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Douro Discovery

APT River Cruises MS Estrela
Date 2nd Jul 26
Nights 7 Nights
Day 1
Arrive Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Embark Ship
Fly from the UK to Porto today, Portugal’s second-largest city. Bordering its larger neighbour, Spain, Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries and boasts a mix of vibrant art, music, wine and food, as well as endless sunny days. Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship, the MS Estrela.  Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise. 
Day 2
Régua, Lamego, Pinhão
Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon, visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated Baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego – a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience.
Day 3
Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo 
Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle, and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.
Day 4
Salamanca, Barca d’Alva
Today, you’ll disembark and board a coach bound for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, boasting sunlit sandstone buildings, a majestic city square, and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach across the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner.
Day 5
Pinhão, Régua
Join an excursion to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Tour this living museum and discover the connection between the beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus rosé wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, now docked in Régua.
Day 6
Régua, Entre-os-Rios
This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town at your leisure.
Day 7
Porto
After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time to step back out and explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.
Day 8
Disembark Ship, Depart Porto
After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your return flight to the UK.
Why Book
Why Book
MS Estrela Cabin Options:

  • River View Stateroom Was £3,495pp Now from £1,995pp
Douro Discovery Cruise Highlights:

  • Hays Travel Exclusive €50pp Onboard Credit
  • Return scheduled flights from the UK 
  • Seven nights on the MS Estrela with the services of an expert Cruise Director and local guides 
  • 20 meals – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners 
  • Explore 11 towns, villages and cities 
  • Overseas transfers, port charges and tipping 
  • Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers 
  • Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise 
  • Kick off your love affair with port wine in the sun-drenched city of Porto 

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Background
MS Estrela
Overview

Cruise the waters of Portugal

Come aboard the MS Estrela, our new custom-built river ship, designed to gracefully navigate the picturesque waters of the Douro River in Portugal. Purpose-built to offer unparalleled comfort and style, from its luxurious cabins to exquisite dining experiences, the MS Estrela promises an unforgettable journey through Portugal's enchanting wine country.

MS Estrela
MS Estrela - Dining MS Estrela - Dining MS Estrela - Dining
Food & Drink

The main restaurant showcases Portuguese and international flavours, or you can opt for a lighter meal in the ship's lounge, or dine alfresco.

Entertainment

Outdoor social spaces include a Sun Deck featuring a large swimming pool and an outdoor bar, plush lounge seats, sun beds and a putting green.

Onboard entertainment includes Portuguese folk music and an informative history lesson.

MS Estrela - Lounge MS Estrela - Outdoor Lounge MS Estrela - Lobby MS Estrela - Sun Deck MS Estrela - Sun Deck MS Estrela - Onboard Entertainment
Kids & Teens

Please note that there are no children's facilities onboard MS Estrela.

Terms & Conditions
Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing the lowest category stateroom/cabin/suite unless otherwise stated. Single supplements may apply. Offers are subject to availability and can change without any prior notice and may go up or down in price. Cruise Line campaign(s) and saving messages are strictly controlled by the Cruise Line(s) and are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Flight inclusive packages, where promoted, are based on the cheapest UK departure airport so please ask for further details. Advertised hotels, if any, are suggested however are changeable at a possible additional cost.  All prices and port itineraries are correct at the time of print but are subject to change by the Cruise Line(s) without prior notice. Hays Travel reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in this brochure. Some ports of call may be tendered whereas vessels drop anchor a short distance away and use small boats to reach the shore. Full board to all-inclusive inclusions vary by the Cruise Line(s) and restrictions may apply. Some onboard facilities and items may incur a charge. Select destinations may require travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to be completed prior to travelling. Hays Travel LTD excepts no responsibility or compensation for any incomplete forms or declined entries from the respective country or countries that the individual(s) are visiting. 
Douro Discovery
MS Estrela
2nd Jul 26
7 Nights
From
£1,995PP
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