Lisbon & the Douro Valley Cruise

We meet our Tour Manager at the airport today. From here, we board our flight to Lisbon where we head to our hotel by coach. On arrival, we're greeted with a welcome drink and for dinner this evening, we head to our hotel's excellent restaurant for our first meal of the holiday. We spend the next three nights in the capital of Portugal - a delightful stop before our cruise with its colourful houses which contrast the deep blue sea and white beaches.

• Dinner

Our excursion today whisks us away on a tour of Portugal's famous capital. As a special touch, our tour includes a segment in a specially-chartered tram from the 1930s and 40s. Our tour reveals the brilliant colours of Lisbon, and the history of its streets, squares and boulevards. We finish in the waterfront district of Belem, famous for its pastries and grand villas. Here, we stop off at one of the pastry shops to sample the Belem pastries.

This evening, explore the city at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of one of Europe's oldest cities, wander the cobblestone streets, and experience the soulful melodies of Fado music at a cosy tavern. You could end your evening by heading to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte - a unique spot with incredible panoramic views over the city.

• Breakfast

Today, we travel to the beautiful town of Sintra, located up in the hills behind Lisbon. A tantalising selection of summer palaces of all colours and shapes await us here, at what is famously the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty. Enjoy time at leisure in this fairytale town, allowing you to discover its history and the people behind the magnificent buildings lining its streets. Marvel at colourful palaces like Pena Palace* and Quinta da Regaleira. Explore lush gardens at Monserrate Palace, savouring panoramic views, and visit the historic centre where you can sip Portuguese coffee at one of the many quaint cafes.

*Please note, to enter Pena Palace it is necessary to book in advance.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Lisbon this morning, we set out on a rail journey through the Portuguese countryside to the historical city of Porto - famous for the explorers who set out from here to discover the New World.

Upon arrival, we're escorted by coach to our excellent ship. After settling into our comfortable cabins, we're greeted by our wonderful crew with a welcome cocktail. Later, we sit down to our first delicious meal on board, followed by a panoramic evening coach tour of the city of Porto by night. From our comfortable seats, we see the lovely old, preserved areas of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hopping off the coach for a brief stop at the Sao Bento railway station, we admire its magnificent azulejos, before heading back to our luxurious ship for a restful nights sleep.

• Dinner

This morning, we explore Porto further on a guided coach tour. From the 14th-century Church of St Francis overlooking the Douro, we enter the Bolsa Palace - also known as the Stock Exchange Palace. This UNESCO-listed neoclassical landmark boasts some amazing interiors, which we see on a tour, including the magnificent staircase and lavishly decorated Arab Room.

Our next visit is to an azulejo workshop to gain an insight into these ornate frescoes and discover more about this age-old artform. With Moorish influences, these striking blue-and-white tiles often depict flowers, animals or historic scenes.

We rejoin our ship for lunch on board and then later this afternoon, begin our cruise along the Douro River, enjoying its fabulous landscapes enroute to the town of Régua, a picturesque town that is rich in history and culture and surrounded by terraced slopes. After dinner this evening, we enjoy entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we gain an insight into the region's wine-making heritage at the Douro Museum before continuing by coach to the magnificent Mateus Palace.

One of the most beautiful houses in northern Portugal, this 18th-century masterpiece is a delight, with beautifully adorned interiors and lush gardens. Showcasing late-Baroque architecture with rococo flourishes, the exteriors are topped with flamboyant spires. Our tour takes us through the grand halls and rooms of the palace before time at leisure to explore the property's chapel. Returning to our ship, we cruise in the afternoon through blissful scenery to Vega de Terron on the border with Spain. This evening, after dinner, we enjoy Flamenco entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we venture into beautiful Spain and make our way through enchanting countryside to the golden city of Salamanca, in the Castille y Léon region. Known as the academic capital of Spain, this ancient city boasts an impressive array of sandstone university buildings and - founded in 1218 - is the oldest and most prestigious centre of learning in the country. Our guided tour showcases the highlights of Salamanca, including the ornate House of Shells, the vibrant Plaza Mayor, and other magnificent buildings. Afterwards, you have time to wander at leisure and discover the city's hidden gems before enjoying a traditional Spanish lunch.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we begin our cruise back downstream through scenic landscapes to Pinhão. Today's excursion features a journey along the Port wine route, admiring gorgeous scenery of golden valleys and gleaming vineyards.

Continuing to Pinhão, we stop at a local quinta where we indulge in some of the region's finest Ports. After viewing the blue azulejo frescoes at Pinhão's historic station, we rejoin our ship and enjoy a gala dinner on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we journey to the picturesque village of Lamego. We enjoy a guided tour of this charming town, renowned for its stunning cathedral. Standing at the heart of the village, this is a breathtaking example of Baroque architecture. But the real highlight of this masterpiece is the 700 steps leading up to its doors, beautifully decorated with cheerful white and blue tiles. This afternoon we continue our cruise back to Porto where tonight, we enjoy an evening of Fado-themed entertainment.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we enjoy time at leisure in Porto before lunch on board. This afternoon, we visit the charming medieval city of Guimarães, known for its well-preserved 10th-century buildings, vibrant squares, and picturesque castle gardens. We return to Porto and rejoin our ship before our 4-course farewell dinner and traditional folk entertainment on board.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks the final day of our adventure on the Douro. We disembark and transfer to the airport. On our return flight to the UK enjoy memories of Lisbon's vibrant hues, Sintra's enchanting palaces, and explorations of Porto and Regua where we savoured port wine. Mateus Palace impressed before venturing to Spain's Salamanca. Our luxurious cruise ended with Pinhao, Lamego's steps, and Guimarães' medieval charm, leaving us with a holiday experience we will treasure for a long time.

• Breakfast