Douro Explorer

Today you will visit the historic baroque style Mateus Palace and its formal gardens. This ornate building is classed as a National Monument, and famously gives its name to the Portuguese table wine, Mateus Rose.

On arrival you will be able to admire and explore the well-kept gardens. In contrast to the Italian influences within the house, the gardens have an unmistakable Portuguese feel, which you can discover during some free time to admire the skilled topiary work and centenary camelia trees. The first Count of Mangualde created the gardens to be a tranquil haven, and successive generations of green-fingered Counts have continued this work to the present day.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in total over uneven ground, including cobblestones, and approximately 20 steps. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes. The journey from your ship to Mateus Palace is approximately one hour by coach each way.

3½ hours

Nestled in the Douro Valley, Favaois, became known for its wine production at the beginning of the 20th century. Its most popular produce, the Moscatel de Favaois, is a sweet muscat wine which is derived from the Moscatel Galego grape. You will visit Favaios Winery for a guided tour of the cellar and tasting of the wine.

Favaios is also known for the Four Corners Bread, which is made with wheat and rye, and is shaped like a fourcornered pillow. It’s hand mashed and leavened in wooden arches and baked in traditional ovens in which they burn branches and bushes from the surrounding woods. Next, you visit one of the local bakery’s before reboarding your coach and travelling to Quinta da Avessada.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over uneven ground during this excursion with a total standing and/ or walking time of approximately two hours. There will also be 10 steps. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise your on-board Saga Cruise Director on embarkation.

3 hours

Today you will visit Quinta da Avessada, which is located in the village of Favaios on a high plateau above the Douro Valley. This small, family-owned estate produces Moscatel, one of the richest wines for the Douro region. During your time here, you can look forward to exploring the history and culture of wine in the Douro Valley.

At the small museum, the various stages of wine production from planting the vine and the winemaking process to nectar tasting and wine labelling will be revealed. Later, you can enjoy a lively dinner at the vineyard, hosted by the family.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 650 yards in total over uneven ground during this excursion with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 40 minutes. If you have any dietary requirements, please advise your on-board Saga representative on embarkation.

3½ hours

Your tour begins with a scenic drive from your ship, during which your guide will introduce you to the diversity of flora and fauna of the Douro Valley along the way to Castelo Rodrigo.

Upon arrival in this charming Portuguese village, you will be taken through the characteristic cobbled streets to reach the Church of Our Lady of Rocamadour. Once a stop-off point for pilgrimages, you can admire the surrounding countryside scenery from its hilltop viewpoint.

Along the way you’ll pass by quaint cafes, boutiques and the medieval castle which you are free to explore during some free time afterwards.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: During the first section of this tour including your visit to the Church of our Lady of Rocamadour, you should expect to walk approximately 700 yards over uneven terrain and cobblestones with approximately 15 steps. This section also has a total walking and/or standing time of 40 minutes. During your free time in Castelo Rodrigo, walking is at your discretion, however, to get the most from your visit you should expect to walk an additional one to one-and-a-half miles, which will also be over varied terrain including uneven ground, cobblestones and steps. If you are not able to make the walk to the church, you will have extra time at leisure instead. The journey from your ship to Castelo Rodrigo takes approximately 45 minutes by coach each way.

3¼ hours

Salamanca is a city rich in traditions. Founded by Celtic-Iberian tribes on the banks of the Tormes River, it was occupied by Romans, followed by the Arabs and eventually re-conquered by Christians in the 12th century. Shortly after this, Salamanca's famous university was founded.

Upon arrival you will have some time at leisure to explore. During this time, we recommend taking a visit to the Old Cathedral to appreciate its classic Romanesque architecture. You will then enjoy a local lunch and flamenco show before starting your guided tour of the city. You will be able to explore this beautiful university, along with visits to the House of Shells and the “Plaza Mayor”, formally a site of bullfighting and now a popular gathering point for locals and visitors.

The tour continues to the Gothic ‘New’ Cathedral – a name which serves as a testimony to the city’s age and rich history, since this ‘new’ building was constructed in the 16th century to replace the original 12th century Salamanca Cathedral.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: The journey from your ship to Salamanca is approximately two hours by coach each way. Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of some uneven ground. This excursion has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 60 minutes. If you have any dietary requirements for the lunch, please advise your on-board Saga representative on embarkation.

9½ hours

This tour takes you to small and picturesque Lamego, an old town rich in history. Its sanctuary, The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal. Built in the second half of the 18th century over the remains of a 14th-century chapel, it is an excellent example of Portuguese baroque style. The vast staircase leading up to the cathedral is adorned in intricate blue and white tiles, and has nearly 700 steps.

You’ll have the opportunity to descend the staircase after an independent exploration inside the building. In addition to the Sanctuary, you’ll also visit Lamego’s Gothic Cathedral before enjoying some free time to perhaps delve into the town’s local cuisine.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of some uneven ground. Walking inside the sanctuary is at your discretion. To maintain the Sanctuary’s tranquil atmosphere the visit inside is independent, but your guide will provide some information outside before your visit. Some areas are accessed by steps. After your time in the sanctuary, you may take the Cathedral staircase down into the town or a coach shuttle will be available. This excursion has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half to two hours. The journey from your ship to Lamego takes approximately 45 minutes by coach each way.

3½ hours

Walk from your ship to a local wine cellar with a sweeping backdrop of the river Douro. During your stroll, you’ll venture past several century-old buildings, many of which were or are still used for the production of Portugal’s famous drink: Port. When you arrive at Calem you’ll be greeted by a local guide who will give you an insight into the production and ageing of the different types of port wine at the cellar. The tour finishes in the tasting room where two glasses of different port will be given to you to sample. Following the tasting, there’s time to explore the shop and perhaps find a local spot for lunch before making your own way back to your ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in total over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of some uneven ground. There are several steps to enter the cellar and approximately 30 steps up to the tasting room, however, a lift is available if required. The wine cellar and tasting tour is approximately 45 minutes with extra time at the shop at your discretion. This excursion has a total walking and/or standing time of 60 minutes, not including any free time.

1½ hours

Sprawled along the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s history and development are closely linked to this picturesque waterway. First a Celtic-Iberian settlement, it became a prosperous Roman village thanks to its natural harbour. Then in the Middle Ages, its fishermen, sailors, merchants and shipbuilders contributed to the success of the Portuguese Discoveries.

Eventually, in the 18th century, Porto gave its name to one of the finest wines in the world, widely known as the golden nectar of Port Wine. During this tour, you’ll be introduced to the city of Porto, also standing as the capital of the North of Portugal today.

First, you’ll embark your tour vehicle with your guide and drive through the city’s narrow streets to find 16th-century arcaded buildings, elaborate Baroque churches and chapels. Within these, you’ll admire the sights of the Romanesque style Porto Cathedral – one of the oldest fortifications within the area.

Afterwards, you’ll make your way to Sao Bento Train Station, a unique must-see railway attraction built in 1904 and decorated in blue tiles illustrating historical events that took place in Portugal and around Europe.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 900 yards in total over mostly flat ground with the possibility of some uneven ground and cobblestones. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 60 minutes. There are several steps at Sao Bento Train Station.

3½ hours