Journey down the Douro River, with its dramatic gorges, lush vineyards, and tranquil fishing villages on a small ship river cruise. Begin in Porto and continue on to the ancient and picturesque city of Lamego. Enter Spain to visit Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the beautiful inland countryside and the palace and gardens of Mateus. Explore the 24th-century Alpendurada Monastery before concluding your European river cruise in Porto.
Highlights
Explore Porto on a guided tour and enjoy dinner at a beautiful monastery
Visit the impressive visitor's facility and winery, Quinta do Seixo
Take an excursion to ancient Lamego, home to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Enjoy traditional Portuguese food and wine at the Quinta Avessada estate
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on a guided tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine at Graham’s Winery. Prefer to get more active, you can hike to Graham’s Winery, offering magnificent views over the Douro River. Later in the day, set sail to Entre-os-Rios and be treated to a lovely wine and cheese tasting at Quinta da Avelada, one of the best wine producing estates in the Vinho Verde region. While here, wander through the Quinta Aveleda’s gardens, where you can find a thatched house for geese, peacocks and graceful swans. Afterwards, enjoy a lovely dinner.
During the morning, visit the Douro Museum in Régua, showcasing the history, culture and identity of the Douro Wine Region. Afterwards, travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, to see the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer may want to hike. Concluding both tours, you have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Then, go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. Alternatively, venture to Quinta do Seixo, producers of some of the most traditionally made wine in the Douro region. An expert from the Sandeman Winery takes you on a tasting and private tour of the wine cellars, teaching you about the centuries-old winemaking methods.
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d’Alva, where you cam visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views. You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce.
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your guided tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the twin-towered Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor.
Savor an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Roêda, Croft’s flagship vineyard estate. Discover the secrets of the vineyards as you take a guided walking tour through the property, stopping at points of interest along the way and taking in the magnificent landscape and the stunning views across the Douro River. Afterwards, go on an exclusive private tour of Quinta do Seixo’s wine cellars, learning about the Douro Valley’s centuries-old winemaking methods before sampling some of the wines. Later in the day, visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens, located in the beautiful Trás-os-Montes region. Inside the house you can see exhibits of religious images and beautiful furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal.
Visit Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães claims to be “the cradle of the nation” and boasts a historic center that is one of the most attractive and best preserved in all of Portugal. You also have the choice to take a short journey to a nearby coastal town for the “Tastes of Matosinhos” tour where you can visit a traditional restaurant serving Pataniscas, a traditional Portuguese cod fish cake, and other typical regional snacks. You also have the option to go on the Jewish heritage tour through the Jewish Quarter of the city discovering the fascinating Jewish heritage.
Day 8: Porto, Portugal | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight.
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$3,199
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Category E
Douro Deck Panoramic Window, 161 sq. ft.
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Category D
Douro Deck Panoramic Window, 161 sq. ft.
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Category B
Lisbon Deck Balcony, 215 sq. ft.
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Category A
Porto Deck Balcony, 215 sq. ft.
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Suite
Porto Deck Balcony, 323 sq. ft.
Notes
Single Supplement for Cruises: 50% of twin price; Suites 100% of twin price.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.