Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Lisbon
You'll fly into Lisbon and get transferred to your hotel in the city center. From there, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and wander around at your own pace, getting a feel for Portugal's capital.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lisbon)
- Day 2
Lisbon
A guided tour takes you through Lisbon's Alfama district with its narrow winding streets. You'll see the Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery, the UNESCO-listed Belem Tower, and climb up to Castelo de Sao Jorge where the views across the city are really something. Plan on several hours walking and exploring these historic sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lisbon)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Alfama district
- Visit Jeronimos Monastery
- Visit Belem Tower
- Visit Castelo de Sao Jorge
Landmarks Alfama District Jeronimos Monastery Belem Tower Castelo de Sao Jorge - Day 3
Lisbon
This day is completely free to explore Lisbon on your own terms. If you want more structure, there's an optional excursion to the Sintra Mountain range where you can visit Pena National Palace (also UNESCO-listed) and walk around the charming town of Sintra with a guide. Otherwise, you can stay in the city and do whatever interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Lisbon)
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Sintra Mountain range
- Visit Pena National Palace
- Guided tour of Sintra
Landmarks Pena National Palace Serra de Sintra - Day 4
Lisbon to Vila Nova de Gaia
After breakfast, you'll take a coach to Vila Nova de Gaia and board your river ship, the MS Estrela. Later in the evening, meet the other travelers at a welcome reception while you cruise along the Douro River during sunset. It's a nice way to start the journey and get to know people.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- Welcome Reception aboard ship
- Sunset cruise on Douro River
Landmarks Douro River - Day 5
Lamego - Pinhao
The river cruise along the Douro begins in earnest, and you'll see vineyards lining the banks. There's a Portuguese language lesson in the morning to pick up some key phrases. You'll head into the village of Lamego to see its baroque cathedral and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Before arriving in Pinhao, you'll sample Bola de Lamego, the local smoked ham roll that the town is known for, plus there's an insider experience waiting for you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- Portuguese language lesson
- Visit Lamego
- Visit Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
- Visit local museum in Lamego
- Insider Experience in Pinhao
Optional Activities
- Sample Bola de Lamego (smoked ham roll)
Landmarks Douro River Lamego Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies - Day 6
Castelo Rodrigo
The ship crosses into Spain and you'll dock at Vega de Terron. After some free time on your own, a coach takes you to Castelo Rodrigo, a village perched on a hilltop with old ruins, a castle, and a large stone statue of Santiago Matamoros looking out over both countries. You'll ride back to the ship after exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Castelo Rodrigo
- Explore Castelo Rodrigo village
Landmarks Castelo Rodrigo - Day 7
Barca d'Alva, Portugal
You'll take a coach inland to Salamanca, a Spanish city known for its golden sandstone buildings and the grand Plaza Mayor. There's an insider experience to check out here. Later, you'll coach back across the border to Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village on the Douro, and rejoin your ship. That evening, there's a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- Insider Experience in Salamanca
- Traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner
Landmarks Salamanca - Day 8
Regua
This morning brings a history lecture while the ship cruises past Pinhao toward Regua. Once you arrive in Regua, there's an insider experience. Afterward, a guided tour shows you around town, and then you have free time to visit the Douro Museum on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- History lecture during cruise
- Insider Experience in Régua
- Guided tour of Régua
- Visit Douro Museum
Landmarks Douro Museum 
- Day 9
Entre-os-Rios
An excursion takes you to the Gardens and Palace of Mateus, an 18th century estate still owned by the Count of Vila Real and a living museum. You'll learn about the palace and its connection to Mateus Rose wine. Later you'll head to Entre-os-Rios, a riverside town where you can spend time exploring. Back on the ship that evening, there's a Captain's Dinner with traditional Portuguese folk music and dancing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Captain's Dinner with traditional Portuguese folk music performance)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Gardens and Palace of Mateus
- Tour of Palace of Mateus
- Captain's Dinner with traditional Portuguese folk music performance
Landmarks Gardens and Palace of Mateus Entre-os-Rios - Day 10
Porto
You'll cruise back to Vila Nova de Gaia and cross the river into Porto for a guided tour hitting the city's major sights. There's a visit to a local port winery where you'll get a tour and tasting. You have plenty of free time in the afternoon to explore Porto however you like, or there's an option to head to nearby Guimaraes (also UNESCO-listed). Your final evening includes a farewell dinner back on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your river ship)
Included Activities
- Tour of Porto
- Visit local port winery with tour and tasting
- Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to Guimaraes
Landmarks Porto Guimaraes 
- Day 11
Departure from Porto
You'll have a final breakfast on the ship before transferring to Porto Airport for your departure flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
