Douro Explorer

Fly to Oporto on the north bank of the Douro and embark your ship the Spirit of the Douro at Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.

You'll remain moored here overnight.

Spend the morning cruising, arriving in Régua this afternoon for an included visit to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Your guide will give you an introduction to the palace which features on the Mateus rosé wine label. Admire the interior and explore the exceptional formal gardens.

Rejoin your ship, and continue your cruise to Pinhão, where you’ll arrive later this evening. Look forward to a traditional Portuguese folk music show after dinner.

Depart Pinhão early this morning and take in the scenery as you sail towards Vega de Térron.

This afternoon, join an included excursion to the civil parish of Castelo Rodrigo in the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval village with a scenic hilltop location. See the 18th-century baroque church and stroll around the village in your own time.

Back on board ship look forward to a traditional Portuguese dinner.

Today join an included excursion across the border to the city of Salamanca in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beautiful old university buildings of golden-coloured stone. The journey here usually takes about two hours, during which your guide will give a commentary about the passing scenery.

After some free time, lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a flamenco show to give you a taste of traditional Spanish culture. Then, join a walking tour with a local guide to the Plaza Mayor, one of the finest town squares in Spain.

Return to the Spirit of the Douro which will now be in Barca d’Alva and moor overnight.

Depart Barca d’Alva and enjoy the panoramic views as you spend the morning sailing towards Cais de Espinho, arriving after lunch.

This afternoon, visit either Quinta do Seixo or Quinta Luiz, for an included tour followed by an opportunity to taste their port wines.

Continue sailing to Pinhão late this afternoon and this evening you’ll visit a local quinta for dinner, with wine and entertainment included. The ship remains moored in Pinhão overnight.

Cruise to Régua and travel by coach to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. You’ll see the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town.

There’ll be free time to explore this baroque church and walk down into the city using the ornate staircase – but be warned, there are almost 700 steps!

Alternatively, take the coach down to the city where you can visit the Gothic cathedral, which in parts dates back to the 12th century! Rejoin your ship in Régua and cruise to Bitetos for an overnight mooring.

Sail back to Oporto this morning. Discover the history of Portugal’s second-largest city on an included tour.

This famous centre of port wine production is located on the Douro estuary. The coach tour includes a visit to Sé Cathedral, which dates from the 12th century and a visit to a port wine cellar where you’ll learn about the production of this famous drink and enjoy a tasting.

Remain moored in Vila Nova de Gaia overnight.

Disembark your ship after breakfast and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.