APT Douro Discovery Cruise

• Pinhão Winery Dinner
  Dine on the sweet fruits of the Douro Valley’s harvests at a family-owned quinta in the village of Pinhão.
• Discover Salamanca In Spain
  Take a guided tour of beautiful Salamanca, boasting sandstone buildings, a majestic city square and ancient university.
• Meet Like Minded People
  Get to know like minded people during your journey as you discover new cultures and landscapes.

• Return scheduled flights from the UK
• Unique cultural experiences in up to 11 towns, villages and cities
• Insider Experiences
• 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 7 Dinners
• Complimentary soft drink, beer and local wine with lunch and dinner on board
• Travelmarvel Cruise Director & expert local guides
• Overseas transfers, port charges and tipping

Day 1 Arrive Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Embark Ship

Fly into Porto today, a perfect introduction to sunny Portugal. Spain’s smaller, but no less magnificent, neighbour, Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries and boasts a mix of vibrant art, music, wine and food, as well as endless sunny days. Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship, the MS Douro Serenity. Tonight meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise. Stay Seven Nights: aboard your river ship, the MS Douro Serenity (D)

Day 2 Régua, Mateus Palace, Pinhão

Today you begin your cruise along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. Disembark your ship in Régua and join an excursion by coach to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover for yourself the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and the famous Mateus Rose wine. Afterwards, travel by coach to Pinhão for a special dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Day 3 Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Salamanca, Barca d’Alva

Today you’ll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. Here you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, return by coach back over the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a Flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating Flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

Day 5 Régua, Lamego

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a Portuguese cooking demonstration on board as your ship cruises past Pinhão to Régua. On arrival, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Afterwards, board a coach and take a scenic drive past swathes of expansive vineyards visiting the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an important Portuguese place of pilgrimage. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. Once an episcopal palace, this beautiful building is home to a vast collection of paintings, tapestries and jewellery. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.

Day 6 Régua, Entre-os-Rios

This morning, enjoy free time to explore Régua — you may like to wander along the riverfront, or venture into the lovely Old Town. Afterwards, continue on to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please. Tonight be treated to an energetic performance of traditional Portuguese folk music back on board at a special Captain’s Dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

After breakfast, cruise back to the enchanting city of Vila Nova de Gaia. On arrival, join a fascinating tour of nearby Porto, which sits just across the river. Here, you’ll be led past a collection of the city’s most famous attractions, and visit a local port winery for a tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s old-fashioned Bolhao food market. Alternatively, you might choose to take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your new-found friends. (B/D)

Day 8 Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight. (B)

Aboard the MS Douro Serenity, you’ll cruise beneath a sapphire sky down the river’s tranquil waterways, watching as lush hills and plunging valleys dripping with grapevines appear from every side.

• Enjoy fascinating Portuguese folk music shows, history lessons and wines, songs and dancing in the evenings.
• Custom-built ship glides through the Douro river with ease. Latest technology onboard ship.
• Enjoy a range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours served up in the main lounge.
• Generous onboard ratio of 3:1 guests to crew members.

All cabin categories have an ensuite with a shower, air-conditioning, a hair-dryer, a safe and TV. Each room has windows that offer views of Portugal. Upper and Main decks have floor-to-ceiling windows that slide down to create a French-style Balcony allowing you to fully absorb the surroundings and the fresh air of the Douro River.

Relax beside the onboard pool located on the sun deck of your ship. Visit the main lounge and bar with panoramic views and unwind after a day of exploring Portugal before heading to your air-conditioned suite or cabin for an afternoon siesta.

There’s never a dull moment on the MS Douro Serenity as we present an enthralling range of onboard entertainment. A fascinating Portuguese folk music show, a riveting history lesson, and evenings overflowing with wine, song and dance are just some of the delights we have lined up for you.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.