This must rank as one of the very best river journeys in Europe, possibly even the world. Most river cruises sail from metropolis to metropolis, cities like Vienna, Budapest, Cologne, Strasbourg…

On the Douro, once you sail out of Porto, one of the most stunning cities in Europe, you’ll find yourself draped in lush green terraces, adorned with fairy-tale, red-roofed villas and estates. Fast water flows around you as you sail through the tight gorges, where steep cliffs hide the river from everyone except you. Excursions bring you to exciting places; a visit to Vila Real, former home of the founder of Mateus Rosé; a day-trip to the ancient university city of Salamanca in Spain; a visit to historical city of Guimaraes; or simply a stroll around the pretty town of Pinhao, with its famous railway station, bedecked with Azulejos (painted blue tiles), depicting scenes of wine production from planting through to harvest and delivery.

For lovers of all things tasty, we offer a pre-cruise excursion, a visit to the cellars of Taylor Port with tastings ( a must-do tour) and a great lunch with selection of wines at the winery, whilst enjoying spectacular views over the river. Past guests have rated this as one of the best “excursions” they have ever done, anywhere!

We only have twelve cabins on this cruise, as it is so difficult to get a large allocation. So, if you want to enjoy one of the nicest river cruises in Europe, please book as soon as you can.

PLEASE NOTE, WE HAVE ONLY

THREE CABINS FOR SINGLE USE.

Included in the price:

·        Return flights Dublin – Porto (Details below)

·        Transfer from airport to hotel/ship (v.v.)

·        1 Night in 4* city-centre hotel, B&B basis

·        7 Nights aboard 4* MS Amalia Rodrigues in                           standard cabin

·        All meals from breakfast on 16Oct

              – breakfast on 22Oct

·        “All Inclusive” drinks package throughout the            cruise (except champagne and premium wines)

·        £150 credit towards excursions (See below)

·        On-board gratuities

·        Escorted throughout by Alan Couser

·        All taxes and fees

·        ATOL Protected

Not included in the fare:

·        Travel insurance

·        Discretional gratuities (See below)

·        Optional excursions (See below)

·        Any meals or drinks not included in itinerary.

£2650 pp sharing twin/double - Upper Deck

Flights:

13 Apr 27    Dublin--Porto  TBA

21 Apr 27    Porto=Dublin   TBA

(Minibus transfers throughout)

Baggage Allowance:

Hand Luggage. 1 x small underseat bag per person

Checked luggage: 1 x 20Kgs bag per person

Excursions

Details of the excursions will folow shortly.

Our hotel for the night in Porto is the beautifully refurbished and redesigned Caleway Hotel, situated on the south bank, close to the river. This part of the city is known as Vila Nova de Gaia.

Important Note

The flight schedules to Porto have not been announced yet, so we may have the one extra night in Porto either before the cruise or after it. For the time being, we will assume we can fly and join the cruise straightaway, with the extra night at the end. Also, should Belfast flights be included and shoukd they operate on the days we need, we will offer this holiday from Belfast. It is, however, unlikely!

PROPOSED ITINERARY

PORTO - REGUA - VEGA DE TERON

FERRADOSA - PINHAO – PORTO

DAY 1:   14 Apr 27   BELFAST INT'L - PORTO

On arrival after our flight to Porto, we will travel by minibus directly to our waiting cruise ship. Due to the late arrival time, we have not included an evening meal. although we have requested a late supper, if possible. You may wish to eat in Manchester during our time there, or on the aircraft.

DAY 2:    15 Apr 27  PORTO

Today is a free day for you to explore on your own or to join one of the ship’s excursions. The ship is open for lunch but you can stay in town if you wish. We are also offering our own tour, free, to the port of Foz, where the Douro meets the Atlantic. Details of all excursions below.
We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of fado music.

DAY 3:    16 Apr 27  PORTO - REGUA

We have another morning in Porto before slipping anchor at lunch-time to glide out of the city and upstream into the stunning countryside. Optional excursions details below. Spend the afternoon sailing. 
Enjoy dinner on board followed by a dancing or a stroll through Regua by night.

DAY 4:    17 Apr 27   REGUA - VEGA DE TERRON

Join us for an optional excursion to Vila Real and stroll through the beautiful gardens of Mateus Palace, or simply relax on board. The afternoon will be spent cruising.
Enjoy dinner and an evening of flamenco on board.

DAY 5:    18 Apr 27   BARCA D'ALVA (Salamanca)

The ship remains in Barca D’Alva all day and if you simply want a quiet relaxing day, this is it. There is almost nothing to do here except hiking in the hills and lunching at a taverna, or on board. If, however, you want to explore the gorgeous, historic city of Salamanca, then we highly recommend one of the tours. 
Enjoy an evening of entertainment after dinner.

DAY 6:    19 Apr 27

BARCA D'ALVA - FERRADOSA - PINHAO

The morning will be spent cruising.
Join us for an optional excursion to taste the wine of Porto. You can, of course, simply enjoy some free time in Pinhao. It’s a nice, rural town with a stunning railway station and a few places to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee.
Tonight should be our festival gala evening.

DAY 7:    20 Apr 27  PINHAO - PORTO

Join us for an optional excursion to Lamego.
The afternoon will be spent cruising.
Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

DAY 8:     21 Apr 27  PORTO

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking around 9.15 /9/30am/ We will transfer to our city hotel for one further night in stunning Porto. After dropping our bags at the hotel. we'll go for a short morning tour of Porto with coffee and pasteis.

In the early afternoon, we have an optional visit to Taylors Port with a late lunch afterwards. See details below.

Due to the late lunch we have not included (or added in the cost) an evening meal. There are so many wonderful places down by the river for a late-night snack or meal and you'll be welcome to join your hosts or do your own thing.

DAY 9:    22 Apr 27  PORTO

Our flight is planned for around 5.35pm and we shall depart the hotel accordingly at around 2.30pm. We will be offering a full-morning excursion for those who are interested, or you can simply relax and enjoy the last few hours in Porto and have a bite of lunch at your leisure. We fly directly from Porto back to Belfast, arriving just after 8.00pm.

 For navigational safety reasons, the company and the captain are the only authorized persons who can modify the cruise itinerary. Alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Please drink in moderation. Please note: The number of moorings on the Douro is limited. Our ship may be moored side by side to another ship.