Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise

Pinhão - One of the benefits of life aboard a river cruise is the sheer sense of relaxation it brings; our elegant ship slips its moorings during breakfast and we enjoy most of the day sailing. There is plenty of time for a spot of pampering in the on-board spa, or simply watch the seamless changing of the riverbank scenery passing by from the comfort of a cosy seat in the lounge.We’re in port wine territory, where the lush hillsides have largely given way to a patterned landscape of terraced vineyards. Inland from the Atlantic, the climate has changed, too; it’s noticeably warmer and drier, while the area has a Mediterranean appearance with orangey, earthy colours replacing verdant greens.Later we arrive back in the pretty little town of Pinhão. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to a local historic quinta to learn all about the stages of wine production, from the planting of the vines, harvesting, the wine-making process and finally tasting and labelling. No visit would be complete without sampling some of their excellent produce of course, so we enjoy a tasting before returning to the ship.We are moored overnight in Pinhão.

Castelo Rodrigo - This morning, early risers can witness the ship’s graceful departure. Relax over a leisurely breakfast whilst the ever-changing scenery idly slips by through the restaurant’s superb panoramic windows. The Douro was once a wild river, notoriously challenging to navigate, especially for the traditional flat-bottomed boats, which often foundered in its waters. Today it has been tamed by a system of dams and locks, which have raised the water level to produce a topography reminiscent of Scotland’s lochs that enhances the valley’s charm.As we cruise into ever more rural territory towards the Spanish border, the river here is at its most peaceful. It’s the perfect time to take a refreshing dip in the Sun Deck pool – a rare treat on a cruise ship – or catch up on some reading, perhaps with a cool pre-lunch glass of vinho verde, the local, gently fizzy white wine. Portuguese wine is just outstanding, but production is low, so the best is rarely exported. Our on-board wine list includes some excellent regional wines, and the friendly and attentive restaurant staff will gladly guide you through them. Do experiment a little and you’ll be greatly rewarded.This afternoon we visit Castelo Rodrigo, a delightful 12th-century walled village tucked away in the picturesque highland ranges bordering Spain. Its church was a resting place on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and it is said that Saint Francis himself stayed here. The views are simply stupendous, stretching across almost-deserted ochre hillsides.This evening after dinner we will see a celebratory vintage port wine opened in the traditional way, then head up on to the sun deck to listen to the unmistakable sound of crickets and breathe in the scents from the surrounding valley slopes that pervade the warm evening air.Personalise Your Holiday -Rock Art of the Côa Valley at Penascosa * Duration: 4hrs * Price: £76pp (2026) and £80pp (2027)The adventure begins as you arrive at Castelo Melhor, where you’ll meet your local guides and board 4x4 vehicles. As you travel along the dirt tracks, the landscape unfolds before you - rolling fields dotted with olive and almond trees stretch across the horizon, offering a glimpse into the traditional rural beauty of the region. The path leads you deeper into the countryside, where you’ll be taken on a short walk to find five ancient, engraved rocks, each one telling its own story of the past. After soaking in the historical wonders, you'll return to the ship, your heart full of memories of this unique experience. The valley can be very hot in the summer, you should prepare for high temperatures. Hats, sunblock, and lots of water are essential. There are some shaded areas at the site, but the rocks themselves are all exposed and you will be standing and walking in the sun.Optional excursion can be done instead of the excursion to Castelo Rodrigo and is available between May and September only.Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking. Space is limited, but minimum numbers also apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.

Salamanca or Almeida - Today, you can choose between two options on how to spend your day. Today we have a guided tour of historic Salamanca, seeing its main sights. This is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who erected its 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-coloured glow in the sunlight. Perched on a hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, the city is a picture of tranquillity, but its history is turbulent, having been successively fought over by Hannibal, the Moors, then the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. Founded in 1218, the university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilised world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept here, and as early as the 16th century it boasted some 12,000 students. Seeing its immaculately preserved lecture halls with their vaulted ceilings, it’s easy to conjure an image of Christopher Columbus addressing the learned men of the day or legal experts constructing the international laws that originate here.On arrival in Salamanca, you are free to explore as you wish. You may choose to linger, admiring the ornate interiors of its cathedrals – the more recent dates from the 16th-century – or explore its tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens and marketplaces. The main square, the Plaza Mayor, was built in the 18th-century in Spanish Baroque style with colonnaded walkways all around at ground level, ideal for finding a shaded spot to sit and watch the locals pass by. We have a special treat over lunch, as we sample Spanish tapas accompanied by a traditional flamenco show.This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the city seeing the main sights, before we return to our ship.This morning, we journey to the historic fortified town of Almeida, one of Portugal's most impressive military strongholds. Positioned close to the Spanish border, Almeida played a pivotal role during the Peninsular War and remains remarkably well preserved today. Its distinctive 12-point star-shaped fortress, deep defensive trenches and imposing stone ramparts offer a fascinating insight into centuries of military history.On arrival, we'll enjoy an orientation walk with our tour escort, exploring the characterful streets and learning more about the town's strategic importance and extraordinary past. You'll then have some free time to wander at your own pace, perhaps taking in the views from the fortress walls or soaking up the atmosphere of this historic settlement.Later, we'll gather for lunch at the Hotel Fortaleza de Almeida, set within the town's impressive fortifications. After enjoying regional cuisine and local hospitality, we'll return to the ship, arriving back in the afternoon with time to relax onboard or watch the scenery drift by from the sun deck.

Mateus Palace or Régua Douro Museum - With a morning spent sailing downstream, there's time to linger over another coffee after breakfast. Or perhaps, you'll take another opportunity to avail yourself of some of the ship’s range of excellent facilities – maybe a little gentle exercise in the fitness room before heading up on deck to appreciate the changing landscape in all its splendour as the river weaves its way between the lush hillsides.This afternoon, you have a couple of choices.After another superb lunch on board, we stop at the village of Folgosa, from where we visit the grounds of the splendid Mateus Palace and its sublime palace interiors. Anyone familiar with Mateus Rosé and its characteristic ‘squashed’ bottle will recognise the palace from the label. Whatever your opinion of the wine, it is an impressive 18th-century Baroque edifice, mirrored in its stunning pond, surrounded by landscaped French gardens.Alternatively, you can choose to stay on board and continue your journey down the river, sailing toward the charming town of Peso da Régua, where you'll arrive by mid-afternoon. Once ashore, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Douro Valley with a visit to the Douro Museum. Here, you'll explore captivating exhibits that bring the history of wine production to life, offering fascinating insights into the region's winemaking traditions and the storied past of port wine trading.This evening, we take the short drive to the 126-acre Quinta da Pacheca for dinner. It dates back to the 18th-century and is simply one of the most beautiful and distinguished properties in the region. It is also notable as being the first quinta – in 1738 – to bottle wine under the name of its owner, the aristocrat Mariana Pacheco Pereira. Here we'll stop for dinner accompanied by a selection of their wines, while enjoying dramatic views over the Douro.We are moored in Régua overnight.

Lamego - This morning after breakfast we take a short drive to historic Lamego, home of Portugal’s sparkling wine, Raposeira, and one of the first places to be reclaimed from the Moors in the 12th century. Situated atop the hill overlooking this lovely town is the ancient Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, its stairways adorned with attractive azulejos, the country’s characteristic painted ceramic tiles.If you're up for a bit of a challenge, consider taking the 686 steps that lead from the top of the staircase down to the town below, offering incredible views of the city as you descend. Don’t worry if you need a break - along the way, you can pause to admire the beautiful fountains, intricate mosaics, and neatly trimmed hedges. As you explore this charming town, you'll encounter a rich mix of history and beauty, including an ancient Moorish castle, an exquisite Gothic cathedral, and elegant 18th-century villas that add to the town’s character. For a relaxing afternoon, stroll along the Avenida, the town's grand boulevard, where you can sip tea at one of the open-air cafés and test your bargaining skills at the lively market stalls. By the time we return to our ship, our chef and his team will be adding the finishing touches to another delicious lunch, ready to be served as we depart for our next destination.After lunch there’s the perfect opportunity to take to the sun deck to enjoy the kaleidoscope of Douro views – or perhaps a spot of reading in the lounge over a cup of tea.This evening is the Chef’s Dinner, a truly memorable experience featuring exquisite regional specialities, expertly served by our restaurant staff under the supervision of the maître d’. Afterwards, perhaps settle into the lounge to enjoy a colourful performance of traditional Portuguese folk music by a local cultural group.

Porto - Head up to the sun deck to enjoy a coffee whilst chatting with newly-made friends as our ship makes a graceful arrival in Porto once more, passing under the city’s spectacular bridges. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of Porto. Strategically overlooking the Douro as it empties into the Atlantic, Portugal’s second largest city was originally a Roman town, but its wealth derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India, with fortunes made from trading spices, silks and other fine goods. Our tour unveils some of its major and more surprising sights. You have a couple of choices this morning. Embark on a panoramic coach tour that showcases both the major landmarks and some of Porto’s more surprising and hidden gems. Along the way, there will be a stop to explore the exquisite cathedral and the iconic São Bento station, where you can admire the beautiful tile work.For those seeking a more active adventure, this walking tour of Porto offers an unforgettable experience. We first cross the bridge and explore the charming Ribeira district. From there, we head along Rua das Flores to São Bento station and finally the majestic cathedral. We then cross the top of the famous Luis I Bridge, taking in the sweeping vistas of the city to the Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll be rewarded with incredible views. We then make our way back to the ship, with the city's characteristic hills adding a bit of challenge to this scenic and immersive tour. Porto is of course synonymous with wonderful port wine and all the famous port producers are here, such as Cálem, Sandeman and Ferreira, so a visit here would not be complete without a tour of one of them. After lunch on board, you’ll learn about this fortified wine’s fascinating history and its close British connections. Port is made from grapes still pressed in the traditional way – by feet – then lovingly matured, sometimes for decades, before you can enjoy its subtle flavours. Of course, you’ll get the chance to sample various port styles at the end of our visit.You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the truly fascinating city; so perhaps return to the terraced streets of the old town and wander the sloping maze of winding, cobbled alleyways, soaking up the atmosphere whilst stopping to admire the lovely architecture, soaring bell towers, fine baroque churches, golden rooftops and beautiful tiles of this slice of traditional Portugal. Stop for a drink in a cosy café and be tempted by an array of delicious cakes and pastries – perhaps sample a pastel de nata, the traditional Portuguese custard tart.

Return home - Flight time permitting, enjoy free time in Porto before your journey home.