Travel Dates
Departing 16th Oct 2024
Cruise Line: APT Luxury Travel
Ship: Ms Estrela
Duration: 9 Nights
Cabin: Oceanview
Ports: Madrid to Porto
Madrid, 16 Oct 2024 to Porto, 24 Oct 2024
Your Ship: MS Estrela
We are delighted to be launching the MS Estrela, a brand-new purpose designed Douro River ship setting sail in 2024.
Experience life on board your brand-new river ship, the MS Estrela. Custom-built to cruise along the majestic Douro River, the MS Estrela has been designed to reflect the beauty of the region, with ample natural light and a distinctly Southern European ambience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Madrid
Once you've arrived in Madrid, you'll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor
Day 2: Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Embark Ship
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 (B/L/D)
Day 3: Vega de Terron, Barca d’Alva
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. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Pinhao, Regua
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. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Regua
Enjoy a full day in Regua where you'll have a choice of sightseeing before a special Signature Experience. (B/L/D)
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.
Signature Experiences:
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.
Day 6: Entre-os-Rios
Enjoy a relaxing sailing morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option. (B/L/D)
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.
Day 7: Entre-os-Rios, Porto
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. (B/L/D)
Signature Experiences:
Tonight you'll head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Day 8: Porto
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. (B/L/D)
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.
Day 9: Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
Be transferred to the airport. (B)
During your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to explore charming riverside towns, visit historic vineyards, and sample some of the finest wines produced in the region. Indulge in delicious cuisine featuring local flavors and specialties, expertly prepared by our onboard chefs.
As you sail through the stunning landscapes of the Douro Valley, you'll be treated to panoramic views of terraced vineyards, rolling hillsides, and quaint villages nestled along the riverbanks. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, our Douro river cruise deal offers the perfect blend of experiences for travelers of all interests.
Don't miss this chance to discover the beauty and charm of the Douro Valley in style. Book your cruise today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of Europe's most captivating regions.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Portugal's picturesque Douro Valley with our exclusive cruise deal. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the region as you glide along the tranquil waters of the Douro River. Enjoy luxurious accommodations aboard a modern river cruise ship equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and memorable voyage.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.