Flavors of Portugal
8 Day River Cruise
Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey.
For those with more time, there is an optional 3-night pre-cruise in Lisbon and 3-night post-cruise in Madrid.
Countries: Portugal
River(s): Douro
Pricing
River cruise starting at $4,858* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Porto to Vega de Terrón (reverse itinerary available)
Your stateroom includes
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
Onboard amenities
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Dining
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Excursions
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Porto, Portugal
Meals
Dinner
Description
Embark your cruise in Porto. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board.
Day 2
Porto
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursion: “City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting OR Porto hike and Port wine tasting
Join a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine.
For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto.
Day 3
Entre-os-Rios
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursion: Lunch at local quinta
Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta.
Day 4
Régua
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursion: Palacio Anadia excursion
Begin your day with a tour of the 18th-century Palacio Anadia, or Palace of the Counts, known for its beautiful interior and Baroque style. Inside the house, you’ll see intricate panels of blue and white tiles throughout the rooms and a striking vaulted ceiling that retell the history behind the palace.
Day 5
Régua – Lamego – Pinhão
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Lamego: Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting
Pinhão: Local quinta wine tasting
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you’ll see the “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies” on a city tour or climb the 686-step “Holy Staircase,” beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine.
Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta.
Day 6
Pinhão
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions
Pinhão: Pinhão train station hike
Pinhão: Quinta de Avessada lunch
Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station’s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region.
Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting.
Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own.
Day 7
Barca d’Alva – Vega de Terrón
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursions: Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare
Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town.
At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine.
Day 8
Vega de Terrón
Breakfast
Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón.
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse from Vega de Terrón to Porto.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Flavors of Portugal” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.