Grand Douro Cruise

Once you have arrived at Porto Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to start exploring Porto, grab a meal or relax after your journey.

This morning, you will meet our guide in the hotel lobby before starting our half-day tour of Porto.

You begin in the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you walk through its characterful streets and learn about the city’s rich maritime past and cultural heritage. As you explore, you pass notable landmarks including the famous Lello Bookshop, whose ornate interior is said to have inspired elements of the Harry Potter series, the gilded Church of St Francis, and the impressive Palácio da Bolsa, recognised for its striking granite façade and Neo-Arabic interiors. Entrance fees are not included.

You continue towards the picturesque Douro riverfront, one of Porto’s most recognisable settings. Here you admire the elegant Dom Luís I Bridge and see the traditional Port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic centre of the Port wine trade that brought worldwide recognition to the city.

Along the way, you stop at a selection of local establishments to sample some of Porto’s best-loved delicacies, offering a true taste of the region.

Our tour concludes with a visit to one of the Port wine cellars, where youenjoy a tasting while learning more about the production process behind this renowned fortified wine.

A transfer then takes us back to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or continue exploring Porto at your own pace.

Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia - Cais da Ribeira. Today, after checking out of the hotel, you transfer privately to Gaia to begin our experience on board our river cruise vessel.

At around 6 pm, you board at the Gaia quay and are welcomed with a cocktail as you settle in. Dinner is served on board this evening, allowing us to relax and enjoy our first night on the river.

Tonight, you will remain docked at Cais da Ribeira.

Cais da Ribeira - Lamego - Pinhao. You set off at 6.30 am in the direction of Regua, continuing our journey through the heart of the Douro Valley. Breakfast is served on board as you take in the magnificent scenery of terraced vineyards and rolling hills that define this celebrated wine region.

During the morning, you attend a culinary presentation led by the chef, offering insight into the flavours and traditions of Portuguese cuisine.

After lunch on board and upon arrival in Regua, you travel to the nearby town of Lamego for a guided visit. Known for its Baroque architecture and long-standing religious heritage, Lamego is one of the Douro region’s most historic centres. During our visit, you enjoy a tasting of local products that showcase the area’s culinary traditions.

At around 5 pm, you continue on to Pinhao, where you have dinner at a local winery, an ideal setting to experience the wines and hospitality of the Douro Valley.

Pinhao - Pocinho - Castelo Rodrigo - Barca d'Alva. You head for Pocinho at around 7 am as our cruise continues along the Douro.

Breakfast and lunch are served on board while you sail through the changing landscapes of the valley, arriving in Pocinho at approximately 2 pm. From here, you visit the historic village of Castelo Rodrigo, known for its medieval streets and sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. During our visit, you taste a selection of local products that reflect the character of this rural region.

At 3 pm, you set sail towards Barca d’Alva, arriving at around 5 pm.

This evening, you enjoy a gala dinner on board with the theme Captain’s Night. The celebration includes the ceremonial opening of a Vintage Port, a long-standing tradition that highlights the importance of this renowned wine in the Douro Valley.

Barca d'Alva - Entro-os-Rio. Early this morning at 6 am, you set sail for Entre-os-Rios as our journey along the Douro continues. Breakfast is served on board while you enjoy the peaceful morning views from the river.

Later in the morning, you attend a presentation about the Douro, offering deeper insight into this remarkable wine region, its history and its cultural significance.

A relaxed lunch is served on board, accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as you cruise.

At 8 pm, you arrive in Entre-os-Rios. This evening, you enjoy a special themed dinner, Portuguese Night, followed by a live folklore music performance celebrating traditional Portuguese culture.

Enro-os-Rio - Vila Nova de Gaia - Porto. Today, you will start travelling back to Vila Nova de Gaia at 7 am as our cruise along the Douro draws to a close.

Breakfast is served on board while you enjoy the final views of the Douro Valley, taking in the terraced vineyards and river scenery one last time.

At around 12 pm, you disembark in Vila Nova de Gaia, and you will then take a transfer to the Porto airport for your onward flight