Douro Cruise onboard The Spirit of Chartwell

To Porto

Meet your group at the dock in Porto where you board your ship, the exquisite Spirit of Chartwell. After settling in to your elegant cabin, enjoy an exotic cocktail while the captain and his crew welcome you aboard as the upper deck is bathed in the golden glow of the Portuguese sunset. Shortly afterwards, take a coach into the city where you enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers at Vinum, a restaurant owned and operated by Graham's Port, an iconic name in global port production. Here you enjoy a tasting of Graham's famous 6 Grapes Port. This wonderful full-bodied vintage port has earned many admirers throughout the years - none more loyal than Prime Minster and wine connoisseur Sir Winston Churchill, for whom 6 Grapes Port was a personal favourite.

Exploring Porto

This morning begins with a city tour of Porto. Enjoy the sights of this charming city including the impressive city bridge, the manors of the Foz district and the noble cathedral with its commanding views from the top of the Penaventosa Hill. At the end of the tour, visit a port winery where you take a port tasting and learn more about Porto's viticulture. The Spirit of Chartwell sets sail in the afternoon, on its way through shimmering waterways to Entre-os-Rios. This evening you delve more into the Portuguese port heritage with a celebration of vintage port wines.

Lamego

Today, your ship docks at Regua. This morning, you are given a culinary demonstration introducing you to the gastronomic traditions of this part of the world. In the afternoon, you pay a visit to Lamego, a picturesque village near the banks of the Douro where you take a guided tour. The Cathedral is the centrepoint of Lamego, a remarkable example of Baroque architecture.

Arguably more impressive however, are 700 steps which lead up to its doors, decorated as they are in cheerful white and blue tiles. Enjoy dinner at a local wine estate later.

Castelo Rodrigo

Barca d'Alva is today's docking point and from here, you take an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. A fascinating medieval town, hidden in the hills, Castelo Rodrigo has seen a variety of different peoples and civilisations come and go. Enjoy a historical tour here along with a tasting of local almonds. Later on board, you take dinner with the Captain at the Captain's Dinner before a Portuguese Music Show which features a delightful performance of folk music.

Salamanca

Your excursion today sees you venture from Portugal into neighbouring Spain by coach, where you visit the magnificent city of Salamanca. This honey-coloured city is home to some stunning buildings and architecture, both of which you discover on your tour here. We see the oldest university in Spain, the decorous House of Shells and the grand Plaza Mayor as well as the intricate houses, shops and cafes which line the streets here. On your return to the ship later tonight, you sample some more of Portugal's culinary culture with a Portuguese barbecue.

Casa de Mateus

The Spirit of Chartwell departs Barca d'Alva today, sailing back to Regua. On the way, you may wish to attend a lecture on Portugal in modern times. On arrival in Regua, you pay a visit to the Vila Real and the Casa de Mateus by coach. This romantic villa was owned by the Count of Vila Real, and features a chapel and gracefully manicured gardens.

Quinta da Aveleda

Sail today to Entre-os-Rios this morning for your excursion to Quinta da Aveleda. One of the notable wine estates which sit near the banks of the Douro, the Quinta da Aveleda belongs to the Guedes family who have been in operation since the mid-19th century. Tonight, the Spirit of Chartwell returns to Porto and it is here where you are treated to a farewell sunset cruise across the harbour.

Return home

Disembark the Spirit of Chartwell today for your transfer to the airport and your flight to London.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.