Enjoy Premium River Cruising along Europe's wateways with Travelmarvel.
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52 8 Days | Two Countries Day 1. Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Embark Ship Fly into Porto today, an invigorating haven in sunny Portugal. Spain's smaller, but no less magnificent, neighbour, Portugal is one of Europe's warmest countries and boasts a mix of vibrant art, music wine and food. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to Vila Nova de Gaia, where we board the majestic river ship, the ms Douro Queen. Tonight, breathe in your surroundings and meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at an elegant Welcome Reception. Seven nights: aboard your river ship, the ms Douro Queen. D Day 2. Vila Nova de Gaia, Pinhão Today you begin your cruise along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic Sea, this beautiful river waters the fertile plains of the Douro Valley, creating a vibrant hub of colour and life. As you cruise this morning, you'll take part in a Portuguese lesson, during which you'll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. On arrival in Régua, you'll disembark the ship and join an excursion to the Douro Museum, which presents a fantastic exhibition on the history of the Douro wine region, the first protected wine growing region on earth. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to explore this charming riverside village. Reboard the ship, and enjoy a sunset sailing accompanied by traditional fado music as you cruise to Pinhão. On arrival, you'll enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local quinta, a traditional Portuguese winery. BLD Day 3. Pinhão, Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón, 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 flaunts well- preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamouros. After exploring this charming little town, you'll board a coach and return to your ship. Back on board, you'll be treated to an entertaining Portuguese folk music show. BLD Day 4. Vega de Terrón, Salamanca, Barca d'Alva Today you'll board a coach and set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca, where you'll enjoy a guided tour and lunch. This gorgeous city is arguably one of DOURO DISCOVERY Porto Return Porto n Vila Nova de Gaia Pinhão n Vega de Terrón Salamanca n Barca d'Alva Régua n Entre-os-Rios YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES ✓ 7 nights on a premium river ship, the ms Douro Queen ✓ Services of a Cruise Director and local guides ✓ 19 meals – 7 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D) ✓ Daily bottled water, tea and coffee, as well as soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise ✓ Explore up to 8 towns, villages and cities ✓ Transfers, port charges and tipping INSIDER EXPERIENCES Learn the essentials of the Portuguese language with an onboard lesson Enjoy a sunset sailing accompanied by the soulful sounds of traditional fado music performers Savour a delicious dinner at a local quinta, a traditional Portuguese winery Discover the golden sandstone beauty of Salamanca on a guided tour Watch as traditional Portuguese cuisine is created before your eyes during an onboard cooking demonstration Indulge in a port tasting and tour at the beautiful Quinta do Seixo winery