DOURO DISCOVERY 7 nights FULL BOARD from £1599 Includes insurance and cancellation cover§ Price reduction available if not required.
aboard Douro Queen
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– see pages 144-149 for details
THE DOURO
Cathedrals, palaces and port – cruise the Douro through a vineyard-clad river valley and explore the many sides of Portugal…
The buildings of Oporto reflected in the Douro
Day 1: UK to Oporto. Fly to Oporto and embark your ship at Vila Nova de Gaia on the Douro’s south bank. Remain moored overnight. Day 2: Oporto to Régua to Pinhão. This afternoon travel by coach from Régua to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. You’ll see the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town. There’ll be free time to explore this baroque church and walk down into the city using the ornate staircase – but be warned, there are almost 700 steps! Alternatively, take the coach down to the city and visit the Gothic cathedral, which in parts dates back to the 12th century! Re-join your ship in Régua and cruise to Pinhão. Day 3: Pinhão to Vega de Térron. Sail to Vega de Térron. This afternoon, join an included excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval village with a scenic hilltop location. See the 18th-century baroque church and stroll around the village in your own time. Back on board ship look forward to a traditional Portuguese dinner. Day 4: Vega de Térron to Barca d'Alva. Enjoy an included excursion across the border to the city of Salamanca in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its historic university buildings. The journey usually takes about two hours, during which 136
your guide will give a commentary on Spanish history. After a little free time in the city, join a walking tour to the Plaza Mayor, one of the finest town squares in Spain. You’ll also see the famous cathedral, built in two parts. The 12th-century Catedral Vieja is now incorporated into the much larger 16thcentury Catedral Nueva. Lunch is at a local restaurant, followed by a flamenco show. Return to the Douro Queen in Barca d’Alva and moor overnight.
Day 7: Entre-os-Rios to Oporto. Sail back to Oporto this morning. Discover the history of Portugal’s second-largest city on an included tour. This famous centre of port wine production is located on the Douro estuary. The coach tour includes a visit to Sé Cathedral, which dates from the 12th century and a visit to a port wine cellar where you’ll learn about the production of this famous drink and enjoy a tasting. Remain moored in Vila Nova de Gaia overnight.
Day 5: Barca d'Alva to Pinhão. Depart Barca d’Alva and enjoy the panoramic views as you spend the morning sailing towards Pinhão, arriving after lunch. This afternoon visit Quinta do Seixo, a local winery, for an included tour of the estate, followed by an opportunity to taste their port wines. This evening you’ll visit a local quinta for dinner, with wine and entertainment included. The ship remains moored in Pinhão overnight.
Day 8: Oporto to UK. Disembark after breakfast and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 6: Pinhão to Régua to Entre-os-Rios. Cruise to Régua for an included visit to Mateus Palace gardens. Your guide will give you an introduction to the palace which features on the Mateus rosé wine label. Admire the exterior and explore the exceptional formal gardens. This afternoon relax on board as the Douro Queen departs Régua. Look forward to a traditional Portuguese folk music show after dinner. Moor overnight in Entre-os-Rios.
Contact your preferred travel agent
EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY Oporto and/or a Pousada in Guimares. 2 nights each from £279 with breakfast included. Please see page 143 for details.
ADD A HOTEL STAY Enjoy three nights in Lisbon before following the same cruise itinerary. Holiday code: DU003. Please see page 143 for details.
SOLO TRAVELLERS On November 16, 2022 travel in the company of other solo travellers and a Solos host, who will organise an additional drinks party and enjoy an All Inclusive seven-night cruise. Holiday code: AF728.
