European River Cruises 2024 - 2025

Europe 4 Book with confidence, we are members of ABTA and fully ATOL protected 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 300BC, on a guided tour. Visit 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 with orchards and vineyards. Later, join a day tour to the Spanish university town of Salamanca, a place blessed with a dazzling array of beautiful golden sandstone buildings, 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. Valley of the Douro: From Porto to Spain 8 days from £1,799 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 voyage. Porto 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 at a local estate ● Onboard evening entertainment, including a wonderful flamenco show ● Cruise through the Douro Valley where you will pass granite cliffs, whitewashed estates and 18th century vineyards carved into mountains ● Tour Salamanca, a place blessed with a dazzling array of beautiful buildings awash with golden sandstone ● Stroll through the landscaped gardens of Mateus Palace Porto Guimarães Vila Real Lamego Régua Pinhão Ferradosa Vega de Terron < < Coach Air Boat EXPLORE THIS RIVER CRUISE