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Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon
7-day independent rail trip: Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon
7 daysfrom $1,599
30% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Essence of the Douro
Drift along the golden Douro on a cruise holiday which reveals the culture and scenery of the Iberian Peninsula, from coastal Porto to Salamanca
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Cruise ship (Porto)
To Porto, where we board our cruise ship
Arrive at London Gatwick and meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers. Board the flight to Porto. On arrival, a coach transfers to the waterfront to board the cruise ship. After settling in, enjoy a welcome drink and first three-course dinner on board. Evening panoramic coach tour of Porto including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed preserved areas and São Bento railway station with its magnificent azulejos.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Cruise ship (Régua)
Discovering Porto and Régua
Guided tour of Porto: winding streets, azulejo-adorned townhouses, ornate churches, the iconic iron bridge, and a wine cellar visit to sample port wine. Rejoin the ship for lunch and begin cruising along the Douro to Régua, a town rich in history surrounded by terraced slopes. Drinks, three-course dinner and entertainment on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Cruise ship (Vega de Terrón)
The beauty of Mateus Palace and Gardens
Coach to Mateus Palace, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece with Italianate exterior, adorned interiors and lush gardens. Visit grand halls, preserved rooms, chapel and winery dating to the 16th century. Also visit the historic town of Vila Real before returning to the ship for lunch. Afternoon cruise through astounding scenery to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Three-course dinner and on-board flamenco performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Cruise ship
To the golden city of Salamanca
Coach journey into Spain through the countryside to Salamanca in the Castille y León region. Guided city tour showcasing the House of Shells, Plaza Mayor and other magnificent sandstone university buildings. Free afternoon to explore at leisure or sample Salamanca's culinary offerings in the Central Market. Return to the ship for drinks and three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Cruise ship (Pinhão)
Following the renowned Porto wine route
Cruise back downstream through scenic landscapes to Ferradosa. Relax in the ship's lounge or on the sun deck. After lunch on board, excursion along the Porto wine route to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira in the Rio Torto valley. Visit a local quinta for a tasting of the region's finest ports. Rejoin the ship in Pinhão. Dinner followed by a folklore dancing performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6
Homeward bound
Say goodbye to the crew and disembark the ship in Porto. Coach transfer to Porto airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 3 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- 5-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes or MS Amalia Rodrigues operated by Croisi Europe
- Excellent service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- All coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Porto
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Superb excursions included
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
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