4-STAR HOTELS
Douro River Cruise with Lisbon, Porto & Flights
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Cruise as per itinerary
- Cruise meals and non-chargeable entertainment
- Escorted tour
- First class hotels
- International flights from Australia
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Cruise transfers
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
River Cruise Tour Overview
Begin the beautiful journey in the capital city of Lisbon, where you’ll view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower and enjoy the 2-night stay. As you travel to Porto/Afurada to embark the ship, stop en route in the Medieval town of Obidos that’s encircled by fortified walls.
Sail the Douro River from Porto to the heart of Portugal’s wine region, as well as UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Salamanca. Continue the scenic cruise to picturesque Pinhao, where the ship spends the night for time to explore at your leisure or you can take an optional tour to elaborate Mateus Palace. Then enjoy a two-night stay in Porto, to discover the city’s vibrant nightlife, rich culture and fascinating history.
River cruising offers the unique opportunity to visit historic cities and charming villages as you sail Europe’s scenic waterways. Cruise aboard an intimate floating hotel, equipped with features and amenities to make your voyage comfortable and carefree.
SEE THE BROCHURE
Inclusions at a glance
- Return economy airfares from Australian capital cities to Lisbon
- 11 nights accommodation
- 2 nights Lisbon 4-star hotel
- 7 nights outside cabin aboard MS Douro Cruiser
- 2 nights Porto 4-star hotel
- Cruise & hotel porterage
- 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Tour managers in Lisbon & Porto
- Cruise director & activity host throughout cruise
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special features
- View the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery
- Stop at the medieval town of Obidos, encircled by fortified walls
- See magnificent panoramic views of Douro River
- Tour the Douro Museum, and learn about the wine making industry of the area
- Discover the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by imposing walls
- Visit Salamanca with its ancient sandstone buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage City
- Embark on a tour of Porto and view the Cathedral, S. Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, and the Stock Exchange
- Visit Aveiro, a charming coastal city known as the “Venice of Portugal”
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
- DAY 8
- DAY 9
- DAY 10
- DAY 11
- DAY 12
- DAY 13
Fly to Portugal
At last, the day is here to board your flights to Europe.
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive in Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, and catch taxi to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at the hotel at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Lisbon
Lisbon City Tour
Begin the tour of Lisbon with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to enjoy panoramic views over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend the optional Fado Dinner. While dining, listen to the popular performances of local songs accompanied by guitar playing Portuguese melodies. Savour dinner with wine before a brief drive through the illuminated city
Optional: Fado Dinner
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
Obidos en route to Porto/Afurada, Cruise Embarkation
This morning, depart Lisbon and begin a lovely drive to Porto; you will embark the ship in Afurada, a charming place outside Porto. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Obidos, encircled by fortified walls for lunch on your own. Spend free time to explore the town with its many Gothic and Renaissance churches, before continuing to Porto. Arrive at the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner, as it sets the mood for your lovely Douro river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sail to Regua, Douro Museum
This morning, sail along the Douro towards Regua. This historic town in the heart of Portugal's most famous wine region, has been the centre of port wine industry for centuries. After a light lunch, disembark and visit the Douro Museum, housed in a restored former wine warehouse, learn about the wine making industry of the area. Stroll through the exhibits providing information on the history of the Douro region, including the geography, climate and people. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or participate in the optional tour to a renowned wine estate. Visit the vineyard and learn about Porto and red wine production, aging, and bottling. The ship docks overnight in Regua
Optional: Half Day Winery Tour & Tasting
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Castelo Rodrigo
This morning sail towards Pocinho. After lunch, disembark in Pocinho and transfer to the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by imposing walls. Stroll along the steep narrow cobblestone alleys and learn about its fascinating history. You may also choose to stay onboard and continue cruising. Re-join the ship late this afternoon in Vega de Terrón, where it overnights
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Salamanca
After an early breakfast, embark on a full day excursion to Salamanca, Spain. Travel through the Spanish countryside to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the prestigious university, founded in the early 1200s. View ancient sandstone buildings, Plaza Mayor, the Clergy, the striking 12th century old Cathedral with its mysterious carvings, Casa de las Conchas, and the historic centre of the city. Free time for your own lunch, before transferring to the ship
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cruise to Pinhao
Continue your scenic cruise, admiring the region's beautiful landscapes of terraced vineyards and lush valleys. This afternoon, stop in Pinhao, where passengers may depart for the optional Mateus Palace and dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Embark on a tour of Mateus Palace, located in the city of Vila Real. Explore the beautiful Baroque palace with its elaborate carved ceilings and stroll through the manicured gardens. Afterward, savour dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Re-join the ship later in the evening in Pinhao where it remains overnight
Optional: Mateus Palace & dinner at Quinta da Avessada
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail to Porto/Afurada & City Tour of Porto
Spend the morning at leisure, taking in the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy the views of Porto as the ship enters the city. Disembark and transfer for a city tour of Porto. Take a panoramic drive to the city centre to Clerigos Tower, next to the former Jewish Quarter. Then, embark on a walking tour. View Porto Cathedral, Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, the Stock Exchange, and the medieval S. Francisco Church. The tour ends at Ribeira Quarter with free time to shop for souvenirs. Afterward head back to the ship
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Porto/Afurada
Spend the morning and the afternoon at leisure in Porto/Afurada or join the optional Medieval city of Guimarães. Explore the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its wealth of architectural treasures. Walk by the Guimarães Castle where Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was born. View and learn about the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. End the tour at the historical main square Oliveira and spend some free time before returning to the ship
Optional: Medieval City of Guimarães
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembarkation, Visit Aveiro
This morning, disembark and head to Aveiro, a charming coastal city known as the "Venice of Portugal." The city features picturesque canals, colourful moliceiro boats and rich cultural heritage. The guided tour will take you through Aveiro's highlights, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's unique ambience. Savour a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, return to Porto and check into your hotel. Free time to discover Porto's vibrant nightlife on your own
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Full Day in Porto
Spend the day at leisure in Porto. Perhaps, join the full day optional Braga & Barcelos tour. Soak up the rich history and vibrant culture of these two cities. Visit the historic city of Braga, often referred to as the "Rome of Portugal." The city has over 2,000 years of history and a lot of ancient Roman influence. Then, head to Barcelos, a city famous for its pottery and folklore. Discover the legend of the Barcelos Rooster an emblematic symbol of Portugal and explore the historic centre with its medieval castle ruins and charming squares. Later, enjoy the scenic drive back to Porto
Optional: Full Day Braga & Barcelos Tour
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Portugal, Fly to Australia
After breakfast, it's time to check out of the hotel and make your own way to the airport for your departure flights to Australia.
Meals: Breakfast
More about Portugal
My Travel Experience Review
River cruising really is the most relaxing and comfortable way to explore Europe. This trip ticks all the boxes for great destinations and inclusions. Let us know if you'd like to stay longer to see more of Europe.
More about this tour
See the brochure
Click here to view, download or print a copy of this tour brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, itinerary and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Tour departures
This special river cruise deal is based on the following tour departures:
2024 – 13, 20, 27 April; 04, 11, 18, 25 May; 31 August; 07, 14 September; 12, 19, 25 October; 02 November
Price may vary or change without notice, depending on your departure date.
Please ask us for your preferred departure date and we will advise availability and current cost.
Tour start time
The start time listed for this river cruise package is just a guide and details will be confirmed upon confirmation.
If you book international flights, you will be advised of the flight details and check-in times when your reservation is confirmed.
Is this tour right for you?
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. There is a potential for a small number of sailings to be impacted by river water levels, or other factors which may impact safe navigation. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach and may also involve hotel accommodations.
Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea or river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).
New safety measures, more flexibility and greater peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
To help you book with confidence, we will assist you if any unexpected situations arise and My Travel Experience also offers clients as much flexibility as possible when making bookings.
How to make a booking:
This travel deal is valid for a limited time. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) was correct as of 11 July 2023 and rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held. Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
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