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Cruise the stunning Douro River through the world's oldest wine region, with highlights including a fado performance and lunch at a historic quinta
- Cruise the Douro River through the world's oldest wine region
- Enjoy a fado performance and lunch at a historic quinta
- Visit Salamanca and Madrid in Spain
Trip Details
- Departs
- 15 April 2027
- Returns
- 6 October 2028
- Operator
- APT
Beginning in spectacular Porto, cruise the stunning Douro River as you traverse the world’s oldest wine region. Rambling vineyards and native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions. Conclude your journey with a visit to Salamanca and Madrid in Spain.
Departures & Pricing
- 15 Apr 2027 - 23 Apr 2027
from $8,095 pp twin share / $14,145 pp solo * - 13 May 2027 - 21 May 2027
from $8,495 pp twin share / $14,845 pp solo * - 10 Jun 2027 - 18 Jun 2027
from $8,095 pp twin share / $14,145 pp solo * - 08 Jul 2027 - 16 Jul 2027
from $7,695 pp twin share / $13,445 pp solo * - 26 Aug 2027 - 03 Sep 2027
from $8,195 pp twin share / $14,345 pp solo * - 23 Sep 2027 - 01 Oct 2027
from $8,495 pp twin share / $14,845 pp solo * - 06 Apr 2028 - 14 Apr 2028
from $8,095 pp twin share / $14,145 pp solo * - 04 May 2028 - 12 May 2028
from $8,595 pp twin share / $15,045 pp solo * - 01 Jun 2028 - 09 Jun 2028
from $8,095 pp twin share / $14,145 pp solo * - 27 Jul 2028 - 04 Aug 2028
from $7,695 pp twin share / $13,445 pp solo * - 31 Aug 2028 - 08 Sep 2028
from $8,295 pp twin share / $14,495 pp solo * - 28 Sep 2028 - 06 Oct 2028
from $8,595 pp twin share / $15,045 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Porto, Embark Ship
Arrive in Porto and transfer to your purpose-built river ship. The MS Estrela has the best vantage point to take in the city's incredible sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
- 2
Porto
The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing activities on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.
Freedom of Choice — Porto Exploration
Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a scenic cable car ride, savouring panoramic views of the city below. Then, indulge in a tasting of the city’s famous port wines and sample the rich flavours of the region.
Freedom of Choice — Cooking Demonstration
Porto is famous for its delectable cuisine, and you can discover its culinary heart with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration.
Freedom of Choice — Active Walking Tour of Porto
Set out on an active walking tour of Porto through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Stroll through cobbled streets and discover neighbourhoods of colourful 18th-century houses and quaint eateries.
Signature Experience — Palácio da Bolsa
Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
- 3
Porto, Entre-os-Rios
Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice – Guimarães Tour
Explore the historic city of Guimarães with a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Freedom of Choice – Winery Tour and Tasting
Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Vinho Verde wine region since the 1870s. Explore the gardens and round off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
- 4
Régua
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Régua. Once you’ve arrived, visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.
Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in the Lamego municipality, the prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features 75 hectares of vineyards.
- 5
Régua, Pinhão
After enjoying the sightseeing experience of your choice, relax on board your ship as you cruise to Pinhão.
Freedom of Choice – Lamego Tour
Set among hills adorned with vineyards in the Alto Douro region, Lamego is a charming city. On a guided tour, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local specialty, Bola de Lamego.
Freedom of Choice – Visit Palácio de Mateus
Embark on a trip to Palácio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine.
- 6
Pinhão
Visit Pinhão Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. Venture to a local quinta, then be treated to a captain’s farewell dinner in the evening.
- 7
Barca d’Alva, Vega de Terron
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Return to the ship, where you'll savour a delectable dinner. During your final night on board, your thoughts drift ahead to Spain as you cruise to your next exciting destination.
- 8
Vega de Terron, Disembark Ship, Salamanca, Madrid
Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please.
- 9
Depart Madrid
Today, your spectacular journey comes to an end. Following breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Fado Performance in Palácio da Bolsa.
- Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca.
- Day 1 highlights Arrive Porto, Embark Ship:
Arrive in Porto and transfer to your purpose-built river ship. The MS Estrela has the best vantage point to take in the city's incredible sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
.
Accommodation
- Madrid, VP Plaza España Design (or similar)
- Seven Nights, MS Estrela
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
What is generally included?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
You might also like
Douro Discovery
- Attend a captivating flamenco performance in Salamanca
- Enjoy a tasting of Portugal's famous port wine
- Explore the charming riverside town of Entre-os-Rios
Douro Delights with Madrid
- Enjoy a Fado performance in Porto's Palácio da Bolsa
- Indulge in a traditional lunch and wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca
- Uncover the secrets of Portuguese tarts in a hands-on cooking class
Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid
- Guided tour of Palácio da Bolsa and traditional fado performance
- Lunch at the prestigious Quinta da Pacheca estate
- Flexible sightseeing options, including winery tours and active walking