Douro River Valley
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ABTA & ATOL protected holidays
Low risk-free deposit
Flexible change options
Free 3 day booking hold
Committed to your wellbeing
Under Porto’s famous orange roofs lies a city so unexpectedly fascinating that most visitors want to make it their second home. Nestled in one of the Douro River’s beautiful valleys, the city’s cosy streets hide a wealth of experiences that delight the senses. And you’ll get to see the city in true style on this river tour. Wind your way past stunning vineyards and quaint villages from Porto to Salamanca. On your way, you’ll experience the very best of Spanish and Portuegese landscapes, cuisine and, of course, wine. See the historic Guimarães, the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo and Salamanca’s famous university. The Douro River is an unmissable adventure ready to surprise and enchant you.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Porto (Embark)
Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro.
DAY 2 Porto, Entre-os-Rios
Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose between two distinctively Portuguese ways to explore Porto.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 3 Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Pinhão
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum.
DAY 4 Pinhão, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón
Head ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. Later, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.
DAY 5 Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva
Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.
DAY 6 Barca d’Alva, Régua
Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish.
DAY 7 Régua (Guimarães), Porto
Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. Or opt for a leisurely walking tour through Ribeira’s quaint cobbled streets.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 8 Porto (Disembark)
If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Porto Airport for your flight home.
About this trip
2 countries: Portugal & Spain
Departure Months
April to November
What's included
7 NIGHTS
Accommodation
PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE
All meals onboard, including Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners. Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
S.S. São Gabriel is the newest ship on the Douro river. Designed to embody the beautiful Douro River Valley region, this ship will offer more lavishly appointed suites than the Queen Isabel and bring the destination to life through its décor and delectable food and wine.
As you follow the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards.
Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them.
The Bressenden difference
DINING
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
EXCURSIONS
6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Do as the Locals Do” program
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
ACCOMMODATIONS
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic S.S. São Gabriel
Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites with hotel-style beds, draped in fine linens with a choice of pillows
Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
EXPERIENCES
Multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
All transfers on arrival and departure days
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Captivating onboard local entertainment
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Booking ABTA & ATOL protected.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
An 11-day version of this itinerary, featuring additional excursions in Lisbon and Coimbr is available. Contact us for more details.
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