Your itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Porto
Arrive in Porto and board your five-star ship in the late afternoon. If you arrive earlier, enjoy time to explore from a central location before settling into your cabin and getting acquainted with the ship and crew.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Pinhão
Morning sailing along the Douro as terraced vineyards come into view. Arrive in Pinhão and visit a historic quinta to learn about wine production and enjoy a tasting. Moor overnight in Pinhão.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Castelo Rodrigo
Leisurely breakfast and a pastel de nata demonstration and tasting on board while cruising toward the Spanish border. Afternoon visit to the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, associated with St. Francis, with wide views; sample almonds, cheese, chorizo, cherry and almond liqueurs and Portuguese wines. See a vintage port opened with traditional port tongs.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4
Salamanca
Cross into Spain to explore Salamanca’s cathedrals, historic university and Plaza Mayor, and browse the nearby market for Iberian ham and local produce. Enjoy an included tapas lunch, then return to Portugal for an on-board dinner of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Meals: Lunch,Dinner
Day 5
Mateus Palace Gardens
Sail upstream through the Douro’s scenic valleys to Peso da Régua, then visit the Mateus Palace to tour its Baroque interiors and French-style gardens. In the evening, dine at Quinta da Pacheca with wine tasting. Moor overnight in Régua.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6
Lamego
Drive to Lamego to see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies; optionally climb the 686-step Baroque staircase for views. Sample traditional bôla and local produce and taste Raposeira sparkling wine. Lunch on board, time to relax while cruising, Chef’s Dinner this evening followed by traditional Portuguese folk music.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 7
Porto
Arrive in Porto for a guided city tour. After lunch on board, tour a renowned port producer with tastings and snacks, then enjoy free time to explore the old town. Final dinner on board in the evening.
Meals: Lunch,Dinner
Day 8
Return home
Enjoy a final breakfast on board, disembark in Porto, and, time permitting, explore independently before your onward journey home.
Meals: Breakfast