Porto, Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise: 9 Nights of Portugal & Spain

Arrive in Porto and enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your centrally located Hotel. Check in to your Standard Room and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Take some time to settle in or begin discovering Porto's charming historic streets, colourful riverside and famous local cuisine.

Overnight in Porto

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a full day at leisure in Porto. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, stroll along the Douro waterfront or cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for views over Vila Nova de Gaia. You could also visit one of Porto's famous Port wine cellars or simply enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere before your river cruise.

Overnight in Porto

After breakfast, check out and enjoy your private transfer from the hotel to Cais de Gaia, where you will board your river cruise. Once settled on board, begin your journey along the beautiful Douro River. Watch the landscape change as terraced vineyards line the valley before arriving in Pinhão. This afternoon, visit a historic quinta for a wine tasting, experiencing one of the Douro Valley's most celebrated traditions.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day cruising through the spectacular Douro Valley, with terraced vineyards and picturesque landscapes unfolding along the riverbanks. Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as the ship makes its way towards Pinhão.

Later, visit a historic quinta to discover the traditional process of Douro wine production, from the cultivation and harvesting of grapes through to winemaking and bottling. Your visit includes a wine tasting before returning to the ship.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing towards the Spanish border, taking in the peaceful scenery of the upper Douro Valley. Later, disembark for an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo, a beautifully preserved 12th-century walled village set in the Portuguese highlands near Spain.

Explore its historic streets and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding countryside before returning to the ship. In the evening, enjoy a traditional vintage Port presentation on board.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, choose between two included excursions.

Option one takes you to Salamanca in Spain, where you’ll discover its historic centre, famous university, cathedrals and elegant Plaza Mayor. The experience also includes a tapas lunch accompanied by a traditional flamenco show.

Alternatively, visit the fortified Portuguese town of Almeida, where you’ll explore its distinctive star-shaped fortress and enjoy lunch within the historic town.

Return to the ship in the afternoon and relax as your cruise continues.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising through the Douro Valley before choosing between two afternoon experiences.

Visit the magnificent Mateus Palace and its gardens, famous for its Baroque architecture and association with the iconic Mateus Rosé bottle. Alternatively, explore the Douro Museum in Régua and learn more about the region's long history of wine production and Port trading.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the renowned Quinta da Pacheca, accompanied by a selection of local wines, before returning to the ship.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning, travel to the historic town of Lamego, known for its beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and its long association with Portuguese wine.

Discover the town and its impressive staircase adorned with traditional azulejo tiles before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board as you continue cruising along the Douro.

Tonight, enjoy a special Chef’s Dinner followed by a traditional Portuguese folk music performance.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Return to Porto and discover this historic city on a guided tour. Choose between a panoramic coach tour or a more active walking tour taking in highlights including the Ribeira district, São Bento Station and Porto Cathedral.

Later, visit a famous Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you’ll learn about the history and production of Port before enjoying a tasting.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, giving you time to explore Porto independently before returning to the ship.

Overnight aboard your river cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew and disembark in Porto. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to explore the city before your private transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.

Meals: Breakfast