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The Douro, Porto and Salamanca

Riviera Travel MS Douro Elegance
Date 18th Mar 27
Nights 7 Nights
Day 1
Arrival in Porto
The adventure begins in the city of Porto.
Day 2
Pinhão
Watch terraced vineyards pass by on our way to Pinhão. This afternoon we visit a historic quinta for a wine tasting.
Day 3
Castelo Rodrigo
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board, before our visit to the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo this afternoon.
Day 4
Salamanca
Visit Salamanca, where we enjoy a guided tour of the main sights and sample Spanish tapas with a Flamenco show at lunch.
Day 5
Mateus Palace or Régua Douro Museum
Ater a sailing morning visit Mateus Palace & its gardens or explore the Douro Museum in Régua. Tonight, we'll dine at Quinta da Pacheca.
Day 6
Lamego
Explore Lamego and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. After a sailing afternoon, enjoy a Portuguese folk music show on board.
Day 7
Porto
Return to Porto for a tour of the city, then, after lunch, visit one of the famous port wine cellars with tasting.
Day 8
Porto
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Why Book
Why Book
MS Douro Elegance Cabin Options:

  • The Emerald (Lower) Deck from £1,899pp
  • The Ruby (Middle) Deck from £2,699pp 
  • The Diamond (Upper) Deck from £2,949pp

Why Book This River Cruise?

  • Return flights & transfers
  • 7 nights on board a five-star ship
  • Full board dining
  • Free drinks package
  • 10 included experiences
  • Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
  • Free Wi-Fi 
  • Expert Riviera Cruise Director

Douro, Porto and Salamanca Highlights

  • Enjoy a guided tour of Porto and a visit to a famous port producer with plenty of opportunities to taste their fortified wine.
  • Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis with a visit to Castelo Rodrigo in the highland ranges near the Spanish border.
  • Visit two historic Quintas to learn all about the stages of wine production, from planting to tasting and labelling, enjoying dinner with a selection of their wines at Quinta da Pacheca.
  • See historic Salamanca, one of Spain's most beautiful cities, and enjoy a Flamenco show over a typical tapas lunch.
  • Discover Lamego with its Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, and the iconic Mateus Palace and its gardens.

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

Background
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.
MS Douro Elegance
MS Douro Elegance - Main Restaurant MS Douro Elegance - Main Restaurant MS Douro Elegance - Main Restaurant
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.

MS Douro Elegance - Sun Deck MS Douro Elegance - Sun Deck MS Douro Elegance - Shop MS Douro Elegance - Lounge/Bar
MS Douro Elegance - Spa MS Douro Elegance - Swimming Pool MS Douro Elegance - Gymnasium
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 apply. £100 per person discount eligible on all Riviera cruises sailing 5 nights or more. Valid on bookings made between 2 November 2025 and 16 December 2025. Prices correct at time of publication and subject to availability. E&OE.
The Douro, Porto and Salamanca
MS Douro Elegance
18th Mar 27
7 Nights
From
£1,899PP
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