Cruise From: Porto to Vega Terrón
Visit Porto, the “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its rambling vineyards and charming quintas. Before exploring some of Spain’s great cities, you will get to taste wine from these vineyards and learn about the timeless traditions of Portuguese wine making. Visit Salamanca, Toledo, and Madrid, a cosmopolitan city with a world-class museum, stately gardens, and lively tapas bars.
Day One-Two | Welcome to Porto, Portugal
Porto is the perfect place to embark on your cruise. Meet your fellow passengers on board this evening. A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed historic quarter of Porto will give you a better understanding of the city. Among the city’s many monuments is the Cathedral, the main square, ringed with shops and cafes, and the So Bento Railway Station with its blue and white tile panels depicting historical scenes. A port tasting will also be included, Portugal’s most famous contribution to the world of wine. Explore the old harbor quarter on a hike through Porto’s medieval streets and explore the old harbor quarter.
Excursion Options
- “City of Bridges” tour and Port wine tasting
- Porto hike and Port wine tasting
Day Three | Entre-os-Rios
In Portuguese, Entre-os-Rios means “between the rivers,” and this small village, which is situated at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers, is aptly named. Experience a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta for an authentic taste of life along the Douro River.
Day Four | Régua
Visit the 18th-century Palacio Anadia, or Palace of the Counts, known for its beautiful interior and Baroque style. The rooms inside the palace are decorated with intricate blue and white tiles and the vaulted ceiling tells the story of the palace’s history.
Day Five | Régua + Pinhão
A guided hike to the top of the “Holy Staircase,” consisting of 686 steps, will allow you to admire the beautiful white and blue tiles decorating the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego. You will taste local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presumed, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine, no matter which excursion you choose. The day will end with a wine tasting at a local quinta along the scenic Douro.
Excursion Options
- Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting
- Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting
- Local quinta wine tasting
Day Six | Pinhão
Take a leisurely stroll to Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. Its main building is renowned for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, depicting scenes from the Douro region. After lunch, enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience with entertainment at Quinta da Avessada. This family-run quinta embodies warm, spirited hospitality as you will see for yourself. You will be entertained while dining by several members of the family who play in a band. The Quinta de Avessada is also an interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll enjoy learning about all the different stages of wine production and sampling various wines. In the late afternoon, you can explore the town on your own during your free time.
Excursion Options
- Pinhão train station hike
- Quinta de Avessada lunch
- Free evening
Day Seven | Barca d’Alva + Vega de Terrón
The “White Village” of Castelo Rodrigo is known for its almond trees and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and Spain. See the 16th-century facades and Manueline-style windows of its establishments and houses on a walking tour through its medieval streets. There is also the option of hiking to the town if you prefer a more active adventure. Both tours end with a tasting of local favorites, including almonds, cheese, bread, and wine.
