European River Cruises 2022-23

Europe 6 For further details or to book call 0800 954 0912 or visit mercuryholidays.co.uk Porto Guimarães Vila Real Lamego Régua Pinhão Ferradosa Vega de Terron < < Coach Air Boat 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. 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, 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 vineyard. 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 on board. Cruise highlights ✔ Explore the vibrant, riverside city of Porto and its UNESCO- listed historic centre ✔ Visit the impressive, 15th Century Ducal Palace ✔ On-board evening entertainment, including a wonderful flamenco show ✔ Enjoy a delicious port wine tasting experience at a local estate ✔ Tour Salamanca, a place blessed with a dazzling array of beautiful buildings awash with golden sandstone ✔ Cruise through the Douro Valley where you will pass granite cliffs, whitewashed estates and 18th century vineyards carved into mountains Valley of the Douro: From Porto to Spain The vibrant, riverside city of Porto is the starting point of this cruise, which makes its way down the Douro River, through the Douro Valley - one of the most dazzling landscapes in Portugal - and into Spain. Explore the architectural treasures of Porto’s historic centre, enjoy fantastic food and wine experiences, visit the impressive Ducal Palace and tour the hillside town of Lamego on this thrilling eight-day voyage. Douro Valley