Sipping a glass of port on deck as we cruise past the terraced vineyards of the beautiful Douro Valley.
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 relaxed river cruise allows you to experience this enchanting region with an itinerary that encompasses a mixture of sightseeing, local traditions and plenty of delicious port wine.
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 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
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 Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
Day 2 - Porto
Wonderfully charming pathways lead you through the centre of this beautiful city. Gaze up at the medieval landmarks and ornamentation as you go. We’ll stop for a visit at a local port winery for a tasting (when in Porto…) and then the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. We’ll enjoy Fado entertainment on board this evening.
City tour of Porto, including wine tasting in a winery (morning)
MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
Day 3 - 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’ll also visit the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Get your seat on the top deck this afternoon for some very scenic sailing. We’ll glide through the beautiful Douro Valley, passing sleepy villages and peaceful countryside to Régua.
Tour of Guimarães (morning)
MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
Day 4 - Régua - Vega de Terrón
This morning we visit the sleepy university town of Villa Real and the 18th-century Casa de Mateus Palace. You might recognise the palace’s beautiful baroque façade from the label of Mateus Rosé wine.
Perhaps take a wander through the vast gardens - considered one of the country’s finest. Later on, we’ll sail towards Vega de Terrón, where we’ll dock overnight.
Tour of Casa de Mateus Palace (morning)
MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
Day 5 - Salamanca - Barca d’Alva
Awash with golden sandstone and littered with cathedrals, palaces and churches, UNESCO Salamanca is simply beautiful. We’ll nip across the border into Spain for the day, and enjoy a guided walking tour to all the best bits. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets that open into one of Spain’s most magnificent squares - Plaza Mayor - before we cross the border back into Portugal and dock in Barca d’Alva.
Tour of Salamanca (all day)
MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
Day 6 - 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. Back on board, we have a gala dinner. Dock overnight in Pinhão.
Port tasting on the Port Wine Road (afternoon)
MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
Day 7 - 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.
Tour of Lamego (morning)
MS Amalia Rodrigues (4-star)
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.