Lisbon & Five-Star Douro Cruise

To Lisbon

Meet at the airport today, where you are introduced to your Tour Manager. From here, board your flight to Lisbon then transfer to your hotel where you are greeted with a welcome drink and are free to settle into your room. For dinner this evening, head to the hotel's excellent restaurant. Afterwards, you may wish to acquaint yourself with the city a little before retiring for the night.

Exploring Lisbon

Your excursion today whisks you away on a splendid tour of Portugal's famous capital. As a special touch, it will include a trip in a specially-chartered tram from the 1930s and 40s, lending a nostalgic feeling to proceedings. Your tour reveals the brilliant colours of Lisbon as well as the history of its streets, squares and boulevards.

Finish up in the waterfront district of Belem, famous for its pastries and villas. Here, stop off at one of the pastry shops to sample the local delicacies.

Sintra

Travel to the beautiful town of Sintra today, located up in the hills behind Lisbon. A tantalising selection of summer palaces of all colours and shapes await here, at what is famously the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty. Enjoy some free time in this fairytale town, giving you an opportunity to discover its history and the people behind the magnificent buildings lining its streets.

To Portugal & Lamego

Leaving Lisbon this morning, set out on a rail journey through the Portuguese countryside to the historical port city of Porto, famous for the explorers who gathered here to journey to the New World. On arrival you transfer to your ship, where you will be warmly welcomed aboard and can settle into your cabin. Dock in Regua on Day 5 and pay a visit to Lamego, a picturesque village near the banks of the Douro, for a guided tour. Enjoy dinner at a local wine estate later.

Castelo Rodrigo

Your ship sails to Barca d'Alva today. After lunch, embark on an excursion to the historical town of Castelo Rodrigo.

Salamanca

Your travels today take you across the border into Portugal's neighbour Spain. Here visit the golden city of Salamanca, in the Castille y Léon region. A tour here includes decorative House of Shells and the thriving Plaza Mayor. Enjoy free time afterwards before a traditional Spanish lunch at a local restaurant, accompanied by a dazzling flamenco show. Tonight a BBQ dinner is served on the sun deck (weather permitting). Day 8 is spent cruising through the stunning landscape to Peso de Regua. After dinner, sample some vintage Port following a traditional opening ceremony.

Mateus Palace & Porto

Pay a visit to the gorgeous Mateus Palace today and its stunning gardens, recognisable from the label on the iconic rose wine bottle of the same name. On your return to the ship later, sit down with the captain for a resplendent gala dinner. After food, there's a traditional folk dance performance from a local troupe.

Arriving into Porto on Day 10, yyou have a choice of excursions to explore this famous port city which heralds the point at which the Douro ends. Your first option is an insightful and engaging tour of the city both by coach and on foot. We finish at a port wine lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia where we have the opportunity to sample the iconic drink for ourselves. Your second option is to travel to the nearby city of Guimarães. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and we enjoy a tour through the colourful streets. In the afternoon, you are free before your 4-course farewell dinner on board.

Return Home

After a final breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport. Here you board your flight back to the UK, where your Portuguese adventure comes to an end.

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.