, speak to one of our specialists about adding on a couple of nights in Lisbon to enjoy the Portuguese capital’s iconic sights, gourmet delights and hilltop viewpoints.