Douro Explorer

Travel to Oporto on the north bank of the Douro and embark your ship Douro Serenity at Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.

You remain moored here overnight.

Depart Oporto, 0700.
Arrive Régua, 1400. Depart 1800.
Arrive Pinhão, 2000.

Spend the morning cruising, arriving in Régua this afternoon. From here you will visit Mateus Palace and its gardens by coach. Your guide will give you an introduction to the palace which features on the Mateus rosé wine label. Admire the exterior and explore the exceptional formal gardens.

Rejoin your ship in Régua and sail to Pinhão for an overnight mooring. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese folklore show after dinner.

Spend the morning at leisure in Pinhão.

This afternoon an included excursion travelling by coach visits Favaios in the Douro Valley for an included visit to Favaios Winery, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the cooperative followed by an opportunity to taste the muscat wines.

Afterwards, visit one of the local bakery’s before travelling by coach to a nearby quinta where traditional Portuguese food, wine and entertainment is included.

Your ship remains moored overnight in Pinhão.

Depart Pinhão, 0700.
Arrive Barca d’Alva, 1700.

This afternoon the ship will pause briefly in Pocinho and from here you will join an included excursion travelling by coach to the civil parish of Castelo Rodrigo in the municipality of Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval village with a scenic hilltop location. See the 12th-century Romanesque church and stroll around the village in your own time.

Rejoin your ship in Barca d’Alva later this afternoon.

Depart Barca d’Alva, 1800.
Arrive Pocinho, 2000.

Today join an included excursion across the border to the city of Salamanca in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beautiful old university buildings of golden-coloured stone. The journey here usually takes about two hours, during which your guide will give a commentary about the passing scenery.

After some free time, lunch will be served at a local hotel, followed by a flamenco show to give you a taste of traditional Spanish culture. Then, join a walking tour with a local guide to the Plaza Mayor, one of the finest town squares in Spain.

Back on board Douro Serenity, sit down to a traditional Portuguese dinner.

Depart Pocinho, 0700.
Arrive Régua, 1400. Depart 1700.

After a relaxing morning on board Douro Serenity arrive in Régua and travel by coach for an included excursion to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal.

See the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town. There will be free time to explore this baroque church and walk down into the city using the ornate staircase – but be warned, there are almost 700 steps!

Alternatively, take the coach down to the city where you can visit the Gothic cathedral, which in parts dates back to the 12th century.

Rejoin your ship, and continue your cruise to Porto Antigo, arriving later this evening for an overnight mooring. Look forward to a Farewell dinner tonight.

Arrive, Oporto, 1200.

Depart Porto Antigo early this morning and sail back to Oporto this morning.

This famous centre of port wine production is located on the Douro estuary. This afternoon enjoy a coach tour of Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city, and walk to a local wine cellar where you can learn more about the production of port wine and enjoy a tasting.

Your ship remains moored overnight.

Disembark Douro Serenity after breakfast and begin your return journey.