Douro river cruise: port tasting & palaces

Today, take to the streets of Lisbon in a private tuk-tuk and explore the city’s maze of hills and alleyways with a local guide. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Board a train to Porto, where you'll meet your ship and stay overnight before beginning your European river cruise along the Douro.

Enjoy a walking tour of the ‘City of Bridges’ or take a hike around the old port district. Then, sample the city’s most famous contribution to wine with a port tasting in town.

Your ship sets off along the Douro for a scenic day of cruising. You’ll take a break in Entre-os-Rios, where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal in a local quinta (country house) and appreciate the leisurely pace of life in the countryside.

Further along the river, stop in the small port town of Peso da Régua. From here, you’ll be driven 30 minutes north to spend the day exploring Mateus Palace and Gardens, an 18th-century grand Italianate house with formal gardens ripe for strolling.

Continuing your cruise from Régua, you'll make a visit to the pilgrimage site of Lamego, where you might choose to climb the 686 steps leading to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church. Afterwards, reward yourself with a tasting of Bolas de Lamego (a local stuffed bread) and Espumante, the Portuguese sparkling wine. In the afternoon, stop at a local quinta in Pinhão for a wine tasting session focusing on the Douro Valley’s Vinho do Porto.

From the port of Pinhão you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk to the Pinhão Railway Station, known for its 25 beautifully decorated tile panels. Afterwards, you’ll continue to the family-run Quinta da Avessada for a traditional dining experience, complete with live music performed by your hosts.

Venturing ashore in Barca d’Alva, you’ll head south to Castelo Rodrigo and explore the town often referred to as the 'White Village'. You’ll walk the medieval streets with your guide, who’ll share the town’s history. Then, you’ll enjoy a tasting menu of local treats like almonds, cheese, bread and wine. If you're feeling active, we can arrange for you to hike to the town with a guide.

Today, your cruise will come to an end. After disembarking the ship in Vega de Terron, your private driver will take you to Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university city, where you can enjoy a guided walking tour before relaxing at your hotel for the evening.

Depart Salamanca and head southeast to Madrid, stopping along the way to visit the dramatic walled city of Ávila. On arrival in Madrid, check in to your hotel before enjoying an evening wine and tapas tour in the Chueca and Malasaña areas of the capital.

Explore the highlights of Madrid today on a private walking tour through the city. As well as showing you the key sights, your guide will take you off the beaten track to explore some of the most interesting, lesser-known corners. You'll also get to stop and enjoy some classic churros con chocolate.

Bid farewell to Spain and meet your private driver who'll take you to the airport in time for your international flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.