Porto & Douro River Cruise on S.S. São Gabriel

After included airport lounge access to begin your trip in style, you'll board your flight to Portugal and arrive in Porto. On arrival, you'll be transferred to the port to board the new-for-2021 S.S. São Gabriel. Board and unpack in your lavishly-appointed, river-view suite – enjoying butler service throughout – alongside a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, spa and gym. Tonight, sample the first of your included meals with a delectable food and wine-paired menu inspired by the region. 

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

After breakfast, you've got the chance to explore the city proper. Choose from an in-depth Porto city tour – highlights include stops at the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, Clérigos Tower and hilltop cathedral – or a local-inspired walking tour. The latter will see you walk over the Ponte Dom Luis for panoramic views before hopping on Porto’s famed tram to the Clérigos quarter, Sao Bento Station and Cathedral Sé. Back on board, after time to relax on the pool deck or at the spa, head to the restaurant and lounge bar for a reception and dinner to be officially welcomed by the Captain.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. After breakfast, head to the Douro Museum for a unique tour where you'll learn about the region’s geology and winemaking history, with several rabelos – boats that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto – on display. End the tour with a sample of some regional Douro wine before you travel along the winding, terraced-framed streets for lunch at a local quinta with spectacular panoramic views.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Sail to Pinhão through the pristine, UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley today before you head ashore for a choice of excursions. Perhaps taste excellent local port as you look over the valley with a tour of the prestigious local port wine estate Quinta do Seixo, or alternatively, head out on a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. The Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley is also well worth a visit, home to prehistoric and 17th-century carvings which you'll learn about at the Côa Museum before heading into the valley with a 4WD Jeep tour and hike.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Today's excursion visits the historic university town of Salamanca, by road. Best known for its sandstone buildings, myriad churches and Spain's oldest university, we'd highly recommend a walking tour of the 'Golden City', pausing at two cathedrals and the baroque gems of Plaza Mayor before heading to Salamanca’s food hall for a sample of chorizo, cheese, olive oil and ham for the perfect tapas lunch. 

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

It's back to Portugal today and the medieval gems of Barca d’Alva and Régua. Begin with a drive through the wonderfully scenic countryside, past lavender fields and almond groves, before a tour of the hilltop, medieval castle Castelo Rodrigo. Take in the panoramic views from its ancient stone walls before winding through the tiny cobbled streets of the below village for a stop at a local teahouse for local delicacies like honey, almonds, olive oil and cheese.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

Sail back to Porto today and the historic town of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. A city tour affords you the chance to explore in depth, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, beautifully-preserved Old Town to the 14th-century gothic Padrão do Salado. Guimarães also has the youngest population of any city in Europe, so expect buzzing cafés and shops that line the streets, perfect for a leisurely lunch. Alternatively, opt for a walking tour of nearby Ribeira, where quaint cobbled streets, pastel-coloured townhouses and buzzing eateries look over the neoclassical gem of Palácio da Bolsa. As it's your final night on board, perhaps head for a sundowner on the deck with new-found friends before your final Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

Stay: S.S. São Gabriel

After breakfast, disembark before your transfer to Porto airport for your flight back to the UK.