Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca with Lisbon Extension - MS Riviera Rose

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Sometimes known as Peso da Régua, Régua is a key hub situated in the Duoro Valley and serving as a central location for the region's wine production. Home to a number of port wine lodges and museums, the town offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards combined with a unique insight into the legacy and craftmanship of Portugal's iconic fortified wine.

Famed for its 12th Century prestigious university, Salamanca captivates visitors with an impressive blend of history, culture and academia. Home to architectural marvels, such as the ornately decorated Plaza Mayor and stunning Salamanca Cathedral, Salamanca showcases centuries of artistic heritage alongside a lively nightlife buzzing with vibrant tapas bars, cafes and flamenco venues.

Situated in the heart of the Douro Valley, Pinhão is a charming riverside town characterised by terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates, locally known as quintas. Visitors are invited to explore historic wineries and savour the rich flavours of the region's iconic port wines.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

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The ship's restaurant is located on the Ruby Deck. Experience exceptional service from our friendly and attentive, English-speaking crew while you enjoy a variety of first-class cuisine. Pair seasonal menus with a glass of wine from our carefully curated wine list, including a selection of regional favourites.

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Our open-air Sun Deck is the place for relaxation. It's home to a refreshing splash pool and a selection of comfortable chairs and sun loungers - both in and out of the shade. Here, you're sure to find the perfect spot to crack open that book you've been meaning to read - perfectly paired with a cool glass of wine or beer from the sky bar, of course.  

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Home to the reception area and the social hub of the ship, the bar. Here, you and your fellow explorers can gather over drinks to discuss the highlights of the day after dinner, accompanied by the soothing tones of the ship's pianist. During the day, you can sink into its sumptuously soft armchairs and sofas with a freshly made cup of tea and watch the ever-changing landscapes and charming towns and villages drift by. 

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For those who are a little more energetic - or just looking to work off all those delicious meals - our fitness centre is located on the Emerald Deck.

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These exquisitely designed cabins create the feeling of home in a fraction of the space. Our 16 square metres Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors of your French balcony slide away, allowing you to take in the beautiful views of the river beyond.

The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.

Make this holiday one to remember. Choose a Diamond Deck cabin or suite and enjoy a wide range of luxurious extras with Riviera Plus - there's nothing like the VIP treatment.

Riviera Plus

• 10% off spa treatment or massage
• 10% off hairdresser services
• Luxury toiletries
• Locally inspired gifts
• Bottle of champagne
• 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels and hairdryer
• Desk & chair
• Telephone and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

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Enjoy the feeling of home in a fraction of the space in cabins designed with Riviera guests in mind. Our 16 square metres Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors of your French balcony slide away, allowing you to fully appreciate the views beyond.

Each cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. Your private ensuite bathroom is complete with a relaxing rain shower. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin.

Features

• Individual climate control
• Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels and hairdryer
• Desk & chair
• Telephone and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service

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Our Standard cabins on the Emerald Deck are complete with modern amenities that make you feel perfectly at home.

The cabins are 16 square metres, featuring a fixed window overlooking the river. It also includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, desk, lounge chair and table and tea/coffee-making facilities. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the modern ensuite bathroom features a relaxing rain shower.

Features

• Individual climate control
• Fixed window
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels and hairdryer
• Desk & chair
• Telephone and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service  

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At 24 square metres, our Balcony Suites are the largest cabins on MS Riviera Rose. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide away to extend your already spacious living space onto your private balcony, complete with comfortable outdoor seating - the perfect place to sit and watch the riverbanks glide by.

Inside, the Balcony Suites are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste. There's a living space, with a sofa, chair and table as well as a desk and double wardrobe. The suite also includes individually controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV and telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style bed can be configured as a double or twin, and the suite also features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.

Make this holiday one to remember. Choose a Diamond Deck cabin or suite and enjoy a wide range of luxurious extras with Riviera Plus - there's nothing like the VIP treatment.  

Riviera Plus

• 10% off spa treatment or massage
• 10% off hairdresser services
• Luxury toiletries
• Locally inspired gifts
• Bottle of champagne
• 10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Features

• Individual climate control
• Balcony with outdoor seating
• Floor to ceiling windows
• Twin beds which can be configured as double
• Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
• Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
• Towels and hairdryer
• Desk & chair
• Telephone and flat-screen TV
• Safe & mini fridge
• Turn down service