The Douro River
Lisbon
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Rémedios in Lamego
A twin cabin with a sliding window
Douro Serenity’s restaurant
Delicious cuisine
The panoramic lounge
The Sun Deck
Lisbon and the Heart of the Douro 2027
The Douro
Cruise the Douro to explore the scenery and culture of Portugal
Explore Portugal’s vibrant capital Lisbon during a three-night hotel stay at the locally rated 4-star HF Fénix Lisbon opposite the elegant Marquês of Pombal Square, followed by an all-inclusive river cruise through Northern Portugal in 2027. A Saga Tour Manager will be on hand during your stay to help you make the most of your visit. Admire the vineyard-clad landscapes and traditional towns of the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine-producing regions of the world. Sample regional delicacies and enjoy wine tastings as you navigate the river’s locks and narrow passages or journey to explore such attractions as the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca in Spain and the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo. You have seen the Mateus Rosé wine label, now visit the Casa de Mateus Palace Gardens, and round off your cruise with a tasting in a port wine cellar in Oporto...
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary
HF Fénix Lisbon
Travel to Lisbon where you will stay three nights at the locally rated 4-star HF Fénix Lisbon opposite the elegant Marquês of Pombal Square in the heart of the city. Dinner is included tonight and the rest of your stay is on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Discover this historic city on an included morning tour. See the Belém Tower, a historic fortifications on the banks of the Tagus river that once protected the city from pirates, and the nearby Monument to the Discoveries featuring 33 figures from the Portuguese Age of Exploration on the prow of a ship.
At leisure. Perhaps visit the intricate Jerónimos Monastery, or stroll through the quirky sloping streets of the Bairro Alto district or join an optional excursion to Obidos.
Douro Serenity
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel by coach to Oporto, a journey of approximately four hours. You stop at the historic city of Coimbra for a guided walk and lunch en route. The city was once the capital of Portugal and the university here is one of the oldest in Europe. Embark Douro Serenity later this afternoon.
Depart Oporto, 0700.
Arrive Régua, 1400. Depart 1800.
Arrive Pinhão, 2000.
Spend the morning cruising, arriving in Régua this afternoon. Travel by coach to visit the Mateus Palace and its gardens on foot. Your guide will give you an introduction to the palace, which features on the Mateus rosé wine label. Admire the exterior and explore the exceptional formal gardens. Afterwards, travel by coach to your ship in Régua before sailing to Pinhão for an overnight mooring. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese folklore show after dinner.
Spend the morning at leisure in Pinhão. This afternoon travel by coach to Favaios in the Douro Valley for an included visit to the Favaios Winery, where you can enjoy a guided walking tour of the cooperative followed by an opportunity to taste the muscat wines. Afterwards, visit one of the local bakery’s before travelling by coach to a nearby quinta where traditional Portuguese food, wine and entertainment is included. Your ship remains moored overnight in Pinhão.
Depart Pinhão, 0700.
Arrive Barca d’Alva, 1700.
This afternoon the ship will pause briefly in Pocinho and from here you travel by coach to the civil parish of Castelo Rodrigo in the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval village with a scenic hilltop location. Explore on foot to see the 12th-century Romanesque church and stroll around the village in your own time. Rejoin the coach and travel to your ship in Barca d’Alva later this afternoon.
Depart Barca d’Alva, 1800.
Arrive Pocinho, 2000.
Today travel by coach on an included excursion across the border to the city of Salamanca in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is 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 hotel, 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. Travel back to Douro Serenity by coach and sit down to a traditional Portuguese dinner on board.
Depart Pocinho, 0700.
Arrive Régua, 1400. Depart 1700.
After a relaxing morning on board Douro Serenity arrive in Régua and travel by coach for an included excursion to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. See the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town. There will 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. Other highlights include Lamego Castle, which overlooks the city from its hilltop setting, and Lamego Museum where you can see a collection of art, tapestry, ceramics and more.
Arrive 1300.
Depart Porto Antigo early this morning and 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. This afternoon enjoy a coach tour of Oporto and walk to a local wine cellar where you will learn about the production of port and enjoy a tasting. Your ship remains moored overnight.
Disembark Douro Serenity after breakfast and begin your return journey.
Important Information
§ Travel Insurance is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, subject to medical screening. A price reduction will be applied if the included travel insurance is not required. Pre-departure cover (cancellation rights) is provided by Saga and is only available when taking out the included insurance. Read More
Including...
Nationwide shared chauffeur service
1 night Half Board and 2 nights Bed and Breakfast in a hotel
7 nights All inclusive† on board the ship
Saga Tour Manager during your hotel stay
Cruise Director
Plus…
- Drinks reception and Gala dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return flights and transfers
Included excursion in every port
Find out more about when excursions are available to book.
†The included drinks are available from 11am to 11pm and include non-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Excludes branded spirits. This begins at 4pm on day 1 of your river cruise to the day before your cruise ends.
HF Fénix Lisbon
Find out more about the HF Fénix Lisbon hotel, where you will stay prior to your river cruise.
HF Fénix Lisbon
The locally rated 4-star HF Fénix Lisbon is located opposite the elegant Marquês of Pombal Square in the heart of Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon. Eduardo VII Park, which offers panoramic city views, is adjacent to the square. The metro station is right outside the hotel, offering easy access to the Praca de Comercio, Lisbon’s grandest square, and the nearby Santa Justa Elevator that links downtown to the hilltop district of Chiado. Lisbon Airport is five miles from the Hotel. Also nearby are the shops, restaurants and grand architecture of the Avenida da Liberdade. While the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, home to a contemporary Portuguese art collection, is approximately one-and-a-half miles away.
Accommodation
The hotel has 193 air-conditioned bedrooms with contemporary décor, soundproofing, tea and coffee-making facilities, a television and minibar. Room service is available between 0700-0000.
Your room
Every room features a private bathroom with a walk-in shower or a bath with an overhead shower, and a hairdryer.
Facilities
The hotel has a restaurant and a Lobby bar, open between 1030-2400, serving lunches, dinners and snacks (all extra charge). Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. There is a 24-hour reception which can be contacted by phone.
The hotel’s restaurant
The main restaurant, the Garden Space Restaurant, offers buffet breakfasts between 0700-1030. Breakfasts are included during your stay, as well as dinner on your first night.
