Sail the River Douro through an untouched landscape of high hills, vineyards famous for producing Port wine, and onwards through the amazing cliffs and gorges of the upper Douro river.
After exploring Porto, with an optional visit and tasting at a Port wine shippers, cruise upriver through the deepest lock in Europe to the riverside town of Regua. From there maybe visit Vila Real and the Solar de Mateus, famous for its portrayal on the Mateus wine bottles but also noted for beautiful gardens.
The ship calls at the riverside village of Pinhao, whose railway station has blue-tiled frescos of riverside scenes, before cruising upriver through stunning scenery to the Portuguese border. Next day join the optional excursion to Salamanca, noted for its beauty and architecture, before cruising back downriver to Porto.
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POF: Kingdom of the Golden River Itinerary
Day 1 - Porto (Portugal)
Embark your cruise ship in Porto from 5pm. This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner onboard, followed by an optional coach tour of Porto by night.
Day 2 - Porto - Regua
After a buffet breakfast onboard, you may wish to join the optional tour of Porto, Portugal's second largest town, and one of Europe's most ancient and historic towns. Porto is the home of Port wine, with Port vineyards all along the Douro. There is a second optional excursion available - a tram tour through the city concluding with a tasting of some of the local specialties. After the tours, back on board for lunch and an afternoon of relaxed cruising as we admire the wonderful landscapes of the Douro Valley.
Day 3 - Regua - Pinhao - Vega de Teron (Spain)
Today there is an optional excursion to discover the formal gardens at the Mateus Palace and Vila Real. Enjoy an evening with a Spanish flair.
Day 4 - Barca d'Alva - Salamanca (Spain)
After breakfast on board there will be an optional tour of Salamanca, awarded world heritage status by UNESCO for its outstanding beauty and its Roman, Arabic and Christian architectural treasures. There is an additional optional excursion available - Salamanca by bike. Return to the ship in Barca d'Alva and cruise to Senhora da Ribeira. Dinner and gala evening on board.
Day 5 - Senhora da Ribeira - Ferradosa - Folgosa - Leverinho (Portugal)
This morning there is an optional excursion discovering the Porto wine route. Spend the afternoon cruising before enjoying an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
Day 6 - Leverinho - Porto
Early this morning our ship sets sail for Porto, where we disembark after breakfast.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary