Highlights of the Douro

Fly from London to Porto and embark on the MS Infante Don Henrique for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and an introduction to the crew; and take a tour of vibrant Porto by night.
(D)

This morning is at leisure in Porto. In the afternoon travel to UNESCO listed Guimarães. This atmospheric ancient town was the birthplace of the first king, Alfonso Henriques. Almost a thousand years later, its fortress still stands as an icon, outlined on the nation’s coat-of-arms. A walking tour includes Nossa Senhora de Oliveira church, a place of worship since the 10th century, much restored and enlarged since its origins; and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, the 15th-century ancestral home of the powerful family. Join us for a Jules Verne pre-dinner drinks party. Enjoy an evening of folk entertainment on board.
(B, L, D)

Straddling the Douro and the centuries, Porto is the country’s second- largest city, where Baroque churches and merchant houses seem to sit on each other’s shoulders on riverbank hills. A morning tour of its historic heart visits the grand Palácio de Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace); the 14th- century church of São Francisco, an emblem of the city, known as the ‘golden church’; and one of the port wine cellars for which Porto is famed. Soak-up the scenery this afternoon as the vessel navigates the Crestuna Dam and the 35metre-high lift of the Carrapatelo, the highest in Europe, enroute to Régua.
(B, L, D)

This morning, leave by coach for Mateus Palace, an extraordinary baroque mansion built in the 18th century. Take a stroll through the magnificent gardens that surround the palace. Then head to Vila Real for some free time. Built in the first half of the 18th century, this palace is considered one of the finest examples of baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Return to Régua for a visit to the Douro Museum to learn about the passionate history and winemaking heritage in the region. This afternoon, cruise toward Vega de Terron, on the Portuguese/Spanish border, and enjoy Flamenco entertainment aboard this evening.
(B, L, D)

Travel by road into Spain to visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca, where a tour of the medieval old town includes the 16th- 17th century Gothic ‘New Cathedral’, and the majestic buildings of Escuelas Mayores, the oldest university in the Hispanic world. After lunch in a local restaurant (drinks not included), take time at leisure in the city to explore the area around the magnificent Plaza Mayor, or perhaps find the quirky Casa de las Conchas (‘house of shells’). Return to the cruiser for its overnight mooring in Barca d’Alva. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. (B, L, D)

Relax aboard this morning as we cruise downstream, through the Pocinho Dam, toward Pinhão. In the afternoon, a scenic tour of the port wine route takes you to small towns and villages in the Rio Torto valley and includes a wine tasting at a Quinta. Enjoy a Gala Dinner aboard this evening. Overnight in Pinhão.
(B, L, D)

Tour to ancient Lamego, where a 12th century castle crowns one of its two hills, the Episcopal Palace is now the town’s museum, frescoes and Flemish tapestries adorn the Gothic cathedral, and all is overseen by the church of Our Lady of the Remedies, atop an astonishing baroque staircase, 686 steps high and embellished with blue and white tiles. Sail to Porto for overnight. Enjoy a farewell Jules Verne drinks party aboard, and an evening of Fado entertainment. (B, L, D)

Disembark for the return flight or to extend your stay.
(B)