Douro Discovery
River Cruise
with Travelmarvel
- In Pinhão, enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta
- Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers
- 20 meals – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Save up to $2800 per couple^
Embark on a seven-night cruise along the stunning Douro River. Soak in the vibrancy of Porto, discover flamenco in Salamanca and enjoy the local colours, flavours and quintas of Portugal.
Highlights
- Explore up to 11 towns, villages and cities
- Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers
- In Pinhão, enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta
- On arrival in Régua, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.
Inclusions
- 6 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship - MS Estrela
- Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
- 20 meals – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
- Transfers, port charges and tipping
Day 1: Arrive Porto, Embark Ship
Fly into Porto today, a perfect introduction to sunny Portugal. Spain’s smaller, but no less magnificent, neighbour, Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries and boasts a mix of vibrant art, music, wine and food, as well as endless sunny days. Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.
Stay: 7 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Régua, Lamego, Pinhão
Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon you’ll visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you will enjoy an Insider Experience.
Insider Experience - Portuguese Quinta Dinner
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo
Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Salamanca, Barca d’Alva
Today you’ll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbeque dinner.
Insider Experience - Flamenco Show
Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Pinhão, Régua
Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, which is now docked in Régua.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Régua, Entre-os-Rios
This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please.
Insider Experience - Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting
Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Porto
After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can take an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.
Enhance your Journey - Visit Guimarães
Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Porto
After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Ask your RAC Travel Consultant about Lisbon extended stays
Departs: Multiple departures in 2025 and 2026
| Stateroom | Per person twin share |
|---|---|
| Category E (Window) | From $4995 |
*Prices include savings amount and are subject to availability and change. Other dates available at seasonal surcharge. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for available departure dates and current pricing.
Trip extensions are available. Please speak with your RAC Travel Consultant to add these on.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Price based on EUTCOP08: 9 April 2026 (Category E). Book by 30 November 2025 unless sold out prior. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and are subject to availability at time of booking.
^Save up to $2800 per couple: Valid until 30 November 2025 or sold out or withdrawn from sale. Save up to $2,800 per couple ($1,400 per person) when booking select itineraries departing year round in 2026. Credit is not transferrable or redeemable for cash. Save amount includes an Early Payment Discount of $800 per couple ($400 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. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information correct as at 1 April 2025 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. Your booking contract is with Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd (APT), and incorporates all of the following terms and conditions. APT recommends that you read and understand your contract, and ask your travel agent if you require any clarification.
Other Travelmarvel terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions please check with your RAC travel consultant. A further deposit of $165 per person applies. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
