Douro Discovery

Fly from the UK to Porto today, Portugal’s second-largest city. Bordering its larger neighbour Spain, Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries and boasts a mix of vibrant art, music, wine and food, as well as endless sunny days. Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship, the MS Estrela. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon you’ll visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhao, you will enjoy an Insider Experience.

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terron in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal and features many well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.

Today you’ll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese BBQ dinner.

This morning, enjoy a fascinating history lecture as your ship cruises past Pinhao to Regua. After your Insider Experience on arrival in Regua, this afternoon, enjoy a guided tour in Regua followed by free time to visit the Douro Museum.

Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please. Tonight, be treated to an energetic performance of traditional Portuguese folk music back on board at a special Captain’s Dinner.

After breakfast, cruise back to the enchanting city of Vila Nova de Gaia. On arrival, join a fascinating tour of nearby Porto, which sits just across the river. Here, you’ll be led past an array of the city’s most famous attractions, and visit a local port winery for a tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s old-fashioned Bolhao food market. Alternatively, you might choose to take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimaraes. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your new-found friends.

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your return flight to the UK.

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Dining onboard includes a delicious range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours, expertly prepared on board your river ship at dinner.

Enjoy a variety of breakfast and lunch options.

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Signature Experiences are carefully designed, often exclusive excursions, while our Freedom of Choice concept lets you tailor sightseeing or dining in select locations.

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The MS Estrela offers many spaces to relax on board as a ship designed to maximise your comfort. On the Sun Deck, recline by the pool on a plush sun bed and watch the gorgeous landscapes glide by with a drink in hand.

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More information coming soon.

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More information coming soon.

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Onboard we have an enthralling range of entertainment. Enjoy a marvellous night of Portuguese folk music, an informative history lesson, and evenings overflowing with wine, song and dance.

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Suite details:

• Ensuite bathroom
• Personal climate control
• Flat-screen TVs
• Complimentary wi-fi

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Suite details:

• Ensuite bathroom
• Personal climate control
• Flat-screen TVs
• Complimentary wi-fi
• Electric slide-down windows that open to a French-style balcony
  

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Suite details:

• Ensuite bathroom
• Personal climate control
• Flat-screen TVs
• Complimentary wi-fi