Magical Douro Cruise
Magical Douro Cruise
Magical Douro Cruise
8 Days Starting in Porto and ending in Regua
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 30
Physical rating:
Easy
Trip Styles:
From:
$1417 (USD)Tour Overview
About This Trip
Experience the magnificent 09-day river cruise on the Douro River. The Douro Valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the most beautiful canyons in the world containing gorgeous, terraced vineyards that can only be truly admired from the river. From the comfort of your river cruise, enjoy magnificent views of rocky landscapes and a region of fine wine production. Start your cruise with the UNESCO world heritage town of Porto, the birthplace of Port Wine. Next visit the sleepy town of Pinhao, situated at the scenic confluence of Douro and Pinhao Rivers, it is known for its terraced vineyards. You'll have the chance to explore Vila Real, a city rich in heritage and tradition. Sail to the quaint little villages of Barca D Alva and Pocinho on the northern Spanish border where you will have an opportunity to visit the 16th Century Castelo Rodrigo, one of the historical parishes of Portugal. A short excursion takes you to the pilgrimage town of Lamego, visit its impressive Cathedral and ‘stairway to heaven”. Sail back to Porto alongside the serene landscapes to end the trip.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Porto Embarkation (-/-/D)
Upon arrival at Porto airport, transfer to the pier on own. Check in begins at 17:00hrs. This evening, enjoy welcome reception with the captain and crew.
Overnight on board
Day 2: Porto - Caldas De Aregos (B/L/D)
Spend the morning on board the cruise enjoying on board entertainment facilities. Perhaps you can join us for a guided tour of Porto, one of the oldest European centres, it is also known as the birthplace of port wine. It is a charming riverside community with a historic centre that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire beautiful bridges, baroque cathedrals, and romantic architecture that lines its narrow, cobblestone streets.
Overnight on board
Optional Excursion: Guided Tour of Porto - Price is Part of Excursion package
A unique opportunity to admire the city of Porto, you will love the old, preserved districts of this city of immense character, classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Porto is not only a city rich in vestiges from a glorious past, but also the young-spirited, warm capital city of a region marked by its winemaking as well as its closeness to the ocean. During the tour, visit one of the wine cellar for a wine tasting session and get a chance to taste the most popular wines of Porto. Return to the ship in the evening to board, enjoy your evening meals on board as your ship sails towards Caldas De Aregos.
Day 3: Caldas De Aregos - Pinhao (B/L/D)
Your journey continues to Pinhao, a quaint little town surrounded by terraced hillside that produce some of the best port wines, it is located on a particularly lovely bend of Duoro. The sleepy little town holds little of interest except for its delightful railway station which is beautifully decorated with hand painted tiles. Perhaps enjoy a city tour of Pinhao or choose to take an excursion to Vila Real and the most beautiful Palace of Mateaus.
Optional Excursion: Guided Tour of Pinhao - Price is Part of Excursion package
Enjoy a guided tour of the sleepy town of Pinhao, a town synonymous with great Port wines and magnificent Table wines. Surrounded by the terraced hillside, located at the confluence of Pinhao and Duoro river, wineries and their competing signs dominate the scene. Although the town offers little of architectural or historical interest, it has a delightful train station adorned with blue and white tiles, along with several large, very well-preserved hand painted panels portraying historic scenes of the surrounding area, thus giving visitors a good idea of how the Douro looked before the dams were built and the river was made navigable.
Optional Excursion: Vila Real and Mateus Palace - Only Bookable onboard
Leave from Pinhão for Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 17th centuries. The architecture of the religious buildings is here extremely varied. Take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo. Then set out to explore Mateus Palace, the most beautiful and astonishing manor in all Northern Portugal. The subtle mixture of granite, white walls and extravagance from the Age of Enlightenment such as ledges covered in statues and Baroque style pilasters is a striking feature. Behind the manor is a delightful garden with box hedges, more statues, and a spectacular 115-foot cedar tunnel. After our tour, return to our ship in Regua or Pinhão.
Day 4: Pinhao - Barca De Alva (B/L/D)
This morning sail to towards Barca D Alva, quaint Portuguese river port near the Spanish border. This tranquil town is shadowed by mountains and surrounded by miles of gorgeous countryside filled with vineyards and orchards. Known for being one of the most typical localities in Portugal, it is a region of unique landscapes and is dominated by scores of Almond trees, which when blossom, gives a typical white and pink hue to the village. This tiny port is your gateway to the Quinta do Seixo, a historic port wine–making facility typical of the Douro region.
Optional Excursion: Excursion to Castelo Rodrigo - Price is Part of Excursion package
Explore one of the historical parishes of Portugal, with an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo, a small, fortified village perched high on a hilltop. Initially founded in 13th Century, it was renovated in 16th Century. Enjoy walking through the narrow and steep medieval streets. Among the sights is the Chafariz dos Pretos in the market square, a one-of-a-kind fountain decorated with striking black faces. In the olden days, it also stood on the route taken by the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. Legend has it that none other than St. Francis of Assisi spent the night here on his pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James.
Day 5: Barca De Alva- Pocinho (B/L/D)
Absorb the scenic surroundings of Barca D Alva or just enjoy the onboard entertainment facilities. Perhaps you can take a same day excursion to the Spanish University town of Salamanca or take a walk through the village to explore its hidden charms. Early evening sail towards Pocinho, a quaint little village in North of Portugal. Perhaps you can chose to take a walk through the beautiful valley, visit Coa Valley Museum or see the impressive site of Pocinho Dam.
Overnight on board
Optional Excursion: Guided tour of Salamanca (lunch included) – Bookable only on board
Departure by coach towards Salamanca where you'll meet up with your guides. Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. We'll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic to Baroque, including Renaissance. Afterwards, we'll visit one of the world's oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. You'll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron.
Day 6: Pocinho - Regua (B/L/D)
Experience the on-board entertainment and recreation facilities or just admire the beautiful coastline of Duoro, as you sail to Regua, a town of ornamental carvings and tiled walls. It is the regions largest riverside town which grew into a major port-wine production region which thrives since the 18th century. It is also the place where world's first ever demarcated region for wine production was set up. A base to explore the scenic vineyards, the town itself gives you many vantage points for jaw dropping views of Duoro Valley. Relax on board the ship, perhaps you can take an excursion to tour to the city of Lamego.
Optional Excursion: Excursion tour to the city of Lamego -Price is Part of Excursion package
Enjoy a late afternoon excursion to Lamego, a charming episcopal and commercial town where you'll get to discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary. This 18th century church stands out with its white façade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulejos. The first stone was laid on February 14th, 1750 and gave way to the construction of a massive temple overlooking the city and providing a breathtaking view over the misty mountains of the surrounding landscape. Return on board in Regua.
Day 7: Regua - Porto (B/L/D)
Your magical journey along the river Duoro continues with your return towards Porto. Enjoy the breathtaking views along the river and get lost in these beautiful valleys, green areas, and extensive vineyards. Arrive late in the afternoon at Porto. Perhaps you can go out to explore the city of Porto on own or can remain onboard to enjoy the onboard facilities.
Overnight on board
Optional Excursion: Excursion tour to Guimarães – Bookable only on board
Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Cradle of the Nation of Portugal Guimarães. Begin the tour of this university town on foot to discover its historical treasures. Get the chance to discover the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Church (outdoors), the most important religious building in the city. The medieval heart of Guimarães is a labyrinth of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century buildings. Continue on to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza with striking architecture. The palace is closed on May 1 and Easter Day. At the end of our visit, return on board in Porto.
Day 8: Porto - Usa/Canada (B/-/-)
After you have enjoyed breakfast on board, you will disembark the river cruise in Porto at 9:00am. You will then make your own way to the airport for your flight back home.
What's Included
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07 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis at listed Superior vessel
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Full board meal plan while on board cruise
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Coffee/tea after lunch and dinner
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Welcome and farewell reception by the captain
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On board entertainment
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Guided tour in Pinhao and visit to a traditional Quinta
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Services of an experienced and multilingual Cruise Manager and local tour guides
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Complimentary use of Swimming Pool
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Luggage service between pier and cabin during embarkation and disembarkation
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All port and passenger taxes
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities
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Arrival and departure transfers
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Visa fees if applicable
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Items not mentioned as being included
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Thursday
May 02, 2024 - May 09, 2024Thursday - Thursday
May 23, 2024 - May 30, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 14, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.