The Enchanting River Douro
8 days from £1,699 per person
Summary
The tranquil Douro River meanders through the north of Portugal, flanked by miles of vineyards which rise in steep terraces from the shoreline. It’s easy to see why the spectacular Douro River Valley has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and this cruise allows you to experience this enchanting river with an itinerary that encompasses a mixture of sightseeing, local traditions and relaxation.
Your holiday includes:
6 excursions and visits
- City tour of Porto, including wine tasting in a winery
- Tours of Guimarães; Casa de Mateus Palace; Salamanca; and Lamego
- Port tasting on the Port Wine Road
Plus:
- 7 nights cruise on MS Gil Eanes or MS Amalia Rodrigues
- International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways or TAP Portugal from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
- 20 meals: 7 breakfasts (days 2-8) 6 lunches (days 2-7) 7 dinners (days 1-7)
Plus
- All-inclusive drinks (excludes champagne, premium alcohol or wines)
- Welcome cocktail reception & a gala dinner
- Onboard entertainment
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Portable audio headset system on cruise excursions
- Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
- Titan tour manager
- Porterage
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Day 1 - UK - Porto
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Porto. On arrival, we transfer to the port to embark our ship for a welcome cocktail. We remain here overnight.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 2 - Porto
This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Porto, which will showcase the city’s wealth of historic sights. Wonderfully charming pathways lead you over the undulating centre of this beautiful city to magnificent medieval landmarks and flamboyant ornamentation. A visit to a local port winery with a wine tasting is included. Enjoy a free afternoon, and return to the ship aboard a traditional Rabelo boat. An evening of Fado entertainment awaits.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 3 - Porto - Guimarães - Régua
This morning, visit historic Guimarães, which has been called the ‘Cradle of the Portuguese Nation’. The wonderfully preserved Old Town is dominated by Afonso Henriques’ grand castle. We visit the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, before returning to the river to sail through the beautiful Douro Valley, passing sleepy villages and tranquil countryside to Régua and dock overnight.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 4 - Régua - Vega de Terrón
This morning we visit the sleepy university town of Vila Real and the 18th-century Casa de Mateus Palace, with a beautiful Baroque façade that reached fame on the label of Mateus Rosé wine, and its attractive gardens that are considered some of the country’s finest. We rejoin the ship and sail onwards to Vega de Terrón for an overnight stop.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 5 - Vega de Terrón - Salamanca - Barca d’Alva
Following breakfast, we take a full-day included excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca. On arrival, we take a guided walking tour of this city of copper and golden stone architecture, narrow cobbled streets, majestic cathedrals, palaces, churches and one of Spain’s most magnificent squares, the Plaza Mayor. We cross the border back to Portugal and return to our ship in Barca d’Alva to stay overnight.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 6 - Barca d’Alva - Ferradosa - Pinhão
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Douro, before we step ashore for an excursion into terraced hillsides, covered in the vines that produce some of the world’s best port. After a guided tour of the port wine road, we taste a selection of delicious, locally produced port. Dock overnight in Pinhão.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 7 - Pinhão - Lamego - Porto
Visit one of the most attractive cities in Portugal, Lamego, nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley. The ruins of a 12th-century castle give an indication to the ancient city’s importance, as this is where Afonso Henriques was officially declared Portugal's first king. At the top of the city’s second hill is the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which is set atop nine steep and beautifully crafted terraces. The ship will sail to Porto, where we dock overnight.
MS Gil Eanes (4-star) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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Day 8 Porto - UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Arrive Home
Reviews
Important information about your destination
Please note: This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties - a considerable amount of walking is involved.Climate
Flight Upgrades
UPGRADE TO TAP AIR PORTUGAL EXECUTIVE CLASS FROM £97pp rtn*
Benefit from the following, available on all 2015 departures:
• Differentiated Check-in, Fast Track and Priority Boarding and Dis-embarkation
• Lounge Access in both the UK and Portugal.
• 2 x pieces of Hold Luggage x 32KG and 16KG Hand Luggage
• Dedicated cabin with a 32” seat pitch and 22” seat width with on board service including a choice of entrées.
TAP Executive 32” Seat Pitch 22” Seat Width 15.5 degree Seat Recline 2 - 3 Seat Configuration
*The above supplement is strictly subject to ad-hoc availability
Fly From Your Local Airport
International flights from regional airports are available* or choose a free connecting flight to London, with home transfers all included.
Please call 0800 988 5823 for more information.
*Subject to flight schedules and availability.
