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Spain & Portugal delights with Douro River cruise

24-day river cruise package from Madrid to Lisbon. Book now & save up to $2,000* per person - Book by 28 October

Madrid to Barcelona

14 days / 13 nights

River Cruise Holiday

Land Package

MS Estrela

Multiple departures

Overview

A celebration of Portuguese and Spanish culture, this tour captivates all your senses. Witness picturesque Douro riverside villages and family-run quintas. Head to the Andalusian region to discover Moorish architecture, the passion of flamenco, and tasty tapas. Conclude your journey with a visit to sunny Barcelona and see Gaudí’s finest work.

Onboard MS Estrela

Come aboard the MS Estrela, APT's new custom-built river ship, designed to gracefully navigate the picturesque waters of the Douro River in Portugal. Purpose-built to offer unparalleled comfort and style, from its luxurious cabins to exquisite dining experiences, the MS Estrela promises an unforgettable journey through Portugal's enchanting wine country.

Departs 16 June & 1 September 2027

*Advertised pricing is based on per person twin share on 1 September 2027 departure. Correct as of 8 October 2026. Offer is valid until 28 October 2026, unless sold out prior.

Inclusions

  • Experiences in 18 destinations
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions
  • Seven nights on the MS Estrela
  • A total of 44 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • Expert Tour and Cruise Directors
  • Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
  • Feel the passion of a flamenco show as you graze on tasty tapas in Granada
  • Enjoy an exclusive before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudí

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Madrid

Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your hotel.

Stay: Madrid, Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton (or similar).  


Day 2 – Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terrón, Embark Ship

Travel to Salamanca and enjoy a guided tour, including the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells. Continue to Vega de Terrón and board the MS Estrela. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board.

Stay: Seven Nights, MS Estrela
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  


Day 3 – Pocinho

Choose from the following Freedom of Choice experiences:

Freedom of Choice

Côa Museum
Discover the history and archaeology of the Côa Valley through immersive exhibitions.

Côa Archaeological Park Rock Art
Explore one of Europe's most important open-air archaeological sites and view remarkable prehistoric rock engravings.

This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 


Day 4 – Pinhão, Régua

Visit beautiful Pinhão Railway Station, famous for its decorative azulejo tiles depicting the history of port wine production. Later, visit a local quinta before cruising through the scenic Douro Valley towards Régua.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  


Day 5 – Régua

Enjoy a full day in Régua with a choice of sightseeing experiences.

Freedom of Choice

Lamego Tour
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample the local delicacy, Bola de Lamego.

Palácio de Mateus
Tour the elegant 18th-century palace and gardens near Vila Real.

Signature Experience

Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Enjoy a traditional lunch and wine tasting overlooking the Douro River. This historic estate dates back to the 18th century and is one of the region's most renowned wine estates.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6 – Entre-os-Rios

Cruise through the Douro Valley towards Entre-os-Rios. Learn about Portugal's famous azulejo tiles during an onboard tile-painting experience.

Freedom of Choice

Traditional Village Visit
Explore a charming schist village and experience authentic Portuguese village life.

Winery Tour and Tasting
Visit Quinta da Aveleda and enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 


Day 7 – Entre-os-Rios, Porto

Arrive in Porto and discover the city's historic Old Town.

Signature Experience

Fado Performance at Palácio da Bolsa
Enjoy a guided tour, cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the magnificent Arabian Hall.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 


Day 8 – Porto

Spend a full day exploring Porto.

Freedom of Choice

Portuguese Tart Cooking Class
Learn how to make Portugal's iconic pastel de nata.

Port Tasting
Visit Taylor's Port and enjoy a guided cellar tour and tasting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9 – Porto, Disembark Ship, Coimbra, Lisbon

Disembark and travel to Coimbra, home to Portugal's oldest university. Continue to Lisbon.

Stay: Three Nights, Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast


Day 10 – Lisbon

Discover Lisbon's highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery. Sample local specialties including the famous Portuguese custard tart and salt cod fritters.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  


Day 11 – Lisbon, Sintra

Visit Sintra and explore the spectacular Pena Palace. Enjoy free time in Sintra before returning to Lisbon via the scenic coastline.

Meals: Breakfast 


Day 12 – Lisbon, Algarve

Travel south to Portugal's Algarve region, known for its dramatic coastline, beaches and picturesque bays.

Stay: Two Nights, Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve.
Meals: Breakfast 


Day 13 – Algarve

Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park by boat and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  


Day 14 – Algarve, Seville

Cross into Spain and travel to the Andalusian capital of Seville.

Stay: Two Nights, Seville, Hotel Colón Gran Meliá.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 


Day 15 – Seville

Discover Seville's rich history including the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower.

Meals: Breakfast 


Day 16 – Seville, Ronda, Granada

Travel to Ronda and enjoy a guided tour of this dramatic hilltop town before continuing to Granada.

Stay: Two Nights, Granada, Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast 


Day 17 – Granada

Explore the magnificent Alhambra and its stunning Moorish architecture.

Signature Experience

Flamenco Show and Tapas
Experience a passionate flamenco performance in a traditional cave setting while enjoying tapas.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 18 – Granada, Córdoba

Visit a traditional Spanish olive estate and learn about olive oil production before continuing to Córdoba.

Stay: Two Nights, Córdoba, Hospes Palacio del Bailío.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 


Day 19 – Córdoba

Tour Córdoba, including the impressive Mezquita-Cathedral and the historic Jewish Quarter. Enjoy free time this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast 


Day 20 – Córdoba, Toledo, Madrid

Travel to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, before continuing to Madrid.

Stay: Two Nights, VP Plaza España Design (or similar).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 


Day 21 – Madrid

Discover Madrid's highlights, including the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor.

Meals: Breakfast 


Day 22 – Madrid, Barcelona

Visit the Prado Museum before boarding a train to Barcelona.

Stay: Two Nights, Le Méridien Barcelona.
Meals: Breakfast 


Day 23 – Barcelona

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Barcelona, including Passeig de Gràcia and views of the Sagrada Família.

Signature Experience

Before-Hours Visit to Casa Vicens
Enjoy exclusive access to Gaudí's first major architectural masterpiece before it opens to the public.

This evening, gather for a Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  


Day 24 – Depart Barcelona

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: 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.

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