A Celebration of Lisbon and the Douro

Day 1 London - Lisbon

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled TAP Portugal flight to Lisbon. On arrival, we transfer to the Hotel Mundial (4T), for a two-night stay.

Day 2 Lisbon

Lisbon entrances visitors with its wealth of grand buildings, from Baroque churches and palaces to art nouveau façades and striking contemporary architecture, and today you are free to explore the beautiful Portuguese capital at your own pace. Perhaps visit Jeronimos Monastery, the last resting place of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, and the Belém Tower, built in 1515 to protect the city’s harbour and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or learn more about Portugal’s rich maritime heritage at the Navy Museum.

Day 3 - Lisbon - Porto

This morning we leave Lisbon, driving northwards to Porto, stopping for lunch en route. On arrival, we transfer to the port to embark Spirit of Chartwell (4T) for a welcome cocktail party and dinner.

Day 4 - Porto - Entre-os-Rios

Take in the delights of Porto on a city tour. Explore the delights of the UNESCO listed Riberia district, with its cobbled streets and embellished buildings, and the iconic river scenes of the port cellars and traditional wooden barges used to transport the famous wine. Partake in a tasting of port before we return to the Spirit of Chartwell, for a relaxed afternoon as we sail up the River Douro, taking in views of steep, terraced vineyards, while our lecturer gives an informative talk about the river and its history. We dock overnight in Entre-os-Rios, and this evening we celebrate vintage port wine.

Day 5 - Entre-os-Rios - Régua

An excursion to the quaint town of Lamego and the grand rococo sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is included this morning. If you choose to walk down the steps of this town’s elaborate shrine, don’t forget to look back to appreciate the tiled artwork. We visit the episcopal palace which now houses Museu de Lamego, a great display of art and Flemish tapestries. We also have the opportunity to sample some local specialities, which compliments today’s culinary demonstration on board our vessel. We disembark this evening for dinner at a wine-producing Quinta, before enjoying a Fado and folk music show this evening.

Day 6 - Régua - Barca d’Alva

Departing Régua early this morning, we continue our cruise through the beautiful Douro Valley, and hear more about the history of Portugal from our guest lecturer. This afternoon we arrive in Barca d’Alva, close to the Spanish border, where we will be staying for the next two nights. A visit to the medieval hilltop town of Castelo Rodrigo, a peaceful village that still bears the scars of old battles, is included, as well as an almond tasting experience.

Day 7 - Barca d’Alva - Salamanca - Barca d’Alva

We cross the border into Spain for our full-day tour today, visiting the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, outstanding examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish and Baroque architecture, two cathedrals, and an impressive main square, the arcade-lined Plaza Mayor. We experience a traditional flamenco show before returning to our ship for a Portuguese barbecue dinner.

Day 8 - Barca d’Alva - Régua

Early this morning we sail down the River Douro, back towards Régua, where we will stay overnight. Relax, enjoy the beautiful scenes of green, vineyard-clad hills and listen as our knowledgeable guest lecturer gives a talk about life in Portugal today. This afternoon there is an included excursion to the 18th century Mateus Palace, a Baroque masterpiece that offers a glimpse of Portuguese aristocracy and is renowned for its delightful gardens, as well as the rosé wine which was first produced here.

Day 9 - Régua - Entre-os-Rios - Porto

After a relaxing morning on the Douro, we disembark in Entre-os-Rios for a leisurely lunch at the Quinta da Aveleda. Aveleda has been managed by the same family since 1870, and had already started winning international awards by 1888. The historic estate has been in the family even longer, and is the perfect place to enjoy lunch, in a delightful setting of exotic flora and endless vineyards, with an unusual addition of a goat tower. We return to Spirit of Chartwell to continue navigating the twists of the river. Tonight, we bid a fond farewell to Portugal with a sunset cruise in Porto harbour and the Captain’s dinner on board this evening.

Day 10 Porto - London

This morning we transfer to Porto Airport for a scheduled TAP Portugal flight to London Gatwick (which may be via Lisbon). On arrival, you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle for the journey home.