WITH MADRID STAY
Spain & Portugal Douro River Cruise & Flights
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Cruise as per itinerary
- Cruise meals and non-chargeable entertainment
- Daily breakfast
- Escorted tour
- Expert local guides
- First class hotels
- International flights from Australia
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Cruise gratuities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
River Cruise Tour Overview
Discover the allure of Portugal on this stunning river cruise that ticks all the boxes!
Begin with flights to Spain’s capital city of Madrid. Here you’ll enjoy a two-night stay to explore Madrid’s iconic monuments, including the renowned Prado Museum. En route to Barca d’Alva in Portugal, stop in the Medieval town of Salamanca for a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Then sail the Douro River from Barca d’ Alva to the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo and picturesque Pinhao.
Continue cruising the Douro River towards historic Regua, in the heart of Portugal’s famous wine region, and Lamego, in the vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region. Take a panoramic drive through the centre of Porto and explore the medieval town of Amarante. There’s also the option to tour the medieval city of Guimaraes, with its architectural treasures and Villa Nova de Gaia.
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 FULL ITINERARY
River Cruise Sale
Book by 11am AEST on 8 October 2024 to save on a spectacular Douro River Cruise in 2025.
Lead Price Travel Dates, Including Flights: 3 May, 26 May, 31 May, 13 October, 18 October
Ask us about upgrading to a French Balcony cabin and we also have special offers on extended Tulip Time cruise and tour combinations.
For more information and details on other available departures, please call 1300 168 910 or email [email protected] today.
Note: Prices in AUD are per person, based on twin share. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and can change at any time. Cabins are limited and prices will vary depending on cabin category and travel dates. Please contact us for current rates and single supplements. Booking conditions apply. Booking code PRCMG11M
Inclusions at a glance
- Return economy airfare from Australia to Madrid & from Porto
- Fly with a full-service airline, including checked luggage
- 9 nights accommodation
- 2 nights Madrid in a premium hotel
- 7 nights outside cabin aboard MS Douro Cruiser
- Cruise porterage
- 22 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cruise director throughout cruise
- Tour Manager in Madrid
- Service of local guides
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special features
- At the renowned Prado Museum in Madrid, view masterpieces by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya
- Explore the university town of Salamanca with its 12th century Old Cathedral
- Tour the Douro Museum, and learn about the winemaking industry of the area
- Discover the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by imposing walls
- Embark on a tour of Porto and view the Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, and the Stock Exchange
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- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
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- DAY 9
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- DAY 11
Fly Australia to Spain
It's time to board your flights that will jet you to the holiday starting point in Madrid!
Arrive in Madrid, Spain
Arrive in Madrid, Spain's capital, and catch a taxi to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage in the hotel and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Madrid
Madrid City Tour
The discovery of Madrid begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. View the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe's second largest. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum. Stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments, and museums on your own or, join the optional tour to Toledo. Take a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece, and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe
Optional: Half Day Toledo Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
Salamanca, Barca d' Alva, Cruise Embarkation
This morning, depart Madrid and begin a scenic drive to Barca d' Alva, Portugal. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Salamanca. The walking tour will lead you through the streets of its historic centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the 12th century old cathedral, the Salina, and Monterrey Palace. Spend free time to for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, 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
Castelo Rodrigo
This morning, disembark and drive 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. This afternoon, sail towards Pinhão
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pinhão
Continue your scenic cruise, admiring the region's beautiful landscapes of terraced vineyards and lush valleys. This afternoon, stop in Pinhão, 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, savuor dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Rejoin the ship later in the evening in Pinhão where it remains overnight
Optional: Mateus Palace and dinner at Quinta da Avessada (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail to Regua, Douro Museum
This morning, continue cruising along the Douro River 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 lunch, disembark and visit the Douro Museum, housed in a restored former wine warehouse, learn about the winemaking industry of the area. Stroll through the exhibits providing information on the history of the Douro region, including the geography, climate and people. Spend the 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: Winery Tour & Tasting (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lamego, Regua
Travel to Lamego, nestled amidst the lush vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region. The town is known for its stunning Baroque staircase leading to the iconic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Stroll around the town's historic centre, characterized by its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and visit the Gothic Lamego Cathedral. Spend time at leisure before returning to the ship. The afternoon is free to relax on board. The ship docks overnight in Regua
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, admire the views of Porto as the ship enters the city. Disembark for a city tour of Porto. Take a panoramic drive through the city centre to Clerigos Tower, next to the former Jewish Quarter. Then, embark on a walking tour where you will view Porto Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, the Stock Exchange, and the medieval São 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
Explore Amarante
Begin the day with a scenic drive to the medieval town of Amarante. On arrival, take a tour of the historic town centre. Admire the stunning high arched São Goncalo Bridge spanning the Tamega River, and visit the São Goncalo Church, known for its intricate Baroque architecture, and ornate azulejo tiles. Free time to explore on your own before heading back. In the afternoon, choose 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 enjoy some free time before returning to the ship
Optional: Medieval City of Guimarães (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Portugal
This morning, disembark and catch a taxi to the airport if you’re flying out today. Disembarkation will end at 8:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast
More about Portugal
More about Spain
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 river cruise 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 select departures from April to October.
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.
When international flights are booked, 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 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.
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).
How to make a booking:
This travel deal is valid until 11am AEST on 8 October 2024, unless sold out sooner. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and was correct as of 1 October 2024. 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 you're adding flights) and any special requests, such as dietary requirements, medical conditions, bed configuration etc.
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.
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.
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