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Gastronomy of the Douro River

MS Douro Elegance

2nd Jul 26

7 Nights

From

£2,499PP

Itinerary
Ship

Day 1

UK to Porto, Portugal

Day 2

Pinhão, Portugal

Encircled by hillsides that produce some of the world’s best wines, Pinhao sits in the north of Portugal and makes a good base for exploring the local vineyards. Visit Douro Valley; this old wine-making region has traditional vineyards set along tiered stone walls running alongside the river. There is the opportunity for Port and wine tastings and tours at the popular, Quinta do Bomfim. Pinhao’s railway station is worth a visit; it offers picturesque views and boasts attractive, glazed ceramic tilework. Take a country walk along the Douro River and visit Praia Fluvial, an idyllic spot for relaxing.

Day 3

Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal

The town of Castelo Rodrigo is located in the Guarda district of north-east Portugal. Castelo Rodrigo has a medieval presence and a rolling hilltop position close to pine-wooded forests. The region is known for its castle which is a listed national monument; pay a visit to the ancient ruins and view the imposing walls which date back to the 12th century. Visit the clock tower to enjoy the fantastic structure and learn the history behind the protection of the citadel. The parish church is dedicated to Our Lady of Rocamador and was founded in the 13th century. Discover the church's ancient history and admire the painted and ornamented wooden ceiling, the Hispanic-Arab tiles at the high altar, and the statue of Saint James the Moor-slayer.

Day 4

Salamanca, Spain

Located in the Spanish region known as Castilla y Leon, Salamanca is famous for its culture and lively atmosphere. Salamanca is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities due to its intricate architecture. In the heart of the city visit Plaza Mayor; a popular square lined with authentic restaurants, ice cream parlours and souvenir shops. For culture, St Stephen’s Convent and the Old Cathedral will take your breath away; they both boast stunning gothic structures and elaborate stained glass. Climb up the towers of Ieronimus Cathedral and listen to the bells ringing as you discover the picturesque city views.

Day 5

Mateus Palace Gardens, Portugal

Mateus Palace is one of Portugal's great Baroque masterpieces. Constructed in the 18th century, it is thought to be the brainchild of architect, Nicolau Nasoni. Situated in the civil parish of Mateus in the municipality of Vila Real, the palace boasts elegant architecture with impressive pinnacles on the roof and an iconic stairway leading to the front entrance, all of which reflect onto the large lake at the front. Once inside take a guided tour of the palace to see its traditional Portuguese interior. Admire the lavish carvings and artwork, and then make sure to drop by the cellar door for port and wine tasting!

Day 6

Lamego, Portugal

Instilled with Baroque style, Lamego is an elegant town in the Douro Valley's port wine-growing region. Lamego is flanked by two hills and is a perfect base for discovering the area’s half-ruined monasteries and chapels. On one of the two hills is a 12th-century keep and a castle and on the other is the monumental Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios - a baroque staircase leading up to the church steps. The top of each hill offers magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley. Pass through the Portas dos Figos gateway to the inner town and discover the narrow winding lanes and tree-lined boulevards. Visit the 18th-century Episcopal Palace, home to a museum and artworks by Portuguese master, Vasco Fernandes.

Day 7

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a coastal city in the north of Portugal, most famous for its Port wine production. The city sits on a steep riverbank where you’ll find tiled 14th-century churches and 19th-century palaces. Climb the tower in Sao Francisco Church for spectacular views, or pay a visit to the impressive Palacio da Bolsa and discover its elegant interior. Soak up some of Porto’s culture with a performance at the Casa da Musica concert hall, an exhibition at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, or a stroll along the Cais da Ribeira.

Day 8

Porto, Portugal to UK

Why Book

MS Douro Elegance Cabin Options:

Lower Deck Standard Cabin starting from £2,499pp

Gastronomy of the Douro River Cruise Highlights:

Return flights & transfers
Free all-inclusive drinks package
Full board dining
Free Wi-Fi
All port charges
10 included experiences
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Expert Riviera Cruise Director

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

MS Douro Elegance

Overview

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our highly successful Douro cruise on Portugal’s most spectacular waterway will now be operated on a brand new state of the art vessel, the magnificent five-star MS Douro Elegance. Painstaking research over many months with our highly regarded Portuguese shipping partners, the first luxury ship operator on the Douro, who have been involved in river cruise ship building for over a quarter of a century, has resulted in the creation of a worldclass vessel which is without doubt one of the most exceptional ships afloat on any European river. If cruising is an art, then this ship has truly mastered it; constructed with the very latest technology and a strong environmental ethic in mind, yet simultaneously retaining a classic, refined elegance reminiscent of cruising from a bygone era, this five-star, fully-air-conditioned river cruiser has been purpose-built to fit the unique size limitations of the Douro’s five locks and features all the facilities you would expect in a top-class hotel and more so your cruise will be as relaxing as possible and your stay on board will be a uniquely memorable one. Accommodating just 126 guests in the most exquisite of surroundings, the ship’s spectacular design and high specification ensures this vessel feels exceptionally light and airy. The generous ratio of 3:1 guests per crew member ensures a first-class personal service plus the friendly ‘small ship’ feel so beloved of Riviera Travel cruise aficionados, enables the ever attentive crew to revel in taking care of all those little things – leaving you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy every minute of your sensational river cruise experience.

Food & Drink

Located on the Main Deck, the MS Douro Elegance's restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with high-backed chairs, immaculate tables, and fine linens. Tables seat four to eight guests, and the open dining policy allows you to choose where and with whom you dine.

Breakfast features a hot and cold buffet with a personalized omelette station, while lunch offers both a delectable spread and lighter, informal options. The highlight of the day is the exquisite dinner, served by attentive staff, showcasing the finest Portuguese, Mediterranean, and international flavours, all while enjoying stunning river views through panoramic windows.

Entertainment

Forward of the ship you will find the magnificent lounge and bar, the very heart of the ship, styled by a leading Portuguese designer and sumptuously furnished with elegant settees and comfortable armchairs; plump cushions in smart complementary fabric invite you to sink in and relax – your holiday starts here!

Enjoy a freshly made cup of tea whilst soaking up the refined ambience, complemented by high quality fittings, thoughtfully positioned lamps, a thick wool carpet, beautifully polished hardwoods and fabulous fresh-cut flowers. A well-stocked bar with friendly professional staff taking delight in attending to your every wish in sampling local wines or preparing whatever takes your fancy completes the convivial scene.

So just sit back and enjoy the stunning view from the magnificent panoramic windows as the ever-changing river scenery slips effortlessly by. When evening falls, the subdued lighting creates the most gentile ambience so unwind over a digestif or perhaps take a turn on the dance floor to the soothing tones of the resident musician. There really can be few holidays quite as relaxing as this! All three air-conditioned accommodation decks are connected by a lift for your convenience and an elegant wide staircase with gleaming handrail.

Health & Fitness

When the temperature rises you will feel the benefit of the fantastic outdoor swimming pool – a rarity on a river cruiser. For many though, just to lean against the ship’s rail and breathe in the invigorating river breeze whilst casting a relaxed eye over the fascinating scenes of life ashore or the wonderful river wildlife all around you, is what it’s all about; this is surely the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life so let us take you on the cruise of your dreams!

Kids & Teens

Please note: there are no dedicated kids or teens facilities onboard.

Terms & Conditions

Terms and 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.