Experience a cruise of an extraordinary kind and cross the north of Portugal in comfort on board the MS GIL EANES. From the Portuguese metropolis of Porto to the Spanish border, the entire scenic diversity of this beautiful region is revealed to you. The Douro Valley is considered by connoisseurs to be the most spectacular wine-growing region in the world. The sights on this tour are varied: Porto, one of the most beautiful cities on the Iberian Peninsula, awaits your visit, as does the wine-growing region of the Rio Douro with the centers of Régua and Lamego, Vila Real with Mateus Castle, the city of Braga, which is well worth seeing, and the art treasures of the Spanish city of Salamanca.
Pick-up service from home and transfer to Findel airport. Early morning flight to Porto and transfer to Aveiro – sightseeing with boat tour and lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to the ship AMALIA RODRIGUES, embarkation and welcome cocktail. In the evening, optional excursion “Porto by night”.
Morning: optional excursion to Porto and visit to an azulejo workshop. Departure by coach to the city center of Porto. Visit to the Church of São Francisco (interior visit), which is located just a few steps from the banks of the Douro and is one of the most symbolic religious buildings in Porto. Drive to the Stock Exchange Palace (interior visit). Visit this magnificent 19th century mansion in the heart of the historic city center, a marvel of neoclassical architecture and rich in history. You will then visit an azulejo workshop. The beautiful azulejos you will see in Porto and throughout Portugal are the result of an art form with a long history in the country, which began during the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The name is derived from the Arabic “Zellige” – polished stone. The tiles and mosaics are painted and decorated with botanical, animal and historical motifs in shades of blue and white. A unique opportunity to discover this ancient art. Return to the ship.
Afternoon on the river. You will travel through the Douro Valley. The “golden river” is lined with vineyards for almost 200 km and reveals to travelers a wild and untouched nature. To tame the river, dams and locks calm its course. You will pass through the gigantic Carrapatelo lock, which is the highest in Europe with a height difference of 35 meters.
Arrival in Régua in the evening.
Night stop. Dance evening or free evening in Régua.
Morning: optional excursion to Vila Real. In the afternoon, drive to Vega de Terron. You will drive through the most famous vineyards of Porto. Here, people have worked the mountains to form the undulating terraces covered with vines. Nourished by the mists of the river and flooded by the sun, they produce the famous wine. You pass through the locks of Valeira and Pocinho.
Arrival in the evening and flamenco evening on board.
Day trip to Salamanca: Salamanca radiates a joie de vivre and dynamism that is second to none. Its architectural heritage is also remarkable, and its historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will explore the city on foot, including the cathedral and the famous university, which today boasts an international reputation. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the must-see places that you should visit again and again.
Return on board in Barca d’Alva.
Night-time stop. Evening of entertainment.
In the morning, navigate back through the beautiful Douro Valley towards Ferradosa. Arrival in the late morning.
Afternoon: Optional excursion “Pinhao and wine tasting”
You return on board in Ferradosa and sail to Pinhão, which you reach in the late afternoon. The small town lives to the rhythm of the great river. It holds a little treasure that you should not miss: one of the most beautiful railroad stations in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its facades decorated with azulejos show the work of the farmers and the landscape of viticulture and the landscapes of the region. In the evening, a gala dinner awaits you on board.
Morning: optional excursion to Lamego. Afternoon boat trip to Porto. Enjoy this last view of the beautiful Douro Valley and let yourself be transported to this man-made land.
In the evening: Fado evening
Morning: free time in Porto. Discover the city on the Atlantic Ocean on your own. The second largest city in Portugal offers visitors a unique flair. Between its labyrinth of stairs and alleyways crammed with laundry, the illuminated walls adorned with azulejos reveal themselves. These typical blue tile frescoes in the Ribeira district tell the story of the city, its life, its past and its faith.
Afternoon: optional excursion to Guimaraes. Evening: folklore evening.
Disembark early in the morning and transfer to the airport. Return flight to Luxembourg and transfer to your place of residence.
If you would like advice or have any questions about our travel offers, your travel consultant is available every day of the week.
