Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive in Porto and board the S.S. São Gabriel, a river cruise ship that'll be your home for the next week. The ship docks right along the Douro River, so you get those water views from your stateroom. Spend the afternoon getting settled and familiarizing yourself with the ship's layout and amenities. This evening might include a welcome dinner and briefing about the week ahead.
Landmarks/POIs Douro River - Day 2
Porto
Porto opens up for exploration today. The city's Portugal's second largest and happens to be where Port wine originated, so there's some real history here. You can choose how you want to experience it: take a panoramic drive that hits all the main sights, or do a walking tour where you'll see how locals actually move through the city. Either way, you'll get a sense of Porto's character and waterfront charm.
Optional Activities
- Porto Panoramic Tour
- Do as the Locals Do: Porto Walking Tour
Landmarks/POIs Porto - Day 3
Porto to Lamego
Start by visiting the Douro Museum to understand how Port wine production developed over the centuries. After that, you'll head inland to Lamego, a smaller town that sits at the entrance to the Douro Valley wine region. A local guide takes you through Lamego on foot and includes wine tastings along the way. By evening, dinner happens at a traditional quinta, which is a working wine estate, so you're eating where the wine is actually made.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at a Local Quinta)
Included Activities
- Douro Museum visit
- Lamego Walking Tour with Tasting
- Dinner at a Local Quinta
Landmarks/POIs Douro Museum Lamego - Day 4
Douro Valley
Two different options here depending on what interests you more. You can visit Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval castle perched on a hilltop with a small village below it and views that stretch across the landscape. Or if you prefer something more active, there's a hike out to the Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley where you'll see prehistoric rock carvings. Both give you a different angle on the region's deep history.
Optional Activities
- Castelo Rodrigo
- Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
Landmarks/POIs Castelo Rodrigo Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley - Day 5
Salamanca
The ship cruises toward Salamanca, Spain, while you're traveling through UNESCO-protected valley scenery on the Douro River. Once you arrive in Salamanca, called the Golden City because of its sand-colored stone buildings, you'll tour this historic university town. Spain's oldest university is here, and the architecture reflects centuries of academic tradition. Plenty of churches throughout the city too, which shaped Salamanca's character.
Included Activities
- Salamanca - The Golden City and Spain's Oldest University
Landmarks/POIs Salamanca University of Salamanca - Day 6
Douro Valley
This entire day centers on wine. Pick between two excursions: tour a well-established Port wine estate with tastings included, or do a more active option with a vineyard hike followed by wine tasting at a quinta. The Douro Valley has been growing grapes since Roman times, so the winemaking tradition runs incredibly deep here. Either way, you're spending quality time learning about and tasting what the region produces.
Optional Activities
- Local Quinta Guided Tour with Tasting
- Let's Go: Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta
Landmarks/POIs Douro River Valley - Day 7
Guimarães
Guimarães is where Portugal's national identity actually began, historically speaking. Walking through the medieval town center, you'll see well-kept old architecture and narrow streets that feel like stepping back in time. The city has this interesting mix of preserved history and younger, trendy residents, so there's both character and energy. A guided tour covers the main areas and tells you the significance behind what you're seeing.
Included Activities
- Guimarães City Tour
Landmarks/POIs Guimarães - Day 8
Porto Departure
Your cruise wraps up today back in Porto. If your package included a group transfer or you arranged a private one, you'll get a ride to Porto Airport for your flight home. Pack up and head out early enough to make your departure without rushing.
Landmarks/POIs Porto Airport
