Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Lisbon & the Essence of the Douro

Lisbon & the Essence of the Douro, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Embark on a voyage brimming with colourful palaces, port wine and remarkable valley views on this five-night Douro cruise featuring Lisbon and Sintra

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Arriving in Lisbon, Portugal's capital

    Holiday begins at London Gatwick where you meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Fly to Lisbon, arriving this afternoon. Coach transfer to four-star hotel. Welcome drink and first dinner together at the on-site restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Exploring Lisbon

    Guided tour of Lisbon including a ride in a specially chartered vintage tram from the 1930s and 40s. Uncover the colours of Lisbon and the history of its streets, squares and boulevards. Finish in the waterfront district of Belém to sample authentic Belém egg tarts. Remainder of the day and evening free to explore at your own pace.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lisbon

    The colourful palaces of Sintra

    Walk to Lisbon's train station and travel by train to Sintra. Time at leisure to discover Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the lush gardens at Monserrate Palace. Return to Lisbon by train this evening for drinks at the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: MS Gil Eanes / MS Amalia Rodrigues (Porto)

    To Porto, where we join our cruise ship

    Rail journey from Lisbon through the Portuguese countryside to Porto. Coach transfer to the waterfront to board the cruise ship. Welcome drink and first three-course dinner on board. Panoramic evening coach tour of Porto including a stop at São Bento railway station to admire its azulejos.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Gil Eanes / MS Amalia Rodrigues (Régua)

    A day in Porto and Régua

    Guided tour of Porto: winding streets, azulejo-adorned townhouses, ornate churches, iconic iron bridge, and a port wine cellar tasting. Rejoin ship for lunch on board and begin cruise along the Douro to Régua. Drinks, three-course dinner and entertainment on board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Gil Eanes / MS Amalia Rodrigues (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. Explore grand halls, preserved rooms, chapel and winery. Visit the historic town of Vila Real before returning to ship for lunch. Afternoon cruise to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Three-course dinner and on-board flamenco performance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Gil Eanes / MS Amalia Rodrigues (Vega de Terrón / en route)

    Into Spain to the golden city of Salamanca

    Coach journey into Spain to Salamanca in the Castille y León region. Guided city tour including the House of Shells, Plaza Mayor and other magnificent buildings. Free afternoon to explore at leisure. Return to ship this evening for drinks and three-course dinner on board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: MS Gil Eanes / MS Amalia Rodrigues (Pinhão)

    Uncovering the renowned Porto wine route

    Cruise back downstream to Ferradosa. Relax in the ship's lounge or on the sun deck. 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 a tasting of the region's finest ports. Rejoin ship in Pinhão. Dinner followed by a folklore dancing performance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9

    Homeward bound

    Disembark the ship in Porto. Coach transfer to Porto airport for the flight home, landing at London Gatwick later today.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team throughout
  • 3 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation in Lisbon
  • 5-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes or MS Amalia Rodrigues operated by Croisi Europe
  • 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
  • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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