Discover the Douro

Today is the start of our amazing holiday. We gather at the airport, ready to embark on an adventure to the charming city of Porto, city famous for the explorers who set out from here to discover the New World.

Upon arrival, we're escorted by coach to our excellent ship. After settling into our comfortable cabins, we're greeted by our wonderful crew with a welcome cocktail. Later, we sit down to our first delicious meal on board, followed by a panoramic evening coach tour of the city of Porto by night. From our comfortable seats, we see the lovely old, preserved areas of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hopping off the coach for a brief stop at the Sao Bento railway station, we admire its magnificent azulejos, before heading back to our luxurious ship for a restful nights sleep.

• Dinner

This morning, we explore Porto further on a guided coach tour. From the 14th-century Church of St Francis overlooking the Douro, we enter the Bolsa Palace - also known as the Stock Exchange Palace. This UNESCO-listed neoclassical landmark boasts some amazing interiors, which we see on a tour, including the magnificent staircase and lavishly decorated Arab Room.

Our next visit is to an azulejo workshop to gain an insight into these ornate frescoes and discover more about this age-old artform. With Moorish influences, these striking blue-and-white tiles often depict flowers, animals or historic scenes.

We rejoin our ship for lunch on board and then later this afternoon, begin our cruise along the Douro River, enjoying its fabulous landscapes enroute to the town of Régua, a picturesque town that is rich in history and culture and surrounded by terraced slopes. After dinner this evening, we enjoy entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we gain an insight into the region's wine-making heritage at the Douro Museum before continuing by coach to the magnificent Mateus Palace.

One of the most beautiful houses in northern Portugal, this 18th-century masterpiece is a delight, with beautifully adorned interiors and lush gardens. Showcasing late-Baroque architecture with rococo flourishes, the exteriors are topped with flamboyant spires. Our tour takes us through the grand halls and rooms of the palace before time at leisure to explore the property's chapel. Returning to our ship, we cruise in the afternoon through blissful scenery to Vega de Terron on the border with Spain. This evening, after dinner, we enjoy Flamenco entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we venture into beautiful Spain and make our way through enchanting countryside to the golden city of Salamanca, in the Castille y Léon region. Known as the academic capital of Spain, this ancient city boasts an impressive array of sandstone university buildings and - founded in 1218 - is the oldest and most prestigious centre of learning in the country. Our guided tour showcases the highlights of Salamanca, including the ornate House of Shells, the vibrant Plaza Mayor, and other magnificent buildings. Afterwards, you have time to wander at leisure and discover the city's hidden gems before enjoying a traditional Spanish lunch.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we begin our cruise back downstream through scenic landscapes to Pinhão. Today's excursion features a journey along the Port wine route, admiring gorgeous scenery of golden valleys and gleaming vineyards.

Continuing to Pinhão, we stop at a local quinta where we indulge in some of the region's finest Ports. After viewing the blue azulejo frescoes at Pinhão's historic station, we rejoin our ship and enjoy a gala dinner on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we journey to the picturesque village of Lamego. We enjoy a guided tour of this charming town, renowned for its stunning cathedral. Standing at the heart of the village, this is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture. But the real highlight of this masterpiece is the 700 steps leading up to its doors, beautifully decorated with cheerful white and blue tiles. This afternoon we continue our cruise back to Porto where tonight, we enjoy an evening of Fado-themed entertainment.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we enjoy time at leisure in Porto before lunch on board. This afternoon, we visit the charming medieval city of Guimarães, known for its well-preserved 10th-century buildings, vibrant squares, and picturesque castle gardens. We return to Porto and rejoin our ship before our 4-course farewell dinner and traditional folk entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks the final day of our adventure on the Douro. We disembark and transfer to the airport. On our return flight to the UK enjoy memories of Lisbon's vibrant hues, Sintra's enchanting palaces, and explorations of Porto and Regua where we savoured port wine. Mateus Palace impressed before venturing to Spain's Salamanca. Our luxurious cruise ended with Pinhao, Lamego's steps, and Guimarães' medieval charm, leaving us with a holiday experience we will treasure for a long time.

• Breakfast