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Douro, Porto & Salamanca – A River Cruise for the Soul

A 7-night river cruise through Portugal’s golden Douro Valley

Day 1 – Porto
Your adventure begins in Porto, where you board your five-star ship and settle into your boutique floating hotel. A warm welcome from the crew sets the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2 – Pinhão
Sail through terraced vineyards and sunlit valleys to Pinhão. This afternoon, visit a historic quinta to learn the secrets of port wine production — and enjoy a tasting, of course. Overnight in Pinhão.

Day 3 – Castelo Rodrigo
A leisurely morning on board before visiting the medieval walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, once a stop on the Camino de Santiago. Wander cobbled lanes and soak in sweeping views across the ochre hillsides.

Day 4 – Salamanca
Cross into Spain for a guided tour of golden Salamanca, home to Europe’s oldest university and twin cathedrals. Over lunch, savour Spanish tapas with a lively flamenco performance before exploring more of this beautiful city.

Day 5 – Mateus Palace or Douro Museum
Sail into the heart of the Douro Valley. This afternoon choose between the splendid Mateus Palace, with its mirrored gardens and baroque interiors, or the Douro Museum in Régua, which tells the story of the valley’s rich winemaking traditions. This evening, enjoy a special dinner and wine at the historic Quinta da Pacheca.

Day 6 – Lamego
Discover Lamego, with its hilltop Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and intricate tiled stairway. Return to the ship for an afternoon of relaxed sailing, ending with a colourful performance of traditional Portuguese folk music on board.

Day 7 – Porto
Arrive back in Porto beneath its famous bridges. Choose between a panoramic coach tour of the city’s highlights or an active walking tour through the Ribeira district, São Bento station, and across the Luís I Bridge. In the afternoon, visit one of Porto’s renowned wine cellars for a guided tasting. Tonight, gather for the Chef’s Dinner — a celebratory final feast.

Day 8 – Return Home
After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Porto, taking with you memories of vineyards, villages, and the timeless Douro River.

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