Day 1
Depart on your flight to Oporto. On arrival transfer to your river cruiser, the MS Infante D. Henrique. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner on board this evening, plus there’s an optional panoramic tour of Oporto by night.
Day 2
Morning at leisure in Oporto. In the afternoon join our optional excursion to Braga, one of the most delightful towns in Portugal, known locally as ‘Portuguese Rome’. Dinner is on board followed by a traditional folklore show.
Day 3
This morning join our optional tour of Oporto, Portugal’s second city, known worldwide as the home of port wine. After a walk through the steep, winding streets of the old town, it’s on to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will visit a wine cellar for a tasting of the famous port wine.
In the afternoon your cruise begins, taking you through the spectacular scenery of the Douro Valley through the Crestuma and Carapatello locks, the highest in Europe, to the town of Regua. Dinner is on board this evening followed by a night of dancing and folk music. Overnight at Regua.
Day 4
This morning you are free to relax or join our optional excursion to Vila Real. The town is famed for its Gothic cathedral and a 16-arch Roman bridge. You can enjoy a walk through the gardens of Solar de Mateus, before rejoining the ship in Pinhão, the centre of the port producing region.
This afternoon your ship continues through steep, terraced vineyards and the locks of Valeira and Pocinho, arriving in the evening at Barca d’Alva, located on the Portuguese/Spanish border. Dinner is followed by a show with Flamenco dancers.
Day 5
At leisure or join our optional full day excursion to the old university city of Salamanca, the Spanish equivalent of Oxford and Cambridge. You’ll marvel at the historic university buildings, beautiful squares, ornate palaces and two magnificent cathedrals. Rejoin the ship for dinner and entertainment on board as you sail towards Vega de Teron.
Day 6
Morning departure, returning back through the Valeira and Pocinho locks en route to Ferradosa. From here we offer an optional Port Wine excursion to discover the route of the vineyards and enjoy a tasting in a local quinta. Return to your river cruiser early evening in time for dinner and gala evening. Overnight in Pinhão.
Day 7
After breakfast join our optional excursion by coach to the medieval town of Lamego, with visits to the Nossa Senhora de Remedios sanctuary, the medieval castle, the church of Almacave and the cathedral. Return to the ship in time for lunch and an afternoon cruise back to Oporto. Themed evening including dinner on board your cruiser.
Day 8
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.