Home again in Javea, but with many happy memories of a wonderful cruise on the Douro River. We travelled to Porto by coach, via Avila, with a return via Segovia; the first few days were rather wet and cold but glorious weather returned for us to enjoy the wonderful scenery as we sailed along the winding Douro River, with several interesting sightseeing stops along the route – with many thanks to our fellow travellers for making it all such fun! Angela & Tony.
“Iberian River Cruise – Valley of the Douro from Portugal to Spain” 22nd– 29th April 2019
Ship information
4 anchors class – Cabins: 71 cabins – 142 passengers
Facilities: lounge-bar with a dance floor – bar – dining room – large
sundeck with deckchairs – gift shop – lift – central heating – 220V
electricity – air-conditioning – wifi.
DAY 1 MONDAY 22ND APRIL: PORTO
17.00 hrs, board the MS Infante Don Henrique. After settling in your cabin, there will be a welcome cocktail served in the lounge and presentation of the crew. Dinner on board. Included evening excursion by coach: A tour of Porto by night.
DAY 2 TUESDAY 23RD APRIL: PORTO
Breakfast.
Included excursion: Guided tour of Porto.
One of the oldest cities in Europe; its historic centre is classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with an unspoilt old quarter of winding narrow streets, arcaded houses and lovely churches. But Porto is best known as the home of Port wine. Wine properties extend as far as the eye can see along the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Lunch on board followed by a free afternoon.
Dinner on board and an evening of Fado entertainment (traditional folk music).
DAY 3 WEDNESDAY 24TH APRIL: PORTO – REGUA
Breakfast.
Included excursion: A guided tour of Guimaraes.
Guimarães is an exceptionally preserved and historically significant city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), often referred to as the birth place of Portugal.
Lunch on board. The afternoon will be spent cruising.
Dinner on board followed by dancing or a stroll through Regua by night on your own.
DAY 4 THURSDAY 25TH APRIL: REGUA – VEGA DE TERRON
Breakfast.
Included excursion: Guided tour of Vila Real.
A town in which the religious architecture is very varied; also take a walk in the beautiful gardens of the Mateus Palace, noted as the wine label picture. During this time, the ship will sail to Pinhao where we will join it for lunch.
The afternoon will be spent cruising into the heart of the vineyards of the Douro, past magnificent hillsides covered in trellised vines planted in terraces up to 700m and plunging majestically down towards the river. We will go through the locks in Valeira and Ocinho to reach Barca d’Alva during the evening.
Dinner followed by an evening of Flamenco entertainment on board. Suggestion: wear something red/yellow!
DAY 5 FRIDAY 27TH APRIL: BARCA D’ALVA – SALAMANCA (SPAIN) Breakfast.
Included excursion to Salamanca. (122.5 km)
Awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, this town of dazzling beauty houses some extraordinary Romanesque, Arab and Christian architectural treasures. Lunch in Salamanca before returning to the ship late afternoon.
Dinner and an evening’s entertainment on board.
DAY 6 SATURDAY 28TH APRIL: BARCA D’ALVA – FERRADOSA – PINHAO
Breakfast.
The morning will be spent cruising.
Lunch.
Afternoon Excursion: Discover the Porto wines, including tasting.
Gala dinner on board.
DAY 7 SUNDAY 29TH APRIL: PINHAO – PORTO
Breakfast.
Included excursion: Departure from Pinhao by coach for a guide tour of Lamego. You will discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios sanctuary and the cathedral.
Lunch on board. The afternoon will be spent cruising, passing through several large locks before arrival in Porto.
Dinner followed by an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
DAY 8 MONDAY 30TH APRIL: PORTO
Enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking at 09.00 hrs.
What is included
The cruise will include all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day. Drinks during lunch and dinner and coffee afterwards and drinks from the bar. Excursions as detailed in the programme.
Not included:
Premium drinks or from the special wine list; drinks ordered during excursions; cancellation and baggage insurance – travel insurance – personal expenses.
Dress code:
Informal during the day with comfortable shoes for walking. Smart/casual in the evening (there are no formal nights on this cruise).
SHIP’S TELEPHONE NUMBER: 00351 969522651
Portugal is 1 hour behind Spain.
Angela (655350007) Tony (636900402)
Spanish Culture & Cuisine
