Riviera Travel Douro, Porto & Salamanca River Cruise

– Visit a historic Quinta to learn about the stages of wine production
– Enjoy a traditional Portuguese folk music show
– Visit Castelo Rodrigo near the Spanish border

– 7nts on-board a five-star ship
– Return flights and transfers
– 8 visits and tours
– Full board dining (including complimentary on-board tea & coffee)
– Complimentary on-board wi-fi
– Services of an expert cruise director
– All port charges and airport taxes
– Checked luggage

Day 1 – Arrive in Porto
Fly to Lisbon or Porto and transfer to your 5-star ship, with the rest of the day to settle into your cabin.

Day 2 – Mateus Palace Gardens
After a morning of peaceful cruising, arrive at the small town of Peso da Regua, where you’ll visit the Mateus Palace. Spend some time taking in this baroque palace, surrounding by beautiful gardens. In the evening, take a short drive to Quinta da Pacheca for dinner, with some time to wander through this estate.

Day 3 – Castelo Rodrigo
Early risers can watch as the ship departs from Regua for today’s peaceful journey down river. In the afternoon, visit Castel Rodrigo, a medieval walled visit that was a resting place for those on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 4 – Salamanca
Today, visit the historical city of Salamanca, which is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. The day here is free for you to explore as you wish, whether that means marvelling at the interiors of the cathedrals or wandering its tiny streets and beautiful squares.

Day 5 – Peso da Regua
Sail back down the Douro to the town of Pes da Regua, where you’ll enjoy a visit to a quinta to learn about the stages of wine production, including a tasting session.

Day 6 – Lamego
Take a short drive to Lamego, home of Portugal’s sparkling wine and the ancient Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, its staircase adorned with traditional painted ceramic tiles. Back on board, enjoy lunch as the ship sails for Entre-os-Rios. This evening, indulge in the Captain’s Dinner, followed by a traditional Portuguese folk music performance.

Day 7 – Porto
Return to Porto, where you’ll get a guided tour of the city, seeing some of its major sights before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 – Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

MS Douro Splendour

MS Douro Elegance

Fact File
– Currency: Euro
– Flight time: 2 hrs 30 mins to 3 hrs
– Language: Portuguese
– Time zone: GMT
– Country: Portugal

Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

Visa Information

UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal or Spain however must have a valid passport.

*All transfer times are approximate

Porto Airport to Ship: 45 minutes
Lisbon Airport to Ship: 4 hours (including comfort stop)

City Stay in Porto – 3nts
In 2023 – add a 3 night stay to your holiday, staying at the centrally located Pestana Vintage Porto.

Lisbon Extension – 3nts
Add four days to your trip, staying in Lisbon, Portugal’s elegant and eccentric capital city. See the many wonderful highlights of Lisbon, Coimbra, Fatima, and Sintra with an expert guide.

Porto Extension – 3nts
Extend your holiday with three extra nights in Porto. Those with a passion for history and architecture will enjoy visits to Braga and Guimarães. In Porto climb to the top of Clérigos Tower for stunning vistas of the city and experience the mournful aching of Fado music during a traditional performance over dinner.