Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. (D),
Join a guided tour of Porto's historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see the Cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafés; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue-and-white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You'll also enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal's most renowned contribution to the world of wine. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D),
Entre-os-Rios translates to "between the rivers", and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional "home-cooked" meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Entre-Os-Rios is a small town located at the confluence of the Duoro and Tamega Rivers. Enjoy magnificent views of vineyards and fruit trees, and utter relaxation while strolling through this charming town.
Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus rose wine and spend some time exploring the palace's magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D),
Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.
Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus rose wine and spend some time exploring the palace's magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D),
Mateus is a charming portuguese village, which owes its fame to the nobility of the region. Visitors may visit the Mateus palace and view the baroque architecture, valuable paintings, and small private museum. There are also beautiful gardens for visitors to admire and enjoy. Mateus is also known for its wine industry and produces a variety of wines showcasing the Mateus palace on the face of the unique bottle.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies" on a city tour or climb the 686-step "Holy Staircase", beautifully decorated with white-and-blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Peso da Régua is a town in the north of Portugal, on the River Douro. It has a population of about 10,000 and is in the heart of Portugal's port wine-producing region.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies" on a city tour or climb the 686-step "Holy Staircase", beautifully decorated with white-and-blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Overlooked by one of Portugal's most important shrines, Lamego is an ancient episcopal city lying within the Upper Douro's demarcated Port wine area. Located in a fertile valley, it is a delightful Baroque town with a central square laid out as a public garden surrounded by elegant 17th-century buildings. Its most significant role in the country's history was as the site where, in 1143, the cortes met for the very first time to declare Afonso Henriques as Portugal's first king.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies" on a city tour or climb the 686-step "Holy Staircase", beautifully decorated with white-and-blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D),
Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.
Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station's main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, which depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you'll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta da Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you'll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. (B,L,D),
Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.
Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station's main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, which depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you'll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta da Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you'll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. (B,L,D),
Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d'Alva. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the "White Village" because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century façades and Manueline style windows. Preferring a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread, and wine. (B,L,D),
Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking area. Although a sleepy town for most of the year, Pinhão bursts into life in autumn during the annual grape harvest, attracting pickers from all over the country. Popular for its peaceful riverside location and surrounding scenery, Pinhão is a mecca for lovers of fine wine. Built on the site of an 18th century wine estate, the four-star Vintage House Hotel operates regular tastings and courses covering a wide range of aspects, such as the main types, how the wine is made and buying and storing. The railway line passes within view of some of the most famous Port vineyards. Croft’s Quinta da Roeda, Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos and Cockburn’s Tua are all within sight of the train. Further along are two of the grandest of vineyard estates: Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas and the Symingtons’ Quinta do Vesúvio, both of which have their own private railway stations.
Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d'Alva. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the "White Village" because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century façades and Manueline style windows. Preferring a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread, and wine. (B,L,D),
This tiny village, only a few hundred feet from the Spanish border, sits on the banks of the Douro River. The Douro River Valley is famous for its vineyards and port wine grapes. Also see almond, olive and cherry orchards lining the valley.
Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d'Alva. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the "White Village" because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century façades and Manueline style windows. Preferring a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread, and wine. (B,L,D),
Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón. (B); DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.,
Tours of the wine country along the Douro River often include stops at this peaceful town on the way to Salamanca, Spain.
Itinerary subject to change without notice. Please confirm itinerary at time of booking.