WITH LISBON STAY
Cruise the Douro River through Portugal
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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
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Cruise transfers
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- International flights
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
River Cruise Tour Overview
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, the medieval city of Guimaraes with its architectural treasures and Villa Nova de Gaia. As you travel to Lisbon, stop in the Medieval town of Obidos. Then enjoy a two-night stay to explore the capital city and its iconic monuments.
River cruising offers the unique opportunity to visit Europe’s historic cities and charming villages as 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
- 9 nights accommodation
- 7 nights outside cabin aboard MS Douro Cruiser
- 2 nights Lisbon 4-star hotel
- Cruise porterage
- 21 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cruise director throughout cruise
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special features
- 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
- View the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
- DAY 8
- DAY 9
- DAY 10
Arrive in Porto, Cruise Embarkation
Arrive in Porto and make your own way to the port in Covelo. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala dinner, as it sets the mood for your lovely Douro river cruise.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: 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 Regua
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. The ship continues sailing to Regua, where it remains docked for the night. Re-join the ship later in the evening
Optional: Mateus Palace and dinner at Quinta da Avessada
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail to Porto & City Tour
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 & 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
Spend the morning at leisure in Porto. After lunch, the ship departs Porto and sails back to the port of Leverihno. Remain in town and use the shuttle service to join the ship later in the afternoon, or join the optional Medieval city of Guimarães. Explore the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its wealth of architectural treasures. Visit the Guimarães Castle where Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was born, and Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Optional: Medieval City of Guimarães
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Obidos en route to Lisbon
Today, head south towards Lisbon. 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 Lisbon. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Tonight, attend the optional Fado Dinner. While dining, listen to the popular performances of local songs accompanied by guitar playing Portuguese melodies. Enjoy dinner with wine before a brief drive through the illuminated city
Optional: Fado Dinner
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
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 balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Portugal
It’s time to check out of your hotel in the morning and make your way to the airport for your departure flight
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 special river cruise deal is based on the following tour departures:
2023 – May to 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 cost.
Tour start time
The start time listed for this river cruise is 2:00pm but this 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) 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.
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