THE CRADLE OF PORTUGAL CRUISE SUMMARY
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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Porto
Porto:
Fly from London to Porto and transfer to vessel. Embarkation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Day 2: Porto / Entre-os-Rios
Porto: Casting off 2:30 p.m.
City tour/walk through port wine’s namesake Porto with wine tasting in a cellar
Entre-os-Rios: Mooring 6:30 p.m.
Day 3: Entre-os-Rios / Bitetos / Régua
Entre-os-Rios: Casting off 8:30 a.m.
Régua: Mooring 12:00 p.m.
Excursion to the pilgrimage site Lamego, with its impressive open-air staircase and Gothic cathedral.
Day 4: Régua / Pinhão / Vega Terrón / Barca d’Alva
Régua: Casting off 9:00 a.m.
Excursion to the magnificent Baroque Mateus Palace and park-like garden in Vila Real.
Pinhão: Mooring 11:30 a.m. – Casting off 12:30 p.m.
Vega Terrón / Barca d’Alva: Mooring 7:00 p.m.
Day 5: Vega Terrón / Barca d’Alva
Vega Terrón Barca d’Alva:
Day trip to the Spanish university town of Salamanca for a visit to the impressive cathedral and Plaza Mayor (including lunch).
Day 6: Vega Terron / Barca d’Alva / Pocinho / Pinhão
Vega Terrón /Barca d’Alva: Casting off 9:00 a.m.
Excursion to the ruins of Castelo Rodrigo in one of the historic parishes of Portugal
Pocinho: Mooring 11:00 a.m. – Casting off 12:30 p.m.
Pinhão: Mooring 5:30 p.m.
Guided tour of tranquil Pinhão, including a visit to the famous station, decorated with blue and white ceramic tiles. Visit to a traditional Quinta (vineyard) with dinner
Day 7: Pinhão / Porto
Pinhão: Casting off 6:30 a.m.
Porto: Mooring 2:00 p.m.
Excursion to the “Cradle of the Nation of Portugal” Guimarães – or walk in the footsteps of the Portuguese explorers at the “World of Discoveries” museum. Experience Porto from lofty heights on the “6 Bridges” tour by helicopter.
Day 8: Porto
Disembarkation until 9:00am. Transfer to Porto Airport for return journey home or extend your stay in Porto with a City Stay package (pricing on request)
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Colourful cities, picturesque villages and spectacular countryside – a diverse cruise in the Portuguese sun
- The golden city centre of Salamanca, the oldest university town in Spain
- Ready for all temperatures: Ship with a pool to cool off in the summer
- UNESCO World Heritage Guimarães
- Explore Porto, namesake of the world famous port wine, with the chance to enjoy a tasting
THE CRADLE OF PORTUGAL 2022 SAILING DATES
2022 dates |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS DOURO QUEEN | Cabin Categories | ||||
| Dates | |||||
| 07 April, 04 Aug | £1,685 | £1,840 | £2,195 | £2,305 | £2,410 |
| 21 Apr, 13 Oct, 07 Jul | £1,820 | £1,970 | £2,330 | £2,440 | £2,545 |
| 05 May, 16 Jun | £1,955 | £2,105 | £2,465 | £2,575 | £2,680 |
| 01, 15 Sep | £1,955 | £2,105 | £2,465 | £2,575 | £2,680 |
| 27 Oct | £1,685 | £1,840 | £2,195 | £2,305 | £2,410 |
| 10 Nov | £1,545 | £1,705 | £2,060 | £2,170 | £2,275 |
| 2 Bed Main Deck Rear | 2 Bed Upper Deck Rear | 2 Bed Upper Deck | |||
| 2 Bed Main Deck | 2 Bed Upper Deck Front |
THE CRADLE OF PORTUGAL 2023 SAILING DATES
2023 dates |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS DOURO QUEEN | Cabin Categories |
|
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| Dates | |||||
| 06 April, 03 Aug | £1,715 | £1,875 | £2,240 | £2,355 | £2,465 |
| 04 May, 15 Jun, 14 Sep | £1,955 | £2,150 | £2,520 | £2,630 | £2,740 |
| 20 Apr, 28 Sep, 12 Oct | £1,855 | £2,010 | £2,380 | £2,490 | £2,600 |
| 26 Oct, 09 Nov | £1,545 | £1,735 | £2,105 | £2,215 | £2,325 |
| 2 Bed Main Deck Rear | 2 Bed Upper Deck Rear | 2 Bed Upper Deck | |||
| 2 Bed Main Deck | 2 Bed Upper Deck Front |
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a cabin. Prices may be subject to change due to flight availability/pricing. Please call our Reservations Team on 01223 568907 for up to date pricing and availability. Single supplements vary depending on cabin category and date of travel, please call for details.
Cruises For Other Durations
We also offer a number of cruises on the Rhine and Danube for different durations from 4-13 days
Cruise Only Prices
We appreciate that you may want to make your own travel arrangements and can provide cruise only prices on request
City Hotel Stays
We can tailor-make any cruise itinerary with additional pre or post cruise hotels. Please enquire for our recommended hotels and prices.
MS Douro Cruiser 360° Tour
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to and from vessel
- 7 nights cruise including all meals
- Unlimited drinks inc wine, beer, cocktails and all non alcoholic drinks
- Nightly onboard entertainment
- 5 Guided Excursions
- Free Wifi
- Gratuities
- Port fees and taxes
- Full ATOL financial protection
- Baggage handling fee
Douro Cruiser
MS Douro Cruiser
MS Douro Cruiser 2 Bed Cabin
MS Douro Cruiser Restaurant
MS Douro Cruiser Sun Deck
MS Douro Cruiser Swimming Pool
MS Douro Cruiser Salon
