Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

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. 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 Régua, 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 Pinhão, 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. 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, 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. Day 8: Porto to the UK B Disembark and transfer for your return flight to the UK. Porto 8 days from £1,549 Cruise highlights ✔ Explore Porto on a guided tour ✔ Visit the impressive Ducal Palace ✔ On-board evening entertainment, including a wonderful flamenco show ✔ Enjoy a port wine tasting experience Cruise includes • All meals and drinks included • Accommodation: 4 H MS Infante Don Henrique or 5 H MS Gil Eanes or 5 H MS Amalia Rodrigues or 5 H MS Miguel Torga Middle and upper deck cabins available from £1,669 • Flights from London Gatwick with TAP Air Portugal Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 Porto Guimarães Vila Real Lamego Régua Pinhão Ferradosa Vega de Terron < < Coach Air Boat Single Supplement A single supplement starts from just £499 River Cruise MS Infante Don Henrique www.mercuryholidays.co.uk • 0800 298 9865 117 Europe