Portugal's Douro Valley is characterised by quiet villages, rolling hills, and terraced vineyards that promise a bounty of exemplary wine. Explore this corner of Europe on an eight-day discovery of the region's food, wine, culture, and history aboard a luxury river cruise ship.
This region of Portugal is internationally famous as the world's oldest wine region. You'll sample many of the valley's finest vintages as you tour working Quintas - Portugal's traditional and rural vineyard estates. Food and wine tastings are a prominent feature throughout this trip, and you'll return home knowing more about the wine-making processes and history of Portugal's wine. And, of course, plenty more first-hand experience of the delightful flavours.
This cruise will also take you across the border to the Spanish city of Salamanca, an ornate beauty with an intriguing past. Explore the ancient charms of this university town, remarkably preserved with UNESCO World Heritage status. You'll also visit little Portuguese villages along the way, including the delightful Entre-os-Rios and Castelo Rodrigo, where you can watch local life unfold. You'll experience Portugal's grander side on a visit to the baroque Palacio de Mateus and its impressive gardens.
A highlight of the cruise is a special meal at Quinta da Avessada in the heart of the wine region, where you'll enjoy authentic Portuguese food, wine, and entertainment.
You'll be gliding along the Douro on the AmaDouro, a sleek and stylish river cruise ship with spacious riverside staterooms. If you upgrade to a stateroom with a balcony, you'll enjoy the rolling landscapes and terraced vineyards from a private vantage point as you sail.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
Fly from London to Porto, then head straight to the port to board AmaDouro. You'll sail eastwards tonight and have the opportunity to meet fellow guests over dinner in the restaurant.
After breakfast, you'll explore the small village of Entre-os-Rios, a community that has flourished at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. You'll stop for a traditional Portuguese lunch in a local Quinta.
Step inside the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus to admire the impressive paintings and fine furnishings before exploring the equally enchanting gardens. Later, you'll try Portugal's renowned fortified wine on a Port wine tasting experience in a local Quinta.
You'll cross the border to Spain to disembark at Vega de Terrón and drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An illuminating escorted tour will show you the city's university buildings, cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and House of Shells.
Back in Portugal today to explore Castelo Rodrigo, a fortified village high on a hilltop that retains its ancient walls and steep, narrow streets. The views are astounding from this vantage point, and while there's time to enjoy them, you'll also choose whether to take a gentle village tour or a more energetic hike - both experiences conclude with a delicious local food tasting.
Tonight, a special meal at Quinta da Avessada promises to be a highlight of your trip, where you'll enjoy authentic Portuguese food, wine, and entertainment. There's also an interactive museum to explore and learn more about the region's history and culture of wine.
In lovely Lamego, you'll decide whether to climb the 700 blue and white tiled steps of the Nossa Senhora dos Remégios or take an easy-going town tour. Both options conclude with tasting local and traditional specialities, including a type of dry-cured ham accompanied with Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine.
You return to Porto today, but the adventure doesn't end just yet. Choose whether you want to take a city tour of the historical quarter or a more challenging city hike. Both options end with a chance to taste the local Port wine before you have the afternoon to explore at your leisure, then board AmaDouro for a final dinner and night in your stateroom.
You'll bid farewell today, disembarking AmaDouro for the last time and joining your airport transfer for the flight home to London.
Comfortable cruise ship with panoramic lounge, sun deck and swimming pool
The AmaDouro features spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies where you can take in views of the rolling hills and terraced vineyards along the Douro.
There is a lounge bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail along with nightly entertainment. The ship also features a restaurant, massage room, fitness room, sun-deck and swimming pool.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a lead in cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).