Great Rail Journeys
Discover the Douro
8 daysfrom $3,337
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Premium Golden Douro
Embark on a luxurious Douro cruise along the port wine route aboard a brand-new ship, discovering Lamego, Castelo Rodrigo and Salamanca.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Porto (MS Estrela)
Boarding our luxury ship in Porto
Meeting at London Gatwick, board a direct flight to Portugal and transfer to the brand-new MS Estrela in Porto. Settle into comfortable cabins; the ship was built in 2024 with just 60 cabins. Enjoy the sun deck with seating areas, outdoor pool, bar and putting green. After the first dinner aboard, enjoy a stunning sunset cruise introduction to Porto. The ship stays moored in Porto overnight.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Pinhão area (MS Estrela)
Lamego Cathedral and dinner at a quinta
Setting sail during breakfast, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the winding Douro. Take part in a Portuguese language lesson. Pass the Barragem do Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe at nearly 115 feet. After lunch, arrive in Peso da Régua and transfer to Lamego to visit the Gothic Lamego Cathedral, founded in 1129. This evening, transfer to a quinta near Pinhão for a traditional Portuguese dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Vega de Terrón area (MS Estrela)
Ancient Castelo Rodrigo on the Spanish border
Sail eastwards to the Spanish border, arriving in Vega de Terrón around lunchtime. Coach past olive groves to Castelo Rodrigo, a historic medieval walled town with castle ruins offering spectacular views across to Spain and Portugal. Return to the ship for a churrasco (Portuguese barbecue) on the sun deck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Douro River (MS Estrela)
Discovering Salamanca, Spain's golden city
Venture to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city and Spain's academic capital. Guided tour includes the ornate House of Shells, the grand 18th-century Plaza Mayor and the country's oldest university (founded 1218). Lunch at a local restaurant with a flamenco performance. Return to MS Estrela for a four-course dinner with drinks included.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Peso da Régua (MS Estrela)
Touring ornate Mateus Palace
Begin cruising back downstream through vineyards and rugged cliffs. Optional Portuguese history lesson after breakfast. Afternoon coach transfer to Vila Real to visit the magnificent 18th-century Mateus Palace, one of the most beautiful stately homes in northern Portugal, still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Return to the ship in Peso da Régua for dinner followed by a Portuguese folk music show onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Entre-os-Rios (MS Estrela)
Along the port wine route
After breakfast, transfer to Quinta de São Luiz, one of the region's most prestigious port wine estates, founded in 1638. Explore the Romilã vineyard, visit the Casa do Alambique and the Chapel of Santa Quitéria. Sample port varieties on the terrace with views across the Douro Valley. Cruise through scenery to Entre-os-Rios at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. Free time to relax or stroll before a four-course Captain's Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Porto (MS Estrela)
Return to Porto for a guided tour and port tasting
Sail back to Porto, arriving mid-morning. Choice of excursions: (1) Guided tour of Porto including azulejo-adorned townhouses, ornate churches and the iconic iron bridge, followed by a port wine cellar tasting; or (2) Excursion to Guimarães, the UNESCO World Heritage 'birthplace of Portugal' with well-preserved 10th-century buildings. Free time in the afternoon. Final dinner together onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8
Homeward bound
After breakfast, disembark and say farewell to the crew. Transfer to the airport and fly back to London Gatwick.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Estrela
- Five-star service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Porto (Manchester departures available)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- A superb choice of excursions
- All tips and gratuities throughout the cruise (worth up to £100pp)
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
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