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Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
River View
$18,321
Balcony
$19,702
Suite
$21,682
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
24 Days
 Cruise Starts
Barcelona
 Cruise Finishes
Madrid
24 Day Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Spain, Portugal
Cruise Line
APT
Ship
Departures
Passengers
114
Crew
-
Launched
2024
Cruise Code
EUPDCSP24

Overview

Our most in-depth discovery of Spain and Portugal. Begin in Barcelona by delving into galleries and architecture, with flamenco and tapas thrown in. Cross into Portugal’s chic Algarve coast then Lisbon and Porto before concluding on the Douro River.

Itinerary

Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome reception. Stay Two Nights: Barcelona, Le Méridien

Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. Later, see the towering Sagrada Familia on a guided city tour. This evening, come together to share a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Signature Experience Start the day with a before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Farewell Barcelona as you board your train to Madrid. Upon arrival, art lovers will rejoice with a visit to the Prado Museum. Here, wander among fine works that are based on the former Royal Spanish Collection and feature pieces by Velazquez. Stay Two Nights: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor (B/D)

The icons of Madrid are on show today, with a guided discovery taking you to the Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The evening is free for you to explore. (B)

This morning, head to the narrow streets of Toledo as you take a guided stroll through the city's rich history. Afterwards, continue the journey south to Cordoba. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio Cordoba (B/D)

Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the historic Jewish Quarter on a guided tour this morning. Later, enjoy some free time. (B)

At an olive estate, sample some of Spain's finest produce, before arriving in Granada. Stay Two Nights: Granada, AC Hotel Palacio De Santa Paula (B/D)

Signature Experience - Flamenco Show Tonight, in a local gypsy cave, feel the passion of a flamenco show as you graze on tasty tapas.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Alhambra on a guided tour. Part fortress, part palace, the Alhambra is a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. See the restored Lion Fountain and roam the Nasrid Palace complex. (B)

Travel to Ronda and embark on a guided exploration of this mountaintop village set above a deep gorge. Revel in the beauty of its vistas. Later, arrive in Seville, the Andalusian capital, for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Seville, Gran Melia Colon Seville (B/D)

On an exploration around Seville, see the royal palace of Alcazar, then admire the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower. (B)

Enter Portugal and head to the chic Algarve coast, a region renowned for its dramatic coastline and striking rock formations. Stay Two Nights: Algarve, Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort (B/D)

This morning, discover Ria Formosa National Park on a local boat trip. Then, take the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the facilities at your resort. Relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment. (B/D)

Journey to Lisbon today and enjoy free time on arrival. Stay Three Nights: Sofitel Lisbon Liberade (B)

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city's iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a special dinner. (B/D)

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it's your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner. (B)

Travel through Portugal's countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country's oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto. Stay Seven Nights: MS Estrela (B/D)

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.

Freedom of Choice - Porto Exploration Explore Porto's 16th-century Old Town and take a scenic cable car ride, savouring panoramic views of the city below. Then, indulge in a tasting of the city's famous port wines. Sample the rich flavours of the region.

Freedom of Choice - Cooking Demonstration Porto is famous for its delectable cuisine, and you can discover its culinary heart with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration.

Freedom of Choice - Walking Tour of Porto Set off on foot for an active walking tour of Porto through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Stroll through cobbled streets and discover neighbourhoods of colourful 18th-century houses and quaint eateries. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Palácio da Bolsa Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Guimarães Tour Explore the historic city of Guimarães, where the medieval settlement is on show during a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Freedom of Choice - Winery Tour and Tasting Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Vinho Verde wine region since the 1870s. Explore the gardens and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese. Test

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Régua. Once you've arrived, you'll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in Lamego county, the prestigious property features 75 hectares of vineyards, dating back to the 16th century.

After enjoying the experience of your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhão. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Lamego Tour Set among hills adorned with vineyards in the Alto Douro region, Lamego is a charming town. On a guided tour, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego.

Freedom of Choice - Visit Palacio de Mateus Embark on 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 being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine.

Visit the Pinhão 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. This evening, you'll be treated to a captain's farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you'll stop to visit the castle ruins. Returning to the ship, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. 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 your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please. Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor (B/L)

Be transferred to the airport. (B)

Life Onboard MS Estrela

APT Estrela
APT Estrela

Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Estrela in 2024 – APT's brand-new river ship that redefines Douro river cruising. Read more

All-inclusive. All taken care of.
All-inclusive. All taken care of.

From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more

Freedom of Choice
Freedom of Choice

Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
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No hesitation recommending this tour 3 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2015
Fabulous tour, beautiful cruise and fantastic scenery. The only criticism is the coach used in Spain was not as comfortable as other coaches we have been on. The itinerary was good although we could have easily skipped our diversion to Faro for lunch and spend more time in Lisbon or Porto which would be a little more relaxing with less time travelling. ...read more The cruise was the highlight and APT do it so well. We have no hesitation recommending this tour.

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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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