Douro River Cruise

Depart from the U.S. on an overnight flight to Portugal. Your escorted Portugal tour package includes round-trip airfare from the U.S.

*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Lisbon on Day 2.

Today, we land in Porto, Portugal. Located on the steep banks of the Douro River, Porto is the country's second-largest city and northern hub. After arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After a morning at leisure, we'll explore Porto on foot! We'll traverse the well-preserved historical center which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk along the beautiful Avenida dos Aliados, an impressive boulevard at Porto's heart; and see the city's ornate and architecturally diverse buildings including Porto Cathedral. After our walking tour, we'll transfer to the port where we'll board our floating hotel and embark on a journey through the Douro Valley region. After comfortably settling into our cabins, we'll have a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Today, we'll cruise past Dom Luis I Bridge to the historical center. We'll explore the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building) which was originally built in 1834 by climbing the beautiful granite and marble stairway, and visiting the former Tribunal Room, Golden Room, and Arab Room, which is decorated in the Moorish Revival style. Next, we'll visit the Igreja de São Francisco, also known as the "Golden Church". Originally a modest convent, the patronage of prominent Porto families contributed to the baroque and gilded features we see today. We'll return to Villa Nova de Gaia where we'll visit a wine cellar and sample Porto's famous wine! Tonight, set sail to Regua.

This morning, we'll leave for Vila Real where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 18th centuries. We'll take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo. Next, we'll explore the most beautiful manor in Northern Portugal, Mateus Palace. This 18th-century beauty set in a hilly landscape offers one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. This afternoon, our cruise continues to Vega de Terron, a small port town with terraced vineyards. We'll arrive this evening and enjoy Flamenco entertainment.

Today we'll have a full-day excursion to Salamanca, Spain! From Barca D'Alva we'll travel to the Old Town of Salamanca, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Here, we'll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles from late Gothic to Baroque to Renaissance. Next, we'll visit Salamanca University, one of the world's oldest universities which opened in 1218. Its wonderful library is brimming with old manuscripts dating back before the 19th century. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Salamanca independently.

After a morning of cruising from Barca D'Alva, we'll disembark in Ferradosa for an excursion along the Porto wine route. We'll visit San Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, two small towns set among the vineyards of the Rio Torto Valley. In São João da Pesqueira, we'll have the opportunity to explore the arcaded main square, the chapel, and see the white houses with their balconies. We'll visit a quinta, or wine cellar, and enjoy a Porto tasting before returning to our ship, now in Pinhão.

Today we'll travel to Lamego, a charming episcopal and commercial town where we'll enjoy a guided tour of the city center including the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary. This 18th-century church stands out with its white façade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulejos. After our excursion, we'll return to the ship for afternoon cruising and later, an evening of Fado-themed entertainment.

Today we'll venture to UNESCO World Heritage site, Guimaraes, an "exceptionally well-preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town." While there, we'll be immersed in the historic center with its magnificent castle and the 1420 Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. The remainder of the day is free to explore independently or shop for last-minute souvenirs and gifts before our farewell dinner this evening.

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Porto to return home with lovely memories of Portugal and the Douro Valley.

*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights on Day 10 in Porto after disembarkation at 9 AM.