Great Rail Journeys
Discover the Douro
8 daysfrom $3,337
Vacations By Rail · River Cruise
Premium Golden Douro
Embark on a luxurious Douro cruise aboard a brand-new ship, admiring one of Europe's oldest wine regions and experiencing Portuguese culture
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Porto (aboard ship)
Boarding our luxury ship in Porto
Land in Porto and transfer independently to the ship. Settle into cabins aboard the MS Estrela (built 2024, 60 cabins), then enjoy a sunset cruise introduction to Porto after dinner. Ship stays moored in Porto overnight.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Pinhão area (aboard ship)
Lamego Cathedral and dinner at a quinta
Cruise the Douro past the Barragem do Carrapatelo (Europe's deepest lock). Arrive in Peso da Régua, transfer to Lamego to visit Lamego Cathedral (founded 1129), then dinner at a traditional quinta near Pinhão.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Vega de Terrón (aboard ship)
Ancient Castelo Rodrigo on the Spanish border
Cruise to Vega de Terrón, then coach excursion to the historic walled town of Castelo Rodrigo. Evening barbecue (churrasco) on the sun deck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Vega de Terrón area (aboard ship)
Discovering Salamanca, Spain's golden city
Excursion to Salamanca, guided tour of its UNESCO World Heritage center, lunch with a flamenco performance, then return to the ship for a four-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Peso da Régua (aboard ship)
Touring ornate Mateus Palace
Cruise back downstream through vineyard-lined banks. Coach transfer to Vila Real to visit Mateus Palace, then return to the ship in Peso da Régua for dinner and a Portuguese folk music show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Entre-os-Rios (aboard ship)
Along the port wine route
Visit the Quinta de São Luiz port wine estate (founded 1638) for a tour and tastings. Cruise to Entre-os-Rios at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers, then a four-course Captain's Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Porto (aboard ship)
Return to Porto for a guided tour and port tasting
Sail back to Porto. Choice of a guided Porto walking tour plus port wine cellar tasting, or an excursion to Guimarães. Final dinner together onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8
Homeward bound
Disembark after breakfast and transfer independently to Porto airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Estrela
- Five-Star service onboard from our English-speaking crew
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
- A superb choice of excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Flights and Airport transfers not included
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Great Rail Journeysfrom $4,673
