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Douro Delights with Madrid and Lisbon

14 Days

from $11,495 pp

TAKE A FURTHER $2,000 OFF PER COUPLE
SALE ENDS 14 OCTOBER 2024 OR UNTIL SOLD OUT

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Embark on a picturesque river cruise from Madrid to Lisbon, blending cultural immersion with scenic landscapes.

Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid, where you can explore the world-renowned Prado Museum, housing masterpieces from Goya, Velázquez, and other greats. As you meander through the city, don’t miss the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the legendary Real Madrid Football Club. Marvel at the grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic football arenas before continuing your serene voyage toward Portugal.

In Lisbon, experience the rich heritage of King Ferdinand II’s Park, a stunning testament to his artistic vision with its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural wonder. Stroll through the medieval streets and the charming old harbour quarter of Ribeira, where history and modern life intertwine effortlessly. As the sun sets, indulge in an unforgettable Fado performance, the traditional Portuguese music that captures the soulful spirit of the nation. This river cruise promises a perfect fusion of history, art, and culture across two of Europe’s most captivating cities.

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Your Holiday Includes:

River Cruise Inclusions
  • Six nights' land accommodation and seven nights' on river ship MS Estrela

  • Experiences in 10 destinations

  • Freedom of Choice inclusions

  • A total of 29 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages

  • Expert Tour and Cruise Directors

  • Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities

  • Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena near the hilltop town of Sintra

  • Visit Palacio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change.

Prices are for land/cruise only.

Flights not included unless specified.

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Your Itinerary:

DAY

Arrive Madrid

01

Once you’ve arrived in Madrid, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Stay: Three Nights, Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor

Meals included: None

DAY

Madrid

02

Today you’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

Madrid

03

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Maybe you’d like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Of course, if you’re more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.

Choose how you want to spend your time in Madrid today.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY

Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Embark Ship

04

Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.

Stay: Seven Nights, MS Estrela

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

DAY

Vega de Terron, Barca d’Alva

05

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY

Pinhao, Regua

06

Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. Later your ship will sail to Regua.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY

Regua

07

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.

Enjoy a full day in Regua where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing before a special Signature Experience.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY

Entre-os-Rios

08

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

Enjoy a relaxing sailing morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY

Entre-os-Rios, Porto

09

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Tonight you’ll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Arrive in Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY

Porto

10

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.

On your final night on board, your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Meals included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY

Porto, Disembark Ship, Coimbra, Lisbon

11

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.

Stay: Three Nights, Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

Lisbon

12

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city’s iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a farewell dinner.

Meals included:  Breakfast & Dinner

DAY

Lisbon, Sintra

13

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Meals included:  Breakfast

DAY

Depart Lisbon

14

Be transferred to the airport.

Meals included:  Breakfast

Reverse itinerary available

Geography

Highlights:

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