DOURO RIVER CRUISE
The “River of Gold” cuts a dramatic path through northern Portugal as it sweeps through a landscape of steeply-sided valleys and terraced vineyards before finally spilling into the Atlantic near the historic town of Oporto. The Douro Valley is a region of expansive country estates, for this is wine-growing terrain par excellence: port, vinho verde and Dão all have their roots in the local soil.
Casting off in Oporto, the capital of port wine, our eight-day voyage along the Douro will take us eastwards across the Spanish border as far as Vega de Terrón, the ideal base for exploring the ages-old university town of Salamanca.
Oporto itself is magnificently situated on the great gorge of the Douro, its Ribeira quarter a warren of narrow streets lined with arcaded markets, churches and museums. The town’s stock exchange, with its superb Moorish hall, is a fine example of Victorian eclecticism whilst the sumptuous Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara is adorned with exceptional 17th century woodwork.
Honey-coloured Salamanca, perched high above the River Tormes, has passed through the conquering hands of Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. Regarded as one of Europe’s most handsome Renaissance cities, Salamanca is famous for its ancient university, its galleried 18th century Plaza Mayor and its twin cathedrals.
Our cruise embraces a series of lesser known delights, including Pinhão, strikingly situated at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão Rivers, and the mediaeval hill-top town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Baroque mansions and churches grace the pilgrimage centre of Lamego, where one of Portugal’s most majestic shrines, Our Lady of the Cures, is acclaimed for its monumental stairway.
The lofty vineyards and dry-stone terraces of the Alto Douro are one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites that grace our itinerary, alongside the cities of Oporto and Salamanca. The grapes for port, the world’s most distinctive fortified wine, have been grown here for nearly two millennia. We will enjoy a privileged wine tasting at the Quinta do Seixo, where Sandeman’s vintage ports are a particular speciality, and dine overlooking the Douro at the exquisite Vintage House Hotel, a former 18th century wine estate.
MS Douro Prince
The host for our private cruise along the Douro will be the 187-ft long Douro Prince. Elegant and intimate, the Douro Prince boasts a panoramic dining room – where we will savour an evening of traditional Portuguese music – together with a relaxing sundeck and comfortable bar and lounge.
Constructed in 2002 and accommodating a maximum of 48 passengers, the Douro Prince is equipped with 24 stylishly decorated, outside-facing cabins and one suite, all with private facilities and individually controlled air-conditioning. Cabins on the main deck benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows and a small balcony; cabins on the upper deck are slightly more spacious and have a large picture window.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Gatwick 1620 on TAP Portugal, arriving Oporto 1840. Embark Douro Prince for seven nights. Overnight at Oporto.
Day 2Cruise up river through spectacular scenery of Douro Valley via Crestuma Lever dam and Carrapatelo dam (Europe’s deepest navigable lock) to Régua (heart of port region) for excursion to Lamego (pilgrimage town): Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (sanctuary, Baroque staircase), museum (16th century Flemish tapestries, Vasco paintings), 12th century cathedral. Continue to riverside town of Pinhão for overnight. Evening: dinner at Quinta Avessada.
Day 3Quinta do Seixo (wine estate with 100 hectares of vineyards, modern winery, stunning views of Douro, wine tasting) then afternoon cruise through rolling hills and terraced vineyards to Vega de Terrón (Spain) for overnight.
Day 4Excursion to Salamanca (UNESCO World Heritage site): Plaza Major, walking tour: Casa de las Conchas (Gothic building dating from 1493), Salamanca University (including 16th century Patio de las Escuelas), New Cathedral (16th-18th century). Overnight at Barca d’Alva.
Day 5Morning excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo (mediaeval hill-top town) then cruise down river through Pocinho lock to Pinhão for overnight. Evening: dinner on board with traditional Portuguese music.
Day 6Excursion to Solar Mateus (Baroque manor house and gardens) then cruise to Bitetos for overnight. Dinner at 14th century Alpendurada Monastery (breathtaking views of river).
Day 7Cruise to Oporto (UNESCO World Heritage site): cathedral (Romanesque choir), Sandeman Port Wine Lodge (founded in 1780), Palacio de Bolsa (neo-Moorish stock exchange). Overnight at Oporto.
Day 8Disembark Douro Prince and transfer to Oporto airport for 1055 departure, arriving Gatwick 1305.
Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded cabin, full board (except lunch on day 4), shore excursions & admissions, crew gratuities.
Not included: £75 per person, supplement for suite: £275 per person. Single use cabin supplement on request.
