Douro Delights Luxury River Cruise

Overview

The world is opening up and its time to start exploring again! 

Surrender to the sights and sounds of exotic Portugal, exploring Lisbon in depth before a seven-night Douro River cruise, which passes through some of Europe’s most romantic countryside. Visit spectacular Sintra, experience a traditional fado performance, visit palaces and quintas to taste local wines, and divert into Spain to discover ancient Salamanca.

Live Fully

Adventure. Exhilaration. Laughter. Embracing the unknown. Being curious. Being surprised. Being free to Live Fully in every unforgettable moment.

Luxury Redefined

Indulgent or inaccessible. Adventurous or leisurely. Theatre or wildlife. We give you the freedom to find your own version of luxury.

All Taken Care Of

From the moment you depart to the moment you return, all the little details are taken care of. It’s the sort of luxury that sets you free.

Inclusions

• Experiences in 10 destinations
• 3 nights' land accommodation and 7 nights on the MS Douro Serenity
• Freedom of Choice Inclusions
• A total of 24 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
• Expert tour and cruise directors
• Sample wine and cheese at Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s
• Visit Palacio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall
• Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena near the hilltop town of Sintra

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lisbon

Ola and welcome to Portugal! Once you’ve arrived in Lisbon, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Stay: Three Nights, Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

Day 2 Lisbon

Set off to see the sights of Lisbon by riding the city’s tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a welcome dinner.

Daily Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 Lisbon, Sintra

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from every direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Daily Breakfast

Day 4 Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Embark Ship

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s most famous university. After a spot of sightseeing and free time for lunch, make your way to Porto. Board your river ship together and settle in with a welcome dinner.

Stay: Seven Nights, the MS Douro Serenity

Daily Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 Porto, Regua

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Otherwise, you might visit Quinta da Pacheca for a tasting.

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today.

Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 Regua

Take a trip to Palacio de Mateus near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. It is also well-known thanks to the bottles of Mateus Rosé wine which feature the palace on its label.

Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Vega de Terron, Salamanca

Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour that includes the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells.

Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Barca d’Alva, Pinhao

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local quinta for a cultural immersion.

Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 Entre-os-Rios

Cruise through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-Os-Rios. When you arrive, take the chance to visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 Porto

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit Palacio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Explore Porto’s iconic 16th-century Old Town before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, set off on foot for a hike through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Or, partake in a culinary walking tour.

Today gives you the chance to do what strikes your fancy the most.

Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

You journey comes to an end today. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Daily Breakfast