Douro Delights
with Lisbon & Madrid
with APT Luxury Travel
- Experiences in 13 destinations
- 6 nights land accommodation and 7 nights on brand-new river ship MS Estrela
- A total of 29 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Save $2600 per couple^
Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of terraced vineyards and charming riverside towns while cruising through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Douro Valley. Immerse yourself in this stunning region, partaking in the local culture at quaint quintas, discovering opulent palaces, and indulging in the valley's world-famous port wine.
Highlights
- Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena near the hilltop town of Sintra
- Enjoy a cocktail reception at Palacio da Bolsa, followed by a traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall
- Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port
- Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua
Inclusions
- Experiences in 13 destinations
- 6 nights land accommodation
- 7 nights on river ship MS Estrela
- Freedom of Choice inclusions
- A total of 29 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Expert tour and cruise directors
- Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
Please note, below itinerary is available in Lisbon to Madrid and vice versa direction. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for itinerary, availability and pricing.
Day 1: Arrive Lisbon
Ola and welcome to Portugal. Once you’ve arrived in Lisbon, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers.
Stay: 3 Nights, Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Day 2: Lisbon
Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city’s iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 3: Lisbon, Sintra
As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Embark Ship
Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
Stay: 7 Nights, the MS Estrela
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 5: Porto
The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration, or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, you’ll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6: Porto, Entre-os-Rios
Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7: Regua
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Regua. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8: Regua, Pinhao
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.
After enjoying the experience your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhao.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9: Pinhao
Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You’ll then visit a local quinta. This evening you’ll be treated to the captain’s farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10: Barca d’Alva, Vega de Terron
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Returning on board, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 11: Vega de Terron, Disembark Ship, Salamanca, Madrid
Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please.
Stay: 3 Nights, Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 12: Madrid
Today you’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 13: Madrid
Choose how you want to spend your time in Madrid today.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Maybe you’d like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Of course, if you’re more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Depart Madrid
Be transferred to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure | Direction | Price per person |
---|---|---|
12 May - 25 May 2025 | Lisbon to Madrid | From $11,895 |
19 May - 01 June 2025 | Madrid to Lisbon | From $10,595 |
09 June - 22 June 2025 | Lisbon to Madrid | From $10,595 |
16 June - 29 June 2025 | Madrid to Lisbon | From $10,595 |
07 July - 20 July 2025 | Lisbon to Madrid | From $10,395 |
14 July - 27 July 2025 | Madrid to Lisbon | From $10,395 |
25 August - 07 September 2025 | Lisbon to Madrid | Froom $10,795 |
01 September - 14 September 2025 | Madrid to Lisbon | From $10,795 |
22 September - 05 October 2025 | Lisbon to Madrid | From $12,095 |
29 September - 12 October 2025 | Madrid to Lisbon |
From $10,195 |
*Advertised price is based on 29 September 2025 departure and is subject to availability and change. All prices include savings amount. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for available departure dates and current pricing.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Advertised price is per person, AUD, twin share, includes port charges & saving amount and is based on 29 September 2025 departure in the lead in cabin.
^Save up to $2600 per couple: Valid until 31 October 2024 or until sold out. Save up to $2600 per couple ($1300 per person) when booking select itineraries departing year round in 2025. Credit is not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Save amount includes an Early Payment Discount of $600 per couple ($300 per person), valid when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. A $1,000 per person non-refundable deposit must be paid within seven days of booking.
General Information and Conditions: Offers are available for travellers departing from Australia. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information correct as at 06 May 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.
Other APT terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions please check with your RAC travel consultant. A further $165 deposit per person is due at time of booking. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.