Arrive in Porto and we transfer you to the port for embarkation. Explore the vessel and settle into your cabin, your home for the next eight days, before meeting the crew and fellow travelers. Your Evening is at leisure as your ship overnights in port tonight.Â
After breakfast on board, we set off on a panoramic tour of Porto. We begin by crossing the iconic D. LuÃs I Bridge, a striking symbol of the city known for its remarkable architecture. Our first stop is the Porto Cathedral, a magnificent Romanesque structure dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. From there, we descend into the heart of the old town, where narrow, winding streets are lined with colorful, picturesque houses. Experience the authentic atmosphere of Porto as we visit the São Bento train station, home to stunning azulejos, traditional Portuguese tiles, depicting key moments from the country’s rich history. The tour continues past the Clérigos Tower, which once stood as the tallest building in Europe during the 18th century. We return to the ship in time for lunch.
With a mid-day departure from Porto, the ship sets sail for Regua. You will want to find a place on the upper deck to enjoy the scenery as we sail the mighty Douro for Regua, the largest of the riverside towns. We are scheduled to arrive in Regua later this evening where the ship docks for an overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the ship sets sail to Pochinho in the early morning. We arrive in Pochinho for a brief operational stop before continuing our journey to Vega Terron.
Upon arrival, we head into the breathtaking countryside to visit hilltop Castelo Rodrigo, a tiny medieval fortress town that time seems to have forgotten. The town is named for its castle, which has been listed as a National Monument since 1922. On the 12-mile drive, we pass pine-wood forests, rolling hills and almond trees as we ascend to 2,200 feet above sea level. During your tour of Castelo Rodrigo, one of Portugal’s 12 historic parishes, you will stroll among the 16th-century houses, admiring their distinct Portuguese Manueline style windows. Explore the historic Sinagoga Street, a memento to the Jewish community established here by refugees escaping the Spanish Inquisition. We return to the ship in time for dinner. The ship overnights in Port.
After a hearty breakfast on board, prepare to cross the border into Spain for an unforgettable excursion to Salamanca, affectionately known as La Dorada, or The Golden City, for the warm glow of its historic sandstone buildings. As Spain’s oldest university town, Salamanca is a vibrant blend of intellectual, religious, and artistic traditions. Founded by a Celtic tribe long before the Roman era, the city was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for its remarkably preserved architecture. Begin your exploration in the heart of the city at the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s most beautiful squares, framed by ornate baroque façades. From there, stroll to the local market, where you may choose to browse and purchase regional tapas-style delicacies offered by welcoming vendors.
Your cultural journey continues with a visit to the University of Salamanca, founded in the 13th century and one of the oldest in Europe. Conclude your tour at the New Cathedral, an awe-inspiring blend of Gothic and baroque styles, its golden stone glowing in the Iberian sun. After some leisure time soaking in the ambiance, enjoy a scenic drive back through rolling countryside to rejoin your ship.
Dinner is served on board as the vessel sets sail toward Pochinho, where it will overnight in port.
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on board as the ship cruises through the stunning Douro Valley en route to Pinhão. Enjoy a tranquil morning of scenic cruising, soaking in the beauty of terraced hillsides and riverside villages before arriving midday.
Upon arrival, embark on a memorable visit to the Casa dos Viscondes da Várzea, an elegant estate nestled in the heart of wine country. Savor a delicious, farm-fresh lunch alongside local farmers, where regional dishes and ingredients take center stage. Dine outdoors, surrounded by sweeping views of the vineyard-covered hills.
Continue your immersion into the world of viticulture with a guided exploration of the estate’s vineyards. Learn firsthand from passionate winemakers about the traditions, techniques, and care behind every bottle of their wine. This intimate experience offers a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Afterward, return to the ship & prepare for a relaxing dinner on board.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard as the ship departs Pinhao mid-morning. Take in the natural beauty along the mighty Douro as our morning of Scenic Cruising brings us to Regua. With a Mid-Day Arrival, we set out for our included tour of Mateus Palace, a true gem and one of the outstanding examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. This magnificent former family home, built in the first half of the 18th century, awaits you with its fascinating secrets and timeless beauty.
On arrival, you will be greeted by the majestic façade of the palace, which already offers a foretaste of the splendor and luxury inside. Enter the sumptuous rooms, decorated with original furniture and ornately carved ceilings, and be enchanted by the elegance of times gone by.
The palace library holds a treasure trove of knowledge and history, including one of the first illustrated editions of "Os Lusiadas", Portugal's most important epic poem. Browse through the pages and let yourself be seduced by the stories and legends hidden in this impressive room.
Stroll through the manicured garden of the Mateus Palace, a true paradise of splendor and beauty. Marvel at the artistically designed statues, stroll along the hedges and through the cypress tunnel and admire the reflecting ponds that enchant the scenery with their gentle glow. Here you can enjoy the peace and harmony of nature to the full and let yourself be carried away into a world of elegance and sophistication. Return to the ship in time to relax and prepare for dinner onboard. The Ship overnights in Port.Â
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board and settle in for another morning of scenic cruising as we depart Regua and sail to Entre-os-Rios. The Ship makes a brief mid-day stop in Entre-os-Rios where we will set out for our included tour to Guimaraes, the proud birthplace of Portugal, which has a fascinating history and a rich cultural heritage. Here, in this historic city, the heart of the early Portuguese kingdom beat, and its narrow streets and old buildings tell of times past and great events.
The impressive Ducal Palace rises majestically above the city and is a symbol of the royal splendor of days gone by. As the seat of the first king of Portugal, this palace is more than just a building - it is a testament to the royal power and cultural wealth of medieval Portugal.
During your visit to Guimarães, you have the unique opportunity to explore this well-preserved city, which is proud to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the beauty of the historic buildings, which impress with their ornate details and antique elegance.
Let Guimarães whisk you away to another time, when knights and kings ruled Portugal, and experience the magic and enchantment of this historic pearl. You will rejoin the ship in Porto and enjoy one final night onboard. The Ship overnights in Port.Â
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard, then bid farewell to the crew of Porto Mirante as you disembark the ship and begin your journey to Lisbon. Our first stop will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and UNESCO Creative City of Literature: the walled city of Obidos. We continue our journey stopping for lunch in Nazare. After lunch, we continue our journey to Lisbon, arriving at your 4 Star hotel in time to check in. You have the evening free to explore on your own.Â
After breakfast, set out on a Monumental Tour of Lisbon, where history, charm, and contemporary flair blend seamlessly. Stroll through the city’s winding cobblestone lanes, admire the colorful Moorish facades, and take in the energy of trendy, repurposed warehouses that now house galleries, cafes, and boutiques.
Highlights of your morning include visits to the Monument of the Discoveries, the iconic Tower of Belém, and the magnificent Jerónimos Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each stop reveals Lisbon’s deep maritime roots and rich architectural heritage. As the tour concludes, you’ll understand why Lisbon is celebrated as one of Europe’s coolest capitals.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to explore more of the city, relax in a scenic square, or savor local cuisine at your own pace, the choice is yours!
After Breakfast, we depart for a full day tour through the picturesque landscapes of Queluz and Casais. Our first stop will be to the Queluz National Palace and Garden. Explore this masterpiece of 18th-century Portuguese Architecture and discover the opulence of the royal quarters and the romantic charm of the palace gardens.
Next, we begin our journey to Cascais. Weather permitting, we will make a photo stop at Praia do Guincho before arriving in Cascais. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on an orientation walking tour of Cascais. Afterwards, you will have free time to enjoy Lunch on your own and to explore this beautiful city.Â
Enjoy a final Breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Bid your new friends adeus as you transfer to the airport for your journey home with wonderful memories of your Douro Discoverer River Cruise and your time in Lisbon!
Note: While we make every effort to offer you the excursions mentioned in the itinerary, please note that changes may occur with little or without notice that are outside of our control, and we thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.
