Great Rail Journeys
Premium Golden Douro
8 daysfrom $4,673
Vacations By Rail · River cruise
Discover the Douro
An enchanting river cruise along the Douro, this voyage reveals fascinating Portuguese ports and destinations, including the historic city of Porto, Mateus Palace and Lamego.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Ship (Porto)
To Porto, where our ship awaits boarding
Arrive in Porto and transfer independently to the waterfront to board the ship. Welcome drink, first dinner on board, then a panoramic evening coach tour of Porto including the São Bento railway station.
- Day 2overnight: Ship (Régua)
Discovering Porto & Régua
Guided tour of Porto's streets, azulejo-tiled townhouses, churches and the iron bridge, plus a wine cellar visit to sample port wine. Rejoin the ship for lunch and cruise to Régua. Dinner and entertainment on board.
- Day 3overnight: Ship (Vega de Terrón)
Visiting Mateus Palace and Gardens
Disembark and travel by coach to the 18th-century Mateus Palace, its grand halls, chapel and 16th-century winery. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Evening flamenco performance with dinner.
- Day 4overnight: Ship
The Golden City of Salamanca
Coach excursion into Spain to Salamanca (founded 1218). Guided city tour of the House of Shells, Plaza Mayor and other landmarks, plus lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon before returning to the ship for dinner.
- Day 5overnight: Ship (Pinhão)
The renowned Porto wine route
Cruise downstream to Ferradosa, then an excursion along the Porto wine route to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, including a tasting at a local quinta. Rejoin the ship in Pinhão for dinner with fado-themed entertainment.
- Day 6overnight: Ship
Baroque splendor in Lamego
Morning guided tour of Lamego and its Baroque cathedral, famed for the 700 decorated steps leading to its doors. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon sailing back towards Porto.
- Day 7overnight: Ship
Exploring Porto and Guimarães
Free morning in Porto (optional Gaia Cable Car, payable locally). After lunch on board, a guided tour of medieval Guimarães, known for its 10th-century buildings and castle gardens. Farewell dinner with traditional folk entertainment.
- Day 8
Traveling home
Breakfast on board, say goodbye to the crew, disembark and begin the journey home.
Included
- Escorted throughout by a Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes, operated by Croisi Europe
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- All coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise, including a gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Superb excursions included
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
- Flights and airport transfers
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