Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

Lisbon & the Essence of the Douro

Lisbon & the Essence of the Douro, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Embark on a voyage brimming with colorful 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

    Arrival in Lisbon and check-in for three nights at a four-star hotel, followed by a welcome drink and first dinner together with the Tour Manager and group.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Exploring Lisbon

    A guided tour of Lisbon including a ride in a chartered vintage tram from the 1930s and 40s, finishing in Belém to sample authentic egg tarts, with the rest of the day free.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lisbon

    The colorful palaces of Sintra

    A train journey to Sintra, a former royal summer retreat, with free time to explore Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the gardens of Monserrate Palace, before returning to Lisbon by train.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ship

    To Porto, where we join our cruise ship

    A rail journey to Porto, boarding the cruise ship on the Douro River, followed by a welcome dinner and a panoramic evening coach tour of Porto including São Bento railway station.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship

    A day in Porto and Régua

    A guided tour of Porto's winding streets and a wine cellar visit to sample port wine, then rejoining the ship for lunch and cruising the Douro to Régua.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    The beauty of Mateus Palace and Gardens

    A coach excursion to the 18th-century Mateus Palace and its gardens, then the historic town of Vila Real, before returning to the ship and cruising to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border, with an onboard flamenco performance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Into Spain to the golden city of Salamanca

    A coach journey into Spain to Salamanca, the oldest center of learning in the Hispanic world, with a guided city tour including the House of Shells and Plaza Mayor, and free time to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    Uncovering the renowned port wine route

    A cruise downstream to Ferradosa, then an excursion along the port wine route to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, with a tasting at a local quinta, rejoining the ship in Pinhão for a folklore dancing performance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9

    Traveling home

    Arrival back in Porto, disembarking the ship and beginning independent travel home.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our 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
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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