European River Cruises 2024 - 2025

Europe For further details or to book call 0800 954 0912 or visit www.mercuryholidays.co.uk 9 Day 1: UK to Porto, Portugal D Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Porto. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. Board the ship at 5pm and enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner then take a tour of Porto, enjoying the city sights by moonlight. Day 2: Porto to Régua B/L/D Explore Porto, one of Europe’s oldest cities with evidence of settlements dating back to 300 BC, on a guided tour, visiting San Francisco Church, with its gold-laced interior, and the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa located in the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto. In the afternoon begin your cruise through the Douro Valley where you will pass granite cliffs, whitewashed estates and 18th-century vineyards carved into mountains. Arrive in Regua, the gateway to the Alto Douro, in time for an evening of dancing or some free time to explore. Day 3: Régua to Vega de Terron B/L/D Relax on board before disembarking for a visit to Vila Real with the chance to stroll through the landscaped gardens of Mateus Palace and taste the delicious local speciality of ‘cristas de galo’, a sweet pastry shaped like a rooster’s crest. Later tonight, enjoy an entertaining flamenco performance. Day 4: Barca d’Alva and Salamanca B/L/D Arrive at Barca d’Alva early in the morning, a tranquil town shadowed by mountains and surrounded by countryside rich in orchards and vineyards. Later, join a day tour to the Spanish university town of Salamanca, a place blessed with a dazzling array of beautiful buildings awash with golden sandstone, including the exceptional Plaza Mayor with its magnificent cathedral. Day 5: Barca d’Alva, Ferradosa and Pinhão B/L/D Cruise through the locks of Valeira and Pocinho, en route to Ferradosa. Take part in a port wine-tasting experience at a local estate. The ship docks at Pinhao, a town encircled by terraced hillsides and home to some of the world’s finest port, where there will be a spectacular gala dinner onboard. Day 6: Pinhão to Porto B/L/D Disembark for a tour to Lamego, an elegant town dotted with Baroque buildings and nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley. This afternoon, cruise to historic Porto. Day 7: Porto B/L/D This morning, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarães, the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first independent King of Portugal, to visit the impressive Ducal Palace built by the first Duke of Braganca in the 15th-century. Later, enjoy an evening of traditional Folk entertainment. Day 8: Porto to the UK B Disembark at 9am for your airport transfer and flight to the UK. Porto Valley of the Douro: From Porto to Spain Explore the architectural treasures of the vibrant, riverside city Porto, visit the impressive Ducal Palace and tour the hillside town of Lamego while cruising down the Douro River on this thrilling eight-day voyage. Porto Guimarães Vila Real Lamego Régua Pinhão Ferradosa Vega de Terron < < Coach Air Boat Extend your cruise Porto city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £229 What you’ll see ⚫ Explore the vibrant city of Porto and discover its UNESCO-listed historic centre ⚫ Visit the impressive 15th-century Ducal Palace ⚫ Enjoy a delicious port wine- tasting experience ⚫ Cruise through the Douro Valley where you will pass granite cliffs, and 18th-century vineyards What’s included ✔ Return flights Gatwick to Portugal with TAP Air Portugal ✔ Where you’ll stay MS Infante Don Henrique or MS Gil Eanes or MS Amalia Rodrigues ✔ 20 meals & drinks onboard ✔ 7 excursions Ship information MS Infante Don Henrique A 3-deck ship consists of a lounge bar, dining room, and 71 air-conditioned cabins spaced across the Upper and Main Decks. or MS Gil Eanes This spacious and elegant premium 3-deck vessel is provided with 66 cabins, with French balconies on upper and middle deck cabins. or MS Amalia Rodrigues A modern and contemporary ship with 66 cabins and a spacious sundeck with deckchairs and pool. Facilities include a lounge bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi onboard. Departures & from prices Main Deck Middle Deck Upper Deck Apr 24 £1,749 £1,869 £1,879 May 24 £2,099 £2,219 £2,259 Jun 24 £1,899 £2,019 £2,059 Jul 24 £1,799 £1,919 £1,929 Aug 24 £1,799 £1,919 £1,929 Sep 24 £2,099 £2,219 £2,229 Oct 24 £1,999 £2,119 £2,159 Main Deck Middle Deck Upper Deck May 24 £2,199 £2,339 £2,359 Jun 24 £2,399 £2,539 £2,559 Jul 24 £2,099 £2,239 £2,259 More dates available • Lead-in price based on 8 Apr 24 • Single supplements start from just £569