Group Tour Operator for River cruises in Europe
Porto & The Douro Valley – Nicko River Cruise
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Douro Valley ©AT Porto and the North
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Porto, Ribeira ©João Paulo
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Salamanca by night, Spain
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterised by steep slopes and stunning wine terraces. On this cruise you will explore the beauty of Porto’s architecture and be transported back to the Middle Ages in the charming cities of the Portuguese hinterland. The Spanish city of Salamanca is a “living museum” where you can practically touch history in the form of centuries-old buildings. You will also be able to take a guided tour through the tranquil city of Pinhão, for dinner at a traditional vineyard, before visiting charming city of Guimarães.
Dates
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Porto
Fly from the UK to Porto airport, transfer to the port and embark on the ship.
Day 2
Porto
City tour/walk through port wine’s namesake Porto. The introductory tour begins with a scenic drive through the city’s narrow streets to see its 16th-century arcaded buildings and Baroque churches and chapels, before crossing Gustav Eiffel’s iconic 19th-century iron bridge to reach the cathedral atop Penaventosa hill, which boasts some amazing views across the city. The tour ends with a visit to a Port Wine Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, for an opportunity to see some traditional casks full of Port, before enjoying a sample of this delicious, world-famous Portuguese tipple.
Day 3
Pinhão
Visit a traditional Quinta (vineyard) and have lunch before visiting the magnificent Baroque Mateus Palace and park-like garden in Vila Real. Then attend a guided tour of tranquil Pinhão, including a visit to the famous station, decorated with blue and white ceramic tiles.
Day 4
Barca d’Alva
Arrive in Barca d’Alva early afternoon and visit the ruins of Castelo Rodrigo. Located at about 670m above sea level, Castelo Rodrigo is one of Portugal’s twelve historical Parishes and is home to a castellated medieval village from which it derives its name. Thanks to its lofty hilltop position, the streets are steep and narrow, but there are plenty of 16th-century facades and Manuelino style windows to admire during a guided walking tour.
Day 5
Salamanca
Day trip to the Spanish university town of Salamanca, formerly a site of bullfighting and now a popular gathering point for locals and visitors alike. During our time here we will also visit the Gothic ‘New’ Cathedral – a name which stands as testimony to the city’s age and history – since this ‘new’ building was actually constructed between the 16th and 18th-centuries.
Of course, no visit to the region would be complete without a traditional flamenco show, which we will enjoy in a local restaurant during an authentic Spanish lunch.
(Optional excursion, supplements may apply)
Day 6
Lamego
Excursion to the pilgrimage site Lamego, with its impressive open-air staircase and Gothic cathedral.
Warm and charming, Lamego is a town with a rich history, not least as home to one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. This stunning Portuguese baroque church was built during the second half of the 18th-century over the remains of a 14th-century chapel and is particularly famous for its iconic zig-zagging staircase, which is composed of 691 steps rising up through nine levels, each one lined with pyramids and statues.
Day 7
Guimarães
Arrive back in Porto after lunch and attend the “Cradle of the Nation of Portugal” excursion in Guimarães. This tour will take you on a relaxing walk through its narrow winding streets, to see the exterior of the 15th-century Palace of Dukes, which belonged to the fourth and last Portuguese monarchy.
(Optional excursion, supplements may apply)
Day 8
Travel back to the UK
Disembark the ship and transfer to Porto airport for your return journey home.
MS Douro Serenity
Purpose built to comfortably navigate the River Douro’s five locks, Douro Serenity’s sleek tinted glass makes for a modern looking ship that’s also a charming place to relax and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular wine-growing region. On-board amenities include a small fitness room, spa and sun deck, with a swimming pool and comfortable loungers.
On the upper deck, the stylish lounge bar is located at the heart of the ship. The main deck is where you will find the souvenir shop and the ship’s chic restaurant, large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting.
