Douro Delights with Lisbon & Madrid

Fly from the UK to Lisbon. Olá and welcome to Portugal! Once you’ve arrived in Lisbon, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in.

Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Stay: Three Nights, Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city’s tramcars, and visiting the Old Town.

Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery.

Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India.

Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a welcome dinner.

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last.

Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route.

Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s most famous university.

After a spot of sightseeing and free time for lunch, make your way to Porto. Board your river ship together 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.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port.

Alternatively, head to Matosinhos and pop in at a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration, or set off on foot for a walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Tonight you’ll head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

This morning we’ve lined up an excursion for you to Guimarães. The evolution of medieval settlement is on show here, and you will learn all about it with a tour.

Back on board, cruise through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-Os-Rios.

When you arrive, take the chance to visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s.

Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

Cruising to Régua this morning, take some time to soak up the sun.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll visit the Douro Museum which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, bola de Lamego.

Smoked ham, home-baked bread, and gooey cheese – how could you go wrong?

Otherwise, you might visit Quinta da Pacheca for a picnic with views over the Douro River and Régua.

After your morning activity, kick back on board and continue cruising to Pinhão.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Visit the vineyard, Quinta da Roêda for a traditional lunch and tasting of port. Take 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.

It is also well-known courtesy of the bottles of Mateus Rosé wine that feature the palace on its label.

At the end of it all, you’ll be treated to the captain’s farewell dinner.

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop for to visit the castle ruins.

Returning on board, dig in to a delicious dinner.

Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.

In Barca d’Alva you’ll disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. Hit the road and 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.

Stay: Westin Palace Madrid

You’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s capital before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Maybe you’d like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour.

Or, take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch.

Of course, if you’re more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK.