4-STAR HOTEL STAYS
Cruise the Douro River through Portugal
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Activities as per the itinerary
- Cruise as per itinerary
- Cruise meals and non-chargeable entertainment
- Cruise transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Escorted tour
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- International flights
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
River Cruise Tour Overview
Begin this spectacular journey with a two-night stay to explore Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon and its iconic monuments.
Then sail the Douro River from Porto to the heart of Portugal’s wine region, as well as UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Salamanca. Visit picturesque Pinhao and the medieval city of Guimaraes with its architectural treasures. After disembarking, head to the charming coastal town of Aveiro, that’s known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’. Then continue to vibrant Porto, where the two-night stay gives you a full day to explore the city’s many highlights.
River cruising offers the unique opportunity to visit Europe’s historic cities and charming villages, while you sail the world’s most beautiful 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
- 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
- Cruise director & activity host throughout cruise
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tour managers in Lisbon & Porto
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
Arrive 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. Transfer by coach to the ship in Pinhao, or participate in the optional tour of Quinta do Tedo, a renowned wine estate. Visit the vineyard and learn about Porto and red wine production, aging, and bottling. The ship docks overnight in Pinhao
Optional: Quinta do Tedo
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 Figueira Castelo Rodrigoperched 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 enjoy cruising. Rejoin the ship late this afternoon in Vega de Terrón, where it overnights
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Salamanca
Today, the ship docks in Vega de Terrón. 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. Spend free time for lunch on your own, 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, make a brief 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. Rejoin the ship later in the evening in Regua
Optional: Mateus Palace and 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
After breakfast it’s time to check out of the hotel and make your own way to the airport by taxi if you are flying out today.
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 or include airfares from Australia.
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 river cruise departs on select dates from April to November 2025.
Price may vary, depending on your departure date.
Please ask us for your preferred departure date and we will advise availability and current prices.
Tour start time
The start time listed is just a guide and details will be advised upon confirmation.
If you add 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. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking.
There is a potential for 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.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, 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).
Safety measures and peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority. 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 book:
This Early Bird deal is valid until 24 October 2024 and can be withdrawn any time. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price was correct as of 9 September 2024. Price is based on lead-price departure(s) 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].
To book, please provide the following information for all passengers:
1. Full names, as per passport
2. Date of birth
3. Home address
4. Phone number
5. Next of kin contact details (for emergency use only)
6. Departure airport (if adding flights) and any special requests, such as dietary requirements, medical conditions, bed configuration etc.
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