Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid Cruise

Fly from the UK to Lisbon, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Stay: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city’s iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a welcome dinner.

Stay: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Stay: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Stay: Seven Nights, MS Estrela

Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration, or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.

Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Regua. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.g option.

On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.

After enjoying the experience your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhao.

Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. This evening you’ll be treated to the captain’s farewell dinner.

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Returning to the ship, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. Travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please.

Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor

Today you’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor

Maybe you’d like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Of course, if you’re more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.

Choose how you want to spend your time in Madrid today.

Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor

It’s time to say goodbye to Spain as you are transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight to the UK.