13 Day Douro River Cruise with Madrid & Lisbon Barca D'Alva to Afurada, Douro Cruiser
Dates & Prices
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Brochure Land & Air Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, May 03, 2025 | Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Thursday, Jun 12, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
Saturday, Sep 27, 2025 | Thursday, Oct 09, 2025 | Get Quote | |||
Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 | Thursday, Oct 30, 2025 | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
The sequence of the port of calls and shore excursions may be changed by the local port authorities. DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Spain DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Madrid DAY 3, Monday - Tour of Madrid DAY 4, Tuesday - Salamanca, Barca d' Alva, Cruise Embarkation DAY 5, Wednesday - Castelo Rodrigo DAY 6, Thursday - Pinhão DAY 7, Friday - Sail to Regua, Douro Museum DAY 8, Saturday - Lamego, Regua DAY 9, Sunday - Sail to Porto/Afurada & City Tour of Porto DAY 10, Monday - Explore Amarante DAY 11, Tuesday - Disembarkation, Obidos en route to Lisbon DAY 12, Wednesday - Lisbon City Tour DAY 13, Thursday - Depart Portugal
Depart for Spain
Arrive in Madrid, Spain's energetic capital, and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage in the hotel and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Madrid
The discovery of Madrid begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. View the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe's second largest. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum. Stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments, and museums on your own or, join the optional tour to Toledo. Take a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece, and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe
Optional: Toledo Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, depart Madrid and begin a scenic drive to Barca d' Alva, Portugal. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Salamanca. Your walking tour will lead you through the streets of its historic center a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the 12th century old cathedral, the Salina, and Monterrey Palace. Spend free time for lunch on your own. Arrive at the port for embarkation in the afternoon. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner, as it sets the mood for your lovely Douro river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning disembark, and drive to the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by imposing walls. Stroll along the steep narrow cobblestone alleys and learn about its fascinating history. This afternoon, sail towards Pinhão
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your scenic cruise, admiring the region's beautiful landscapes of terraced vineyards and lush valleys. This afternoon, stop in Pinhão, where passengers may depart for the optional Mateus Palace and dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Embark on a tour of Mateus Palace, located in the city of Vila Real. Explore the beautiful Baroque palace with its elaborate carved ceilings and stroll through the manicured gardens. Afterward, savor dinner at Quinta da Avessada. Rejoin the ship later in the evening in Pinhão where it remains overnight
Optional: Mateus Palace and dinner at Quinta da Avessada (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, continue cruising along the Douro River towards Regua. This historic town in the heart of Portugal's most famous wine region, has been the center of port wine industry for centuries. After lunch, disembark and visit the Douro Museum, housed in a restored former wine warehouse, learn about the winemaking industry of the area. Stroll through the exhibits providing information on the history of the Douro region, including the geography, climate and people. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or participate in the optional tour to a renowned wine estate. Visit the vineyard, and learn about Porto and red wine production, aging, and bottling. The ship docks overnight in Regua
Optional: Half Day Winery Tour & Tasting (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Lamego, nestled amidst the lush vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region. The town is known for its stunning Baroque staircase leading to the iconic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Stroll around the town's historic center, characterized by its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and visit the Gothic Lamego Cathedral. Spend time at leisure before returning to the ship. The afternoon is free to relax on board. The ship docks overnight in Regua
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning at leisure, taking in the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy the views of Porto as the ship enters the city. Disembark for a city tour of Porto. Take a panoramic drive through the city center to Clerigos Tower, next to the former Jewish Quarter. Then, embark on a walking tour where you will view Porto Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, the Stock Exchange, and the medieval São Francisco Church. The tour ends at Ribeira Quarter with free time to shop for souvenirs. Afterward head back to the ship
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a scenic drive to the medieval town of Amarante. On arrival, take a tour of the historic town center. Admire the stunning high arched São Goncalo Bridge spanning the Tamega River, and visit the São Goncalo Church, known for its intricate Baroque architecture, and ornate azulejo tiles. Free time to explore on your own before heading back. In the afternoon, choose the optional Medieval city of Guimarães. Explore the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its wealth of architectural treasures. Walk by the Guimarães Castle where Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was born. View and learn about the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. End the tour at the historical main square Oliveira and enjoy some free time before returning to the ship
Optional: Medieval City of Guimarães (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, disembark the ship, and begin your scenic drive towards Lisbon. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Obidos, encircled by fortified walls, for lunch on your own. Spend free time to explore the town with its many Gothic, and Renaissance churches. Marvel at the Church of Santa Maria, with its beautiful Manueline architecture and stunning azulejo tiles. Later, continue the drive to Lisbon. Arrive, and check into the hotel. Tonight is free to discover Lisbon's vibrant nightlife
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
Begin the tour of Lisbon with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to admire panoramic views over the hills of Lisbon, and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, attend the optional Fado Dinner. While dining, listen to the popular performances of local songs accompanied by guitar playing Portuguese melodies. Savor dinner with wine before a brief drive through the illuminated city
Optional: Fado Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
River Cruise Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
River Cruise Features & Amenities
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a River Cruise Ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates Not Included: Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. While sailing with MS Douro Cruiser, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: . Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of our chartered ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
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Hotel Princesa Plaza
This first class hotel is located in Madrid's Argüelles district.
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Lisbon.
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