Tour highlights: Porto, Freixo de Espada a Cintra, Mateus Palace & Vineyard!
Treasures of the Douro Cruise - By Air to Porto
9 Days - Tue 1st June 2027
Cabin Type Price (per person) Single Supplements (In a 2-person occupancy room)
Ruby Deck £3,899 +£1.400
A region rich in port wine heritage awaits you on the Douro. Breathtaking vineyards line the banks as you cruise along one of northern Portugal’s most significant rivers and we explore the valley’s rich history. Towns like Regua and Pinhao captivate with museums showcasing the Douro Valley’s evolution and stunning natural scenery. The journey concludes in Porto, a city where there’s always something new to discover. On your diverse journey through Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, you will uncover a quaint fishing village with colorful houses, a baroque palace with beautiful gardens, the traditional art of handcrafted silk and local wine culture with a curated lunch atop surrounding vineyard. There is musical entertainment every night and a High Tea on one afternoon. We are travelling to Porto by air but a Barnes employee will be with you throughout the holiday.
Tuesday We travel to Gatwick and fly to Porto when we are transferred to our 4-star hotel for 1 night.
Wednesday Free time before we board our cruise.
Thursday We have a city tour of Porto before departing at 1200 and cruising up the Douro to Folgosa, where we spend the night, with great scenery all the way.
Friday We depart before breakfast and make a stop in Pocinho, a small village on the banks of the Douro with famous views. We continue to Vega Terro where we dock for 24 hours on the Spanish border.
Saturday An excursion to the famous town of Freixo de Espada a Cintra with history that predates Portugal. On our return the boat sails on to Pocinho where we spend the night.
Sunday The boat leaves early and we arrive at Pinhao by midday. Pinhao is in the heart of the wine region, and we visit Casa Dos Viscondes da Várzea to explore the wine culture. We also spend the night in Pinhao so you can explore the famous village including the train station covered with artistic tile paintings.
Monday We sail to Regua, an idyllic town surrounded by majestic vineyards and known for its delicious port wine and rich history. We have an excursion to Mateus Palace, one of the most lavish manor houses in Europe and you will recognise the house from Mateu’s wine bottles! It was built in the 18th century and is a fine example of Baroque architecture.
Tuesday We sail from Regua and make a brief stop in Entre-os-Rios before continuing to Porto. In the evening, we have an evening walk around the magic fisherman village of Afurda, close to Porto, and enjoy Sardines, before returning for our last night on the boat.
Wednesday Following a leisurely breakfast we leave our cruise. We fly back to Gatwick where we are met and transferred back to our local area.
Five excursions included, Full board on boat with all-inclusive drinks!
Ship: Porto Mirante
Specially adapted to the special features of the Douro and its locks and made its maiden voyage in 2024. It offers space for up to 120 guests in 60 cabins. On board, guests have access to two restaurants and a fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, the newest Douro ship in the fleet has a panoramic lounge with bar and a skylounge that extends over two decks. Other features of the ship include an on-board store, a spacious sun deck with a pool and sun loungers. An elevator connects all decks (except the sun deck). The ship is fully airconditioned. There are 24 spacious cabins on both the Diamond Deck and the Ruby Deck, each with a French balcony inviting you to enjoy the beautiful view.
All cabins face outwards and are perfectly equipped with a flat-screen TV, included minibar, Nespresso® machine, beauty products from RITUALS®, hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, shower and WC and leave nothing to be desired.
Holiday Inclusions
• Return coach travel to / from airport Flights & transfers
• Cruise Amenities
• Itinerary & sightseeing as stated Pickup & drop off service
• Transport for excursions where necessary Full board on the boat with all-inclusive drinks
• Dinner, Bed and breakfast at the overnight hotel
© Viva Cruises
Danube Highlight Cruise by Air
9 Days - Tue 21st July 2026
Cabin Price (per person) Single Supplements (in a 2-person occupancy room)
Discover the magic of the Danube on a journey from Vienna through Europe’s cultural gems. Explore Vienna’s imperial grandeur, Budapest’s thermal baths and Parliament, and Bratislava’s charming Old Town. Visit Melk Abbey’s Baroque splendor, and Linz’s blend of tradition and innovation. This river cruise offers a seamless mix of history, nature, and culture, culminating in Vienna’s majestic embrace of the Danube and the Alps. We are travelling to Vienna by air, but a Barnes Employee will be with you throughout the holiday.
Tuesday Depart from London Heathrow at 12:35 with British Airways, arriving in Vienna at 15:55. Upon arrival, transfer to your overnight hotel. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Wednesday Enjoy free time to explore Vienna before boarding your river cruise for the next seven nights.
Thursday Begin your cruise with a 3.5-hour guided walking tour of Vienna, featuring key landmarks such as the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace, and the State Opera House. Set sail in the evening.
Friday Arrive in Vác, Hungary—a charming riverside town rich in history. Later, continue sailing to Budapest, arriving overnight.
Saturday Spend the day in Budapest with a 3.5-hour walking tour showcasing the city’s imperial architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant culture. Depart in the evening for Slovakia.
Sunday Enjoy six hours in Bratislava, including a 2.5-hour walking tour through its historic old town. Sail in the evening toward Melk.
Monday Arrive in Melk and visit the renowned Melk Abbey, including a guided tour with insights into its history and former residents. Explore the surrounding parks before sailing to Linz.
Tuesday Discover Linz’s charming old town and optional visit to Pöstlingberg Hill, accessible via Europe’s steepest railway (not included). Depart for Vienna in the evening. Wednesday Disembark after breakfast. Return flight to Heathrow departs at 11:10.
PLEASE NOTE:
We will require a £400pp deposit to book this holiday for you, followed by a further £800pp by 19th February 2026 and final balances will be due by 21st April 2026.
Air to Vienna!
Boat: MS Viva Enjoy
With an intimate capacity of just 190 guests, the MS VIVA ENJOY. Launched in 2024, offers the perfect setting for a river cruise defined by comfort, elegance, and unforgettable moments. Every journey is infused with a unique feel-good atmosphere—shaped by the ship’s distinctive design, which mirrors the beauty of the river landscapes through natural materials and bright, inviting colors. From the warm and attentive crew, whose commitment to exceptional service is always a priority, to the culinary delights, every detail is crafted to elevate your voyage. The MS VIVA ENJOY features 95 stylish cabins designed for comfort and serenity. The Diamond and Ruby Decks also host elegant 2-bed cabins (15 m²), each with a French balcony and floor to ceiling windows. On the Emerald Deck, cozy 2-bed cabins feature fixed windows for a peaceful retreat. There is a Wellness area with steam bath and sauna plus a fitness centre with treadmill, bike and weights. The sundeck has a whirlpool and a putting green! All cabins are thoughtfully equipped with: Flat-screen TV, Complimentary minibar, Nespresso® machine, RITUALS® beauty products, Hairdryer, safe, and air conditioning, Private bathroom with shower and toilet.
Holiday Inclusions
Return coach travel to / from airport
• Pickup up & Drop Off Service
• Flights & Transfers
• Transport for excursions where necessary.
• Itinerary and sightseeing excursions as stated
• Full Board on the boat plus drinks and Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the overnight hotel.
Full Board on Cruise, with all-inclusive drinks & four included excursions!
8 DAYS FROM: £4,999 PER PERSON
Natural Word of the Scottish Highlands Cruise
8 Days - Mon 19th April 2027
Cabin Price (per person) Single Supplements (in a 2-person occupancy room)
Deluxe £4,999 +£1,400
Balcony £5,469 POA
Suite £6,569 POA
NEW TOUR!
Includes Inverness to Oban via Fort Augustus, Corpach, Tobermory & Craignure, plus five include excursions!
This Lord of the Highlands cruise explores the Caledonian Canal, the Great Glen, and the Highlands and Islands, showcasing some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. All excursions are included in your fare, and a knowledgeable onboard guide is always available to share insights, bring the region’s history to life, and answer any questions along the way.
PLEASE NOTE: We will require a £500pp deposit to book this holiday for you, a further £1,500pp by 18th Sept 2026 and balances will be due by 15th Jan 2027.
Monday Arrive in Scotland and settle into your overnight hotel, ready to begin your Highland adventure.
Tuesday We travel north through glorious Highland scenery and shimmering lochs, pausing in the charming town of Pitlochry. Later, we continue to Inverness to board Lord of the Highlands. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Wednesday Enjoy free time to explore Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, before we sail along the historic Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to link the four lochs of the Great Glen. En route, we visit the enchanting Cawdor Castle & Gardens. The day ends with our ascent through the impressive locks at Fort Augustus.
Thursday Our journey continues to the canal’s highest point at Loch Oich, followed by a serene passage through the picturesque, tree-lined Laggan Avenue. We then descend Neptune’s Staircase—Scotland’s longest lock staircase— overlooked by the mighty Ben Nevis. At Glenfinnan, visit the iconic monument honouring the Jacobite clansmen and enjoy breathtaking views. We also tour the Ben Nevis Distillery.
Friday Sailing into the open waters of the Sound of Mull, we arrive at the colourful harbour town of Tobermory. Enjoy free time to explore its charming shops, waterfront and vibrant houses.
Saturday Travel by ferry to the peaceful island of Iona, before visiting Duart Castle—the ancestral home of Clan Maclean, dramatically perched above the Sound of Mull.
Sunday Our final port of call is Oban, where we explore mighty Dunstaffnage Castle, once the stronghold of the ‘Kings of the Isles’. Enjoy a seal-watching boat trip before rounding off the evening with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Monday After breakfast, we disembark and travel home by coach, bringing your memorable Scottish cruise to a close.
Full Board on Cruise, plus All-inclusive premium drinks (including champagne!)
Boat: Lord of the Highlands
With rich hardwood finishes and soft cream panelling, Lord of the Highlands reflects the charm of a classic Pullman carriage. The upper deck offers sweeping views through large picture windows, whether dining in the Caledonian Restaurant or relaxing in the Panorama Lounge.
Nineteen outward-facing cabins span two decks, including a suite and four with private balconies.Fine dining is central to the experience. Expert chefs prepare dishes from the finest local ingredients, paired with carefully chosen wines. Panoramic windows keep the scenery in view as guests enjoy relaxed breakfasts, varied lunches, and elegant three-course dinners with coffee and petit fours. Gala Dinners add extra flair with a Champagne reception and a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis. The Panorama Lounge offers a contemporary, comfortable space to unwind, featuring cosy seating, a striking glass atrium and expansive windows for ever-changing views.
Facilities: WIFI, Satellite TV, Hairdryer, Bathrobes, Slippers and luxury toiletries. Please note: NO LIFT.
Price Includes
• Return coach travel Pickup up & Drop Off Service cruise amenities
• itinerary and sightseeing excursions as stated transport for excursions where necessary.
• Full Board on the boat and dinner, bed and breakfast at the overnight hotel.
On boat: Full Board with included drinks 12:00-23:59!
7 DAYS FROM: £1,899 PER PERSON
Rhine in Flames from our River Cruise
7 Days - Wed 9th September 2026
Cabin Type Price (per person) Single Supplements (in a 2-person occupancy room)
Main Deck £1,899 +£626 (In a 2-person occupancy room)
Middle Deck £1,999 On Request
Upper Deck £2,045 On Request
A spectacular 5-day river cruise from Strasbourg along the River Rhine to see the beautiful scenery, fairytale castles, lush vineyards and the picturesque towns of Rüdesheim and Koblenz nestled along this most iconic of rivers. The highlight is taking part in the magnificent ‘Rhine in Flames’ flotilla from the comfort of your ship as fireworks light up the riverbanks, atmospheric music plays, and the Rhine is illuminated against the dark sky.
Wednesday To Dover and onto France and our overnight hotel, the Mercure Mercure Parc des Expostions in Reims.
Thursday We continue to Strasbourg where there is free time before we board our ship at 1600. Later enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception before dinner and departure.
Friday Upon reaching Rüdesheim we will enjoy a tour of the Rüdesheim vineyards by mini train. We enjoy a wine-tasting at Bassenheimer Hof cellar. Then free time in Rüdesheim.
Saturday We cruise in the morning before visiting Koblenz where we have an afternoon tour of the Old Town. Later the highlight as we take part in the unique spectacle.
Sunday After a morning cruise to Mannheim, we take a coach to Heidelberg where we enjoy a guided tour of the old city & a chance to visit the outside of Heidelberg Castle In the evening we have a 4-course gala dinner before setting sail for Strasbourg.
Monday We disembark after breakfast and return to Reims, where there is free time to explore, before we check in no the same overnight hotel.
Tuesday We return home.
NEW TOUR!
© Croisi Europe
Tour highlights: Includes Strasbourg, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Heidelberg and of course, the Rhine in Flames fireworks!
Boat: MS Gerard Schmitter
An elegant 5 anchors class ship built in 2012, it is an intimate sized ship at 110m long with 88 cabins over three decks.
There is a lounge bar with a dance floor, a large sundeck with deckchairs, and Wi-Fi throughout.
We are full board with drinks included between 1200 – 2359!
Holiday Inclusions
• Return coach travel
Channel crossings
• Tours as indicated
Pickup & drop off service (see back cover)
Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal
Plus, lunch whilst onboard boat.
PLEASE NOTE:
For this tour, we require a £250pp deposit to secure your places, followed by a further £400pp by 9th June 2026, final balances will be due by 22nd July 2026.
Paris Floating Hotel
4 Days - Tue 3rd November 2026
Drinks Package Included
Upgrades: Upper Deck 2-person sharing +£93pp
4 DAYS FROM: £725 PER PERSON
Single Supplements: +£207 Main Deck / +£393 Upper Deck
EXTRA DATE!
Enjoy wonderful cuisine and spectacular cabaret entertainment whilst also experiencing the sights and attractions this great city has to offer! Accommodation is on the 4-star MS Botticelli which is a spacious and light vessel with a welcoming and refined ambience. It is on a Full Board basis with 3-course lunches and 3-course dinners, and we have included a meal and drink voucher for the ferry both ways. Drinks Package: includes unlimited drinks during meals and from the bar between 1200 - 2359 (some premium brands may cost more).
First Day To France by ferry and we have a meal voucher to use onboard. From Calais it is on to Paris where we board our floating hotel and enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception before dinner and nightly entertainment.
Days on Board
The exact timings are dependent on tides, but we will enjoy cruising on both days (subject to water levels).
We will also enjoy a panoramic guided tour of Paris by coach on one day and visit Montmartre, a famous area of Paris, on another day, both with a local guide. There is also free time on both days to enjoy Paris at your own pace, or just enjoy being on this fabulous boat. There is entertainment every night and on one evening a Gala Evening with 4-course meal.
Last Day We return home by a different route and visit Chateau de Chantilly’s famous gardens including a French Style garden from the 17th century and an Anglo-Chinese garden from the 18th century. On our ferry home we have a meal voucher.
PLEASE NOTE:
We will require an inital deposit of £40pp, followed by a 2nd deposit of £150pp on the3rd August 2026.
Tour highlights: 4-star Full Board River Cruise on the Seine in central Paris, plus Château de Chantilly
Boat:
110 meters long and in keeping with being named after an Italian painter, it has an elegant and cosy atmosphere with precious fabrics of Venice. Large windows allow great views from the Lounge Bar with Dancefloor and there is also a Sun Deck. All cabins have windows, satellite TV, WIFI and ensuite bathroom. croisieurope.co.uk/boat/ms-botticelli
Holiday Inclusions
Return coach travel
• Channel crossings
Chateau de Chantilly
• Pickup & drop off service
Tours as indicated (inc. all tours by coach & floating hotel)
Floating hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast, lunch & evening meal
MS Botticelli
barnes
Holiday Pickup Information
Start your cruise from your front door with our: Home Pickup & Drop Off Service!
Home Pickup & Drop Off Service
Available on holidays 4 days+
Our FREE PICKUP AREA is shown on the map below, if you live in the OUTER PICKUP AREA of our map, we will be able to pick you up for a small surcharge of £20 per person.
OR SAVE £20 PER PERSON with our Money-Saver Pickup Points listed below!
LIVE OUTSIDE OF OUR PICKUP AREA?
Perhaps opt to stay at a local hotel within our pickup area map the night before & after your holiday with us, we can then arrange a pickup & drop off from this point!
Map Key:
Our free pickup area
Our outer pickup area, pickup fee of £20pp.
Please visit our website to view our full holiday pickup area which covers: Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Hampshire. You can also complete our precise postcode checker: barnescoaches.co.uk/holiday-pickups Or call our team on 01793 821303
Money-Saver Pickup Points
If you would prefer to be picked up from one of the points listed below on a holiday tour 4 days & over, we can apply a £20 PER PERSON DISCOUNT to your booking as a thank you! (These are also the points we are able to pick you up from if you are travelling with a mobility scooter or a electric wheelchair.)
• Swindon, Central Princes St
• Swindon, Greenbridge
• Aldbourne, The Square
• Blunsdon House Hotel
• Chieveley, Service Station
• Chisledon, Esso Station
• Cirencester, Co-op Petrol Station, A417
• Cricklade, Town Hall
• Highworth, Brewery Street Car Park
• Leigh Delamere, Service Station
• Marlborough, Polly Tea Rooms
• Newbury, The Wharf (Coach Bays)
SAVE £20 PER PERSON BY JOINING US AT A MONEY-SAVER PICKUP POINT LISTED HERE!
• NEW: Arle Court Transport Hub, (between Cheltenham & Gloucester)
• Royal Wootton Bassett, The Crown
• Reading, Service Station
• Shrivenham, Barrington Arms
• Wroughton, Ellendune Centre Barnes Coaches Ltd, Unit E, Woodside Road, South Marston, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 4AQ 01793 821303 | barnescoaches.co.uk | travel@barnescoaches.co.uk