Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.

Freedom of Choice — Porto Exploration

Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a scenic cable car ride, savouring panoramic views of the city below. Then, indulge in a tasting of the city’s famous port wines. Sample the rich flavours of the region.

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 — Walking Tour of Porto

Set off on foot for an active walking tour of Porto through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Stroll through cobbled streets and discover neighbourhoods of colourful 18th-century houses and quaint eateries.

Signature Experience — 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.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.

Freedom of Choice – Guimarães Tour

Explore the historic city of Guimarães, where the medieval settlement is on show during a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed 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 tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese. Test

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Régua. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.

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 Lamego county, the prestigious property features 75 hectares of vineyards, dating back to the 16th century. 

After enjoying the experience of your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhão.

Freedom of Choice – Lamego Tour

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 Palacio de Mateus

Embark on a trip to Palacio 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. 

Visit the 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. This evening, you’ll be treated to a captain’s farewell dinner.

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Returning to the ship, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. 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 your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please.