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Douro Explorer 2027

Spirit of the Douro

12th Aug 27

7 Nights

From

£2,362PP

Itinerary
Ship

UK to Oporto, Portugal

Travel to Oporto on the north bank of the Douro and embark your ship Douro Serenity at Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank. You remain moored here overnight.

Oporto, Portugal to Régua, Portugal to Pinhão, Portugal

Spend the morning cruising, arriving in Régua this afternoon. From here you will travel by coach to visit Mateus Palace and its gardens. Your guide will give you an introduction to the palace which features on the Mateus rosé wine label. Admire the exterior and explore the exceptional formal gardens. Return by coach to your ship in Régua and sail to Pinhão for an overnight mooring. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese folklore show after dinner.

Pinhão, Portugal

Spend the morning at leisure in Pinhão. This afternoon travel by coach on an included excursion to Favaios in the Douro Valley where you will visit the Favaios Winery. Enjoy a guided tour of the cooperative followed by an opportunity to taste the muscat wines. Afterwards, visit one of the local bakery’s before travelling by coach to a nearby quinta where traditional Portuguese food, wine and entertainment is included. Your ship remains moored overnight in Pinhão.

Pinhão, Portugal to Barca d’Alva, Portugal

This afternoon the ship will pause briefly in Pocinho and from here you will join an included excursion by coach to the civil parish of Castelo Rodrigo in the municipality of Castelo Rodrigo, a small medieval village with a scenic hilltop location. See the 12th-century Romanesque church and stroll around the village in your own time. Return by coach to your ship in Barca d’Alva later this afternoon.

Barca d’Alva, Portugal to Pocinho, Portugal

Today join an included excursion across the border to the city of Salamanca in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its beautiful old university buildings of golden-coloured stone. The coach journey here usually takes about two hours, during which your guide will give a commentary about the passing scenery. After some free time, lunch will be served at a local hotel, followed by a flamenco show to give you a taste of traditional Spanish culture. Then, join a walking tour with a local guide to the Plaza Mayor, one of the finest town squares in Spain. Back on board Douro Serenity, sit down to a traditional Portuguese dinner.

Pocinho, Portugal to Régua, Portugal

After a relaxing morning on board Douro Serenity arrive in Régua and travel by coach for an included excursion to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. See the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, set atop nine steep terraces overlooking the town. There will be free time to explore this baroque church and walk down into the city using the ornate staircase – but be warned, there are almost 700 steps! Alternatively, take the coach down to the city where you can visit the Gothic cathedral, which in parts dates back to the 12th century. Rejoin your ship, and continue your cruise to Porto Antigo, arriving later this evening for an overnight mooring. Look forward to a Farewell dinner tonight.

Oporto, Portugal

Depart Porto Antigo early this morning and sail back to Oporto this morning. This famous centre of port wine production is located on the Douro estuary. This afternoon enjoy a coach tour of Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city, and walk to a local wine cellar where you can learn more about the production of port wine and enjoy a tasting. Your ship remains moored overnight.

Oporto, Portugal to UK

Disembark Douro Serenity after breakfast and begin your return journey.

Why Book

Save up to 25%

Standard Outside Cabin from £2,362pp
Price includes travel insurance and additional cancellation cover. A price reduction of £24pp applies if the included travel and cancellation cover is not required §

Including:

Nationwide shared chauffeur service
Included travel insurance
All Inclusive†
Cruise Director
Drinks reception and Gala dinner
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All gratuities on board
Return flights and transfers

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

Spirit of the Douro

Overview

Different to our purpose-built boutique ships, Douro Serenity is an existing built ship used exclusively by Saga, and this smaller ship is the ideal way to explore the Portuguese waterways.

Cruise the River Douro, passing wine-producing estates and vine-covered terraces, from the comfort of Douro Serenity, a ship that is reserved exclusively for our guests.

Along the way a variety of excursions provide the opportunity to stop and explore local towns, visit historic churches and sample delicious local produce.

Reserved exclusively for our guests

When you are not exploring on land, relax in the ship’s panoramic lounge or the Sun Deck, with its sun loungers and small open-air splash pool. The restaurant’s panoramic windows provide a scenic backdrop as you dine on four-course dinners, buffet-style breakfasts and lunches.

All-inclusive local drinks including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and soft drinks are available throughout your cruise. Other facilities include a small gym, spa and shop. Plus, complimentary Wi-Fi around the ship means you can keep in touch with friends and family back home.

All 60 cabins are outward facing, and cabins on the upper and main decks have a floor-to-ceiling window that slides down to a railing, allowing you to lean out and enjoy the view and some fresh air. Cabins on the lower deck have smaller non-opening windows, located close to the ceiling. Every cabin is en-suite and equipped with facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Food & Drink

All-inclusive local drinks including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and soft drinks are available throughout your cruise.

Entertainment

When you are not exploring on land, relax in the ship’s panoramic lounge or the Sun Deck, with its sun loungers and small open-air splash pool.

Terms & Conditions

Terms and conditions apply. No local taxes required. 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. 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. Prices correct at time of publication. E&OE.