Douro Discovery with APT Travelmarvel

After enjoying the included airport lounge access, fly to Porto and, on arrival, transfer to Vila Nova de Gaia to embark your river ship, the new for 2024 MS Estrela. Settle in to your stateroom before meeting 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.

Stay: MS Estrela

Today you begin your cruise 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. Disembark your ship in Regua and visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an important Portuguese place of pilgrimage. While in Lamego, why not try one of the town's famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a smoked ham roll. Afterwards, travel by coach to Pinhao.

Stay: MS Estrela

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 a number of 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.

Stay: MS Estrela

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' - a captivating flamenco show, with lunch - 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 barbecue dinner.

Stay: MS Estrela

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a Portuguese cooking demonstration on board as your ship cruises to Regua. On arrival, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple. After your Insider Experience, board a coach and 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 for yourself the connection between this beautiful 18th Century palace and Mateus Rose wine.

Stay: MS Estrela

This morning, enjoy free time to explore Regua. You may like to wander along the riverfront, or venture into the lovely Old Town. Afterwards continue on 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.

Stay: MS Estrela

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.

Stay: MS Estrela

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

Stay: MS Estrela