History of the Douro – from Portugal to Spain - MS Douro Elegance

Arrival in Porto - Arrive in Porto and transfer to our luxurious ship.From the moment you board, the welcoming crew will be at your service. In no time you’ll be settled into your luxurious, thoughtfully furnished accommodation and familiarising yourself with all the first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.

Pinhao - One of the benefits of life aboard a river cruise is the sheer sense of relaxation it brings; our elegant ship slips its moorings during breakfast and we enjoy most of the day sailing. There is plenty of time for a spot of pampering in the on-board spa, or simply watch the seamless changing of the riverbank scenery passing by from the comfort of a cosy seat in the lounge.We’re in port wine territory, where the lush hillsides have largely given way to a patterned landscape of terraced vineyards. Inland from the Atlantic, the climate has changed, too; it’s noticeably warmer and drier, while the area has a Mediterranean appearance with orangey, earthy colours replacing verdant greens.Later we arrive back in the pretty little town of Pinhao. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to a local historic quinta to learn all about the stages of wine production, from the planting of the vines, harvesting, the wine-making process and finally tasting and labelling. No visit would be complete without sampling some of their excellent produce of course, so we enjoy a tasting before returning to the ship.We are moored overnight in Pinhao.

Almeida Fortress - You can relax over a leisurely breakfast as the scenery idly slips by through the restaurant’s superb panoramic windows. It might be hard to imagine but the Douro was once a wild river, notoriously challenging to navigate, especially for the traditional flat-bottomed boats which sunk in its torrents. Thankfully, today it has been tamed by a system of dams and locks, which have raised the water level to produce a topography reminiscent of Scotland’s lochs, enhancing the valley’s charm.Onshore, we'll visit Almeida Fortress, a fortified town that came under siege in the Peninsular War. Once thought to be impenetrable, it held firm against the French for 12 days before the fortress's own magazine erupted in a massive explosion that stunned its defenders and left it open to attack. The force of the explosion was so powerful, that some of its granite blocks were said to have been found as far as three miles away. The defensive system - casemates, sentry boxes, hidden passages, and embrasures for cannons - is still present in some areas of the fortress. The structure is a complex system of bulwarks, ravelins, platforms, trenches, and a moat with only two entrances protected by bomb-proof gates. While from the ground these may look like normal fortress walls the view from above reveals a complex geometric shape - a 12-point star. Its design eliminated all dead zones by exposing the enemy to fire from all sides, which significantly increased the defender's firing efficiency.  We'll visit the fascinating Museu Histórico Militar de Almeida. Displays of weaponry, uniforms and military paraphernalia from each period are housed in a series of underground rooms, originally used for storage and shelter during times of siege. It's an atmospheric setting in which to learn more about the town's military history.  After dinner back on board we will see a celebratory vintage port wine opened in the traditional way.

Salamanca & Battlefields - We'll visit historic Salamanca, one of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who erected its 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-coloured glow in the sunlight. Perched on a hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, the city is a picture of tranquillity, but its history is turbulent, having been successively fought over by Hannibal, the Moors, then the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon. Founded in 1218, Salamanca's university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilised world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept here, and as early as the 16th century it boasted some 12,000 students. Seeing its immaculately preserved lecture halls with their vaulted ceilings, it’s easy to conjure an image of Christopher Columbus addressing the learned men of the day or legal experts constructing the international laws that originate here.  In Salamanca, you’ll have some time to explore as you wish. You may choose to linger, admiring the ornate interiors of its cathedrals – the more recent structure dates from the 16th century – or explore its tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens and marketplaces. Or, if you're looking for a taste of Salamanca's history, you could head to the former Colegio de San Ambrosio to the archives of the Spanish Civil War or the Palacio Episcopal - the former headquarters of General Franco during the Spanish Civil War (whose connections to Hitler led to the removal of his medallion from the Plaza Mayor). Our guides will be on hand to show you the highlights.  Over lunch, we'll enjoy a traditional flamenco show. Then we'll venture outside the city to visit the Battlefields of Salamanca. With a guide bringing the history of the battle to life, you'll explore the sights and learn more about the military strategy that defined Wellington's reputation as a defensive general and shattered French dominance on the Iberian Peninsula. This evening, after dinner, head up onto the sun deck to listen to the unmistakable sound of crickets and breathe in the scents from the surrounding valley slopes that pervade the warm evening air.

Mateus Palace Gardens - As dawn breaks over Porto the adventure begins as our elegant vessel commences her stately passage upstream. Your first delicious breakfast is served by the attentive crew and whilst you linger over another coffee, you can really start to unwind as we leave the city skyline far behind. Head up on deck to appreciate the changing landscape in all its splendour as the river weaves its way between the lush hillsides; from the first morning on board, it’s very apparent that the Douro is one of Europe’s most photogenic river valleys and the topography has prevented the building of extensive riverside roads.After another superb lunch on board, we cruise into the small town of Peso da Régua, from where we visit the grounds of the splendid Mateus Palace and its sublime palace interiors. Anyone familiar with Mateus Rosé and its characteristic ‘squashed’ bottle will recognise the palace from the label. Whatever your opinion of the wine, it is an impressive 18th-century Baroque edifice, mirrored in its stunning pond, surrounded by landscaped French gardens.This evening, we take the short drive to the 126-acre Quinta da Pacheca for dinner. Enjoying dramatic views over the Douro, it dates back to the 18th-century and is simply one of the most beautiful and distinguished properties in the region. It is also notable as being the first quinta – in 1738 – to bottle wine under the name of its owner, the aristocrat Mariana Pacheco Pereira. You have time to wander through part of the estate before sampling the wines with dinner.We are moored in Régua overnight.

Lamego - After breakfast, we'll take a short drive to historic Lamego, home of Portugal’s sparkling wine, Raposeira, and one of the first places to be reclaimed from the Moors in the 12th century.  It's known for its church, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which is situated at the top of a beautifully tiled baroque staircase. If you’re up for a challenge, it’s worth climbing the 686 steps to the top of the staircase for stunning views of the city - don't worry, you can stop to admire the fountains, mosaics and hedges along the way.By the time we return to our ship, our chef and his team will be adding the finishing touches to another delicious lunch, ready to be served as we depart for our next destination.After lunch, you can join an expert for a talk on board on the region’s history that brings untold stories to life. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising down the Douro before this evening’s Chef’s Dinner, a truly memorable experience featuring exquisite regional specialities, followed by a colourful performance of traditional Portuguese folk music.

Porto - As we continue the last leg of our journey, delve into the detail of the ‘Crossing of the Douro’ this morning with another fascinating lecture – this will help you truly appreciate the historic sites of Porto that we’ll visit later today.  There’s also time to take advantage of the ship's five-star facilities this morning as we cruise towards our final destination. You could work up a sweat in the fitness room, head up to the sun deck to enjoy a coffee whilst chatting with newly made friends or relax and enjoy the scenery as we return to Porto once more, passing under the city’s spectacular bridges.  On our tour of the second largest city in Portugal, we'll pass some of the key historic sites,  including the circular dome of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar – which can be seen from the Douro. While it was built as a monastery, it has been utilised for military use, including during the Siege of Oporto, where it was transformed into an improvised fort and, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was used as military barracks.  We'll also see the site where Soult blew up the Bridge of Bridges - a bridge made up of 20 boats anchored side by side that provided a crossing over the Douro - having destroyed (almost) every other boat on the south bank. We’ll visit the site of the legendary Crossing of the Douro where a brigade of Anglo-Portuguese forces were ferried across to the Seminary in broad daylight, undetected by the French forces for at least an hour. And see the locations of the fierce fighting at the Seminary.You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this truly fascinating city; so perhaps return to the terraced streets of the old town and wander the sloping maze of cobbled alleyways, soaking up the atmosphere whilst stopping to admire the architecture, bell towers, baroque churches, golden rooftops and beautiful tiles of this slice of traditional Portugal. Or you could stop for a drink in a cosy café and be tempted by an array of delicious cakes and pastries. (Top tip: treat yourself to a pastel de nata - the traditional Portuguese custard tart - they're delicious.)This evening, enjoy a final dinner on board expertly served by our restaurant staff under the supervision of the maître d’. Afterwards, perhaps settle into the lounge to chat into the evening and reflect on the splendours of the remarkable Douro River – over a glass of port, of course.

Return home

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Heading down to the Main (middle) Deck you will find the chic restaurant where your comfort is assured in high-backed chairs at impeccably laid tables with pristine linen cloths and fine cutlery. Tables seat just four to eight and in common with all our river cruises, we offer ‘open dining’ arrangements giving our clients the freedom to sit wherever and with whoever they wish. This is a dining experience of the highest order and one to be savoured!

Breakfast is a hot and cold buffet with a fine omelette station so your eggs are just how you like them – an early risers’ breakfast is also available in the lounge. Lunch is another deliciously fine array but if you fancy a simple salad instead then that’s available too or you may opt for a slightly more informal, lighter lunch either in the main lounge or up on the Sun Deck.

The culinary highlight of the day though is the superb four-course dinner, served at your table by the most highly trained, attentive yet discreet waiting staff who will attend to your every need without hesitation. Featuring the finest Portuguese, Mediterranean and International cuisine to delight your taste buds this will be a dining experience to remember as you enjoy a kaleidoscope of river views from the huge panoramic windows. 

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The cabins on the MS Douro Elegance are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste. Chic styling is evident throughout from the moment you open your beautifully polished hardwood door and step inside your luxury home for the next 7 nights; polished wooden furniture is complemented by fine fabrics, in warm, relaxing colours, uniquely designed and created for the Ms Douro Elegance whilst ‘hotel style’ twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, will ensure a good night’s sleep in the finest crisp linens.

The sparkling marble bathrooms, beautifully designed, all feature shower with fully glazed screen, WC plus fluffy towels and bathroom cosmetics. All cabins enjoy the benefit of individually controlled air-conditioning, flat screen high-definition satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities.

Standard cabins on the lower deck are slightly smaller at 12 square metres (129 square feet), have smaller fixed windows and as a unique bonus, Stern Cabins on this deck are available for sole occupancy at no extra cost. Single supplements apply for other cabins and decks, all subject to availability.

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All the outside facing cabins on the MS Douro Elegance are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste and at 14 square metres (151 square feet) these are amongst the largest on any European river cruise. Chic styling is evident throughout from the moment you open your beautifully polished hardwood door and step inside your luxury home for the next 7 nights; polished wooden furniture is complemented by fine fabrics, in warm, relaxing colours, uniquely designed and created for the Ms Douro Elegance whilst ‘hotel style’ twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, will ensure a good night’s sleep in the finest crisp linens.

The sparkling marble bathrooms, beautifully designed, all feature shower with fully glazed screen, WC plus fluffy towels and bathroom cosmetics. The living area has two comfortable chairs and a table plus a small desk. All cabins enjoy the benefit of individually controlled air-conditioning, flat screen high-definition satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, telephone, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Best of all the Standard Cabins on the Upper Deck and Main (middle) Deck have full floor to ceiling windows which slide down halfway so you can watch the stunning river scenery drifting past without leaving the comfort of your cabin!

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.

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If you really fancy treating yourself to a little more indulgence by taking your cruise to another level again, the MS Douro Elegance also boasts two Deluxe Suites on the Upper Deck. These suites are a huge 29 square metres (312 square feet), offering the ultimate in space and comfort during your cruise. Tastefully furnished with the same high quality fittings as the other cabins and suites with tea and coffee making facilities and bathrobes. Most of the additional space is devoted to the living area where you will really notice the difference as you relax in comfort on the sofa or elegant armchair in the most sumptuous of settings.

Plus, a further treat - there is a walk-in wardrobe for that added sense of luxury plus a larger bathroom with twin wash basins. The Deluxe Suites come with a floor-to-ceiling window, plus a second full-length window which opens down halfway to create a cosy Juliet balcony within your suite, complete with a table for two. These really are the epitome of river cruise luxury and you will feel thoroughly spoilt!

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. 

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For something a little special, you may choose to upgrade to one of the Superior Suites; there are 6 available on the Upper Deck. These suites measure a substantial 19 square metres (205 square feet) for your additional comfort so you’ll really feel completely relaxed in your stylish surroundings. There is a generous living area with two armchairs and a table, small desk, tea and coffee making facilities and cosy bathrobes.

The Superior Suites feature the same high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard cabins. Enjoy fantastic views from floor-to-ceiling windows, with one that opens down halfway to create a cosy Juliet balcony within your suite. Enjoy an aperitif at the table for two here and watch the delightful river-world go by.

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.