Authentic Europe
Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal
Guided small-group tour from Lisbon to Seville with a National Geographic escort
15 daysfrom $4,979
20% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Tour & Cruise
Lisbon & the Douro Valley Cruise
Uncover the timeless beauty and traditions of Portugal on this enchanting holiday featuring Lisbon and Sintra and a seven-night cruise through the acclaimed Douro Valley.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Lisbon
Arrival in Portugal's capital, Lisbon
Depart from London Gatwick, meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Fly to Lisbon, arriving this afternoon. Coach transfer to four-star hotel. Check in, relax or explore the area near the hotel. First dinner together in the hotel's restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Lisbon
Exploring Lisbon
Guided tour of Portugal's capital city, uncovering the colours of Lisbon, its streets, squares and boulevards. Finish in the waterfront district of Belem, sampling Belem pastries. Evening free to explore at own pace, wander cobblestone streets, experience Fado music, or visit Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for panoramic views.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3overnight: Lisbon
The grand palaces of Sintra
Coach to Sintra, a former royal summer retreat filled with palaces. Leisure time to discover Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace gardens. Return to Lisbon by coach for drinks and dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: MS Gil Eanes (Porto)
To Porto, where we join our cruise ship
Rail journey through the Portuguese countryside to Porto. Coach transfer to the waterfront to board the MS Gil Eanes. Settle into cabin, explore the ship. Welcome drink and first three-course dinner on board. Panoramic evening coach tour of Porto including São Bento railway station with its magnificent azulejos.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: MS Gil Eanes (Porto)
Guided tour of Porto and port wine tasting
Guided tour of Porto's winding streets, azulejo-adorned townhouses, ornate churches and iconic iron bridge. Visit a wine cellar to sample port wine. Lunch on board, then free time to explore independently, try the Gaia Cable Car or relax in a city square. Evening drinks, three-course dinner and traditional folk entertainment on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: 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 to explore at leisure before returning to Porto. Rejoin ship for lunch, then begin cruise along the Douro to Régua. Drinks and three-course dinner followed by evening entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Gil Eanes (Vega de Terrón)
The delights of Mateus Palace and Gardens
Coach to Mateus Palace, an 18th-century Italianate masterpiece with grand halls, preserved rooms, chapel and winery. Return to ship for lunch, then afternoon cruise through astounding scenery to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Three-course dinner with drinks followed by an onboard flamenco performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: MS Gil Eanes (Vega de Terrón/Salamanca area)
The golden city of Salamanca
Coach into Spain to Salamanca in the Castille y León region. Optional guided city tour (House of Shells, Plaza Mayor) or discovery tour with tapas tasting. Free afternoon to explore architecture or the Central Market. Return to ship for drinks and three-course dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: MS Gil Eanes (Pinhão)
The renowned Porto wine route
Cruise back downstream to Ferradosa. Relax in the ship's lounge or on the sun deck. After lunch, excursion along the Porto wine route to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, visiting a local quinta for port wine tasting. Rejoin ship in Pinhão. Dinner followed by Fado-themed entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10overnight: 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 relaxing afternoon and evening sailing back to Porto. Three-course farewell dinner and traditional Fado performance on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11
Homeward bound
Disembark in Porto. Coach transfer to Porto airport for the flight home, arriving at London Gatwick this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 3 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation in Lisbon
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes operated by Croisi Europe
- Excellent service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Flights from London Gatwick to Lisbon and Porto to London Gatwick
- 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners on Lisbon tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
- 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)
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