Great Rail Journeys
Premium Golden Douro
8 daysfrom $4,673
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Discover the Douro
The magnificent Douro is Iberia's most famous waterway, cruise with us through golden valleys alongside enchanting towns and wine estates.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: MS Gil Eanes, Porto
To Porto where we board our cruise ship
Depart from London Gatwick and fly to Porto. On arrival, a coach transfers to the waterfront where the MS Gil Eanes awaits. After settling in, enjoy a welcome drink and first three-course dinner on board, followed by a panoramic evening coach tour of Porto including São Bento railway station with its magnificent azulejos.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: MS Gil Eanes, Porto
Guided tour of Porto and port wine tasting
Morning guided tour of Porto's winding streets, azulejo-adorned townhouses, ornate churches and iconic iron bridge. Visit a wine cellar to sample port wine. Afternoon free time to explore independently. Evening drinks, three-course dinner and traditional folk entertainment on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: MS Gil Eanes, Régua
Exploring historic Guimarães
Visit the medieval city of Guimarães on a guided tour of its historic Old Town, Gothic fortifications, cobbled squares and traditional timber-framed houses. Free time before returning to Porto. Rejoin the ship for lunch and begin cruising along the Douro to Régua. Evening drinks and three-course dinner with entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: MS Gil Eanes, Vega de Terrón
The delights of Mateus Palace and Gardens
Coach excursion to Mateus Palace, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece with Italianate exterior, adorned interiors and lush gardens. Explore grand halls, the chapel and winery dating to the 16th century. Return to ship for lunch, then cruise through astounding scenery to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Evening three-course dinner with drinks and onboard flamenco performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: MS Gil Eanes, Vega de Terrón
The golden city of Salamanca
Coach journey into Spain to Salamanca in the Castille y León region. Optional guided city tour showcasing the House of Shells, Plaza Mayor and magnificent buildings, or a discovery tour with tapas tasting. Free afternoon to explore at leisure. Return to ship for evening drinks and three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Gil Eanes, Pinhão
The renowned Porto wine route
Cruise back downstream to Ferradosa. After lunch on board, excursion along the Porto wine route to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, and a visit to a local quinta for port wine tasting. Rejoin the ship in Pinhão. Dinner followed by Fado-themed entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Gil Eanes, Porto
Baroque splendour in Lamego
Morning guided tour of Lamego, renowned for its stunning Baroque cathedral with 700 decorated steps. Return to ship for lunch, then a relaxing afternoon and evening of sailing back to Porto. Three-course farewell dinner and traditional Fado performance on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8
Homeward bound
Disembark the ship in Porto. Coach transfer to Porto airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team throughout
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes operated by Croisi Europe
- Excellent service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Porto
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
- Spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- A superb choice of excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Vacations By Railfrom $2,695
