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Begin your journey in the vibrant Spanish capital of Madrid before embarking on a seven-night cruise along the Douro River aboard the MS Estrela. Discover the highlights of Portugal's Douro Valley as you explore medieval towns and sample local fare. Visit Palácio da Bolsa and experience a wine tasting at Quinta da Aveleda.
Inclusions
Experiences in seven destinations
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One night land accommodation and seven nights on river ship MS Estrela
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A total of 21 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
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Freedom of Choice inclusions
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Expert Tour and Cruise Directors
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Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
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Visit Palácio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall
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Sample wine and cheese at Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s
Advertised price based on April 2026 departures
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Madrid
Arrive in the Spanish capital of Madrid and be transferred to your hotel.
Stay: Madrid, VP Plaza España Design (or similar)
Day 2 Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Embark Ship
Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.
Stay: Seven Nights, MS Estrela
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Vega de Terron, Pinhão On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhão, where your ship will dock overnight.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Pinhão, Régua Visit Pinhão Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. Later, be awed by the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before you as your ship cruises through the heart of the Douro Valley region to Régua. Soak up the serenity of this enchanting setting as you glide past terraced vineyards and lush, rolling hills.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Régua
Enjoy a full day in Régua, where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing options before a special Signature Experience.
Freedom of Choice – Tour Lamego
Set among hills adorned with vineyards in the Alto Douro region, Lamego is a charming town. On a guided tour, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego.
Freedom of Choice – Visit Palácio de Mateus
Embark on a trip to Palácio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine.
Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in the Lamego municipality, the prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features 75 hectares of vineyards.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Entre-os-Rios
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.
Freedom of Choice – Tour Guimarães
Explore the historic city of Guimarães with a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Freedom of Choice – Winery Tour and Tasting
Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Vinho Verde wine region since the 1870s. Explore the gardens and round off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Entre-os-Rios, Porto
Arrive in the charming city of Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before enjoying a Signature Experience in the evening.
Signature Experience – Fado performance in Palácio da Bolsa
Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Porto
Spend a full day discovering Porto. Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity in the morning before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. During your final night on board, your river ship offers the best vantage point to take in the city's beautiful sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
Freedom of Choice – Cooking Demonstration
Porto is famous for its delectable cuisine and you can discover its culinary heart with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration.
Freedom of Choice – Port Tasting
Visit Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto's famous Port wine cellars. Here, you'll visit Taylor's Port, which was established over three centuries ago and is one of the oldest founding Port houses. Take a guided tour of the recently renovated 300-year-old cellars followed by a Port tasting.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
Today, your sensational journey through the Douro Valley comes to an end. Following breakfast, be transferred to the airport.
Daily: Breakfast
You journey comes to an end today. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Daily Breakfast
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
