Douro Discovery 5-Star Cruise
9 days
By Air to Porto and Five excursions included and Full Board on boat with All Inclusive drinks
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 hand-crafted 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.
Please note:
- We will require a £250pp deposit to book this holiday for you, a further £500pp by 15th March 2025 and final balances will be due by 1st April 2025.
- If you do not see your required cabin room type / upgrade available, please call our team on 01793 821303 (Option 1) We may still be able to request additional cabins on a request basis.
- ATOL licence number: 3853 Brightsun Travel.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Wednesday We travel to Gatwick and board our British Airway’s flight to Porto when we are transferred to our 4 star hotel for 1 night. NOTE Dinner is not included on this night.Thursday Free time before we board our cruise. Porto enchants with its winding and picturesque streets, Clerigos Tower, bridges, and famous wooden port wine boats.
Friday We have a city tour of Porto before departing at 1200 and cruising up the Douro to Regua, where we spend the night, with great scenery all the way.
Saturday 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.
Sunday 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.
Monday 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.
Tuesday We sail to Regau, 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.
Wednesday We sail from Regau 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.
Thursday Following a leisurely breakfast we leave our cruise. Free time in Porto before our evening flight back to Gatwick where we are met and transferred back to our local area.
Boat Information
Boat: Porto MiranteSpecially 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 air-conditioned. 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. On the Emerald Deck, the 2-bed cabins have windows that cannot be opened. 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.
Cabin prices (per person)
Cabin Price Supplements
Tour Photos
Price Includes
Price Includes:- Return coach travel to / from airport
- Flights & transfers
- Home pickup & drop off service
- Cruise Amenities
- Itinerary & sightseeing as stated
- Transport for excursions where necessary
- Full board on the boat, plus drinks & dinner and bed.
- Breakfast at the overnight hotel.