Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid

Pricing is based on departure date: 08 July 2027

Itinerary Map

Highlights and Inclusions:

• Experiences in up to seven destinations
• One night land accommodation and seven nights on river ship MS Estrela
• A total of 21 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
• Transfers, porterage and gratuities
• Expert Tour and Cruise Directors
• Visit Palácio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall
• Wine and cheese tasting at Quinta da Aveleda, a historic family winery in the Douro region since the 1870s

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive Porto, Embark Ship

Arrive in Porto and transfer to your purpose-built river ship, MS Estrela. Take in the city’s incredible sights during an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Day 2 – Porto

Choose from a range of sightseeing activities before enjoying the afternoon at leisure and an exclusive Signature Experience in the evening.

Freedom of Choice – Porto Exploration
Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and enjoy a scenic cable-car ride offering panoramic city views. Afterwards, taste the city’s famous port wines and discover the rich flavours of the region.

Freedom of Choice – Portuguese Tart Cooking Class
Join a hands-on class dedicated to Portugal’s beloved pastéis de nata. Learn how to prepare the flaky pastry and silky custard filling, then enjoy your freshly baked creation with a glass of Portuguese port.

Freedom of Choice – Active Walking Tour of Porto
Walk through Porto’s medieval streets and the historic Ribeira harbour quarter, passing colourful 18th-century houses, cobbled lanes and inviting local eateries.

Signature Experience – Palácio da Bolsa
Take a guided tour of the Palácio da Bolsa, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the magnificent Arabian Hall.

Day 3 – Porto, Entre-os-Rios

Cruise through the sun-soaked Douro Valley towards Entre-os-Rios. Upon arrival, choose your preferred sightseeing experience.

Freedom of Choice – Traditional Village Visit
Explore a charming schist village nestled among the rolling hills of Penafiel. Admire its golden-stone houses, narrow streets and hidden courtyards while experiencing authentic Portuguese village life.

Freedom of Choice – Winery Tour and Tasting
Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family estate producing wines in the Vinho Verde region since the 1870s. Tour the vineyards and enjoy a curated tasting of fine wines paired with artisanal cheeses.

Day 4 – Régua

Relax on a morning cruise to Régua. While sailing, join an optional hands-on tile-painting experience and learn about the colours, patterns and stories behind Portugal’s famous azulejos.

Upon arrival, visit the Douro Museum for an insight into the culture and heritage of the Douro Valley wine region.

Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Visit the prestigious Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and wine tasting overlooking the Douro River and Régua. Dating to the 16th century, the estate features approximately 75 hectares of vineyards.

Day 5 – Régua, Pinhão

After your chosen sightseeing experience, return to the ship and relax as you cruise towards Pinhão.

Freedom of Choice – Lamego Tour
Discover Lamego, a charming city surrounded by the vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample the local speciality, Bola de Lamego.

Freedom of Choice – Visit Palácio de Mateus
Explore Casa de Mateus, an elegant 18th-century estate preserving centuries of history, art and culture. Admire its distinctive façade, chapel, ornamental pond and beautiful gardens.

Day 6 – Pinhão

Visit Pinhão Railway Station, considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful stations. Its tiled walls depict scenes illustrating the production of port wine.

Continue to a local quinta before returning to the ship for the captain’s farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 7 – Pocinho, Vega de Terrón

Step ashore in Pocinho and embark on your chosen sightseeing experience. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner aboard the ship.

Freedom of Choice – Côa Parque Museum
Visit the Côa Museum, set where the Prehistoric Rock Art Sites of the Côa Valley meet the Douro Wine Region. Explore immersive exhibitions covering more than 30,000 years of human creativity and learn about the valley’s UNESCO-listed ancient rock engravings.

Freedom of Choice – Côa Archaeological Park Rock Art
Travel from Castelo Melhor by 4WD through almond and olive groves to Penascosa. Set beside the Côa River, this remarkable archaeological site features Palaeolithic rock engravings and sweeping views across the valley.

Day 8 – Vega de Terrón, Disembark Ship, Salamanca, Madrid

After breakfast, disembark the ship and travel to Salamanca for a guided tour. Explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including the University of Salamanca—Spain’s oldest university—and the historic House of Shells.

Continue to Madrid and spend the evening at leisure.

Day 9 – Depart Madrid

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, bringing your memorable Douro adventure to a close.

Your ship: MS Estrela

Custom-built for the Douro River, MS Estrela combines contemporary comfort with a relaxed Southern European atmosphere. Carrying just 116 guests across 58 suites, the ship offers an intimate cruising experience with personalised service, exceptional dining and sweeping views of Portugal’s celebrated wine country.

Sun Deck and Outdoor Pool
Relax on the spacious Sun Deck, cool off in the large outdoor pool, enjoy a drink from the open-air bar or admire the Douro Valley scenery from a comfortable sunbed.

Locally Inspired Dining
Savour buffet breakfasts and à la carte lunches and dinners prepared with local produce, with menus celebrating the flavours and culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula.

Relaxation and Recreation
Take a leisurely stroll along the onboard walking track, practise your skills on the golf putting green or unwind in the elegant lounge as the riverside landscapes drift by.

Modern Accommodation
Retreat to a thoughtfully furnished stateroom or suite featuring an en suite bathroom, climate control, a flat-screen television and complimentary Wi-Fi. French Balcony Suites also offer electric slide-down windows for fresh air and uninterrupted river views.

Personalised Service
With a maximum of 116 guests, MS Estrela provides an intimate atmosphere and attentive service, supported by knowledgeable Cruise and Tour Directors throughout the journey.

Porto (Oporto), Regua, Regua, Pinhao, Barca D'Alva, Vega de Terron, Madrid.

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.