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PORTUGAL/SPAIN – Douro River Cruise
The Douro Spirit on the river of same name.
The Douro River, rising in Spain, meanders through the winding valley it has etched into the countryside and joins the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. This has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling vineyards and charming native farms called quintas cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port wine country—the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
To contrast this, the trip commences with a stay at the city of seven hills - now the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon. Here you can explore a treasure trove of Old World architecture. There is also a visit to Coimbra, the “Birthplace of Kings” and a stop in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges,” with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center; Guimarães, which has its own UNESCO-listed Medieval city center; and Salamanca, Spain, another declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The trips include visits and tastings of a variety of local wines from village vineyards, including Port wine, the region’s sweet fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery; enjoy a traditional Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show; and dine at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. Along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking charm, and meet warm-hearted, friendly people with welcoming open arms.
Who will enjoy this cruise: This hidden gem is for those seeking to explore an unspoiled river valley with lovely vistas, storied towns and lively cities. True wine connoisseurs and food aficionados will enjoy indulging in the region’s celebrated Port wine and local cuisine.
Lisbon to Porto - 11 Days
2012 Departure dates (Thursdays only)
15 March; 22 March; 29 March; 05 April; 12 April; 19 April; 26 April;
03 May; 10 May; 17 May; 24 May; 31 May; 07 June; 14 June; 21 June;
28 June; 05 July; 12 July; 19 July; 09 August; 16 August; 23 August;
30 August; 06 September; 13 September; 20 September; 27 September;
04 October; 11 October; 18 October; 25 October; 01 November; 08 November
The Single Supplement Waived offer applies to the following 2012 cruise dates:
15 March; 22 March; 28 June and 09 August
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon’s Portela Airport where you’ll be met and transferred to the hotel.
Day 2 Lisbon (BB)
Featured Excursion: Lisbon city tour.
Your guided exploration of Lisbon takes you to the historic district of Belem and the Belem Tower, the traditional starting and ending point of Portuguese voyages of discovery. You’ll then visit San Jeronimos Church, built in the early 16th-century. (BB)
Day 3 Lisbon (BB, L, D)
Spend leisure time enjoying this cosmopolitan city often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills.’’ (BB)
Day 4 Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto
Featured Excursion: Coimbra tour with family-style lunch.
Depart on the coach for Porto. You’ll head north along the coast. En route, you’ll stop in Portugal’s third-largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university is the Biblioteca Joanina, a gem of a library with books from the 12th-century. After your library visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the ship docked in Porto.
Embark on the Douro Spirit and settle into your cabin.
Overnight on the riverboat.
The pool on the Douro Spirit.
Day 5 Porto, (Guimarães), Bitetos (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursions: Guimarães city tour.
Visit historic Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal in the 12th-century, home to the first king of Portugal, Don Afonso Henriques, and a 2012 European Cultural Capital. It has been referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Dominated by Afonso Henriques’ grand castle, Guimarães was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extremely well-preserved city center.
You will be guided through the narrow streets of the Medieval quarter, toward the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and then on to the splendid Monastery and Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, the Ducal Palace, and the 14th century Gothic Padrão do Salado. Later, sail to Bitetos and visit one of the prestigious port wine cellars in Cais de Gaia.
Overnight on the riverboat.
Day 6 Régua, Pinhão (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursions: Mateus Palace and Gardens, and dinner at Quinta da Avessada.
After a morning lecture at the Douro Museum, visit the impressive Mateus Palace and Gardens, with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Later, enjoy dinner at the family-owned winery Quinta da Avessada in the heart of the Douro region, built a century ago, and producing Moscatel, the treasure of the region.
Overnight on the riverboat.
Day 7 Pinhão, Vega de Terrón (Spain) (BB, L, Captain’s Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Wine tasting at a local quinta.
Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking, so it is only fitting you visit a quinta to learn the history of, and sample, the country’s most celebrated beverage. In the afternoon, enjoy the breathtaking scenery while sailing the remote Douro Valley.
Overnight on the riverboat.
Day 8 Vega de Terrón (Salamanca, Spain) (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Salamanca tour with traditional Spanish lunch and flamenco show.
From Vega de Terrón, on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. This charming town is untouched in its architectural purity, and throughout the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow, giving the city the nickname the “Golden City.” Visit Salamanca’s historic university before having lunch with a flamenco show at a local restaurant.
Overnight on the riverboat.
Day 9 Barca d'Alva (Castelo Rodrigo), Régua (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Castelo Rodrigo tour.
Visit the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a charming and captivating place with Medieval streets, thick stonewall houses, and a remarkably distinctive fountain, Chafariz dos Pretos.
Overnight on the riverboat.
Day 10 Porto (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Porto city tour.
Sail along the Douro back to Porto, and then traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Visit the 19th-century UNESCO Palacio de Bolsa with its famous Arab Room. Later, enjoy a farewell evening and reception while sailing to the mouth of the Douro River.
Overnight on the riverboat.
Day 11 Depart Porto (CB/BB)
Disembark the ship and transfer to the Porto airport for your flight home.
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