Excursions to Portugal (Douro)

Perhaps one of the most popular of our destinations, Portugal is revealed to you over the Douro. Departing from Porto, you will sail from the Atlantic to the heart of the country , the Douro Valley. In fact, the Golden River draws sumptuous curves in the hilly landscape of the centre of the country, where terraced vineyards impose order and architecture to the scenery. The quintas (artisanal vineyards) are, with the picturesque and isolated villages, the only few people living in this landscape as vast and sublime as it is wild.

Our cruises on the Douro, we designed them so that you do not miss any of the most beautiful sites of the country. After having seen Porto by day and by night, you will sail in the lands until you reach Salamanca, the golden city and "Small Rome", a city with immense heritage. On the way, our excursions will have taken you to Guimarães, one of the oldest towns in the country, or to Lamego and its sanctuary connected by no less than 700 steps. For wine lovers, it will also be possible to follow the Wine Route of Porto and enjoy some of the best local produce. You will also see Vila Real and the Manor of Mateus with the magnificent gardens.

Through our excursion you will discover the very identity of Portugal, and dive into the heart of its traditions and the rich heritage it has to offer.

12 excursions available

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Salamanca tapas tour

You’ll leave by coach with our team from Barca d’Alva for Salamanca, where you’ll meet up with the local guide for a tapas food tour in several eateries in the city center. Discover the wide range of Spanish delights and flavors served as appetizers or snacks. The most well known include patatas bravas, salads, and cold cuts (chorizo, lomo, Jamón ibérico)—all sublime when served with a glass of Spanish wine. You’ll have lunch in a local restaurant to prolong your immersion in Spanish cuisine. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to stroll about the town on your own. At the end of our tour, we’ll return on board the ship in Vega de Terron. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. Lunch in a restaurant included (drinks are not included). The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

10h30Experience

Included

Hike along the Douro River

Join us for this magnificent hike along the Douro towards its estuary and the Atlantic coastline found just to the south. You’ll get some great views of the ocean. You’ll be transferred back to Porto by coach from Lavadores. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 5 miles; no altitude difference. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h30Authentic

Included

Guided tour of Aveiro

Afternoon excursion to Aveiro by coach. Often called the "Venice of Portugal”, and known as the salt capital of Portugal, Aveiro is surrounded by salt marshes, beaches and lagoons and is dominated by the Central Canal that runs through the town. This little medieval town, built on a lagoon, expanded rapidly during the 15th and 16th centuries as a sea port thanks to cod fishing. It is also a center for baroque art with its many buildings and monuments. Aveiro has kept several of its typical boats with half-moon shaped prows, the "moliceiros”. Nowadays, Aveiro and its surroundings form a very significant industrial region with naval shipyards, engineering, iron and steel works, cellulose-producing factories, porcelain and pottery, and where salt production and fishing are still important activities. Its university is one of the largest in Portugal and there are also several further higher studies buildings. Aveiro is a bright and friendly little town with art-nouveau style architecture, brightly colored houses and charming little alleyways for you to take a lovely stroll. Afterwards, we'll set off for Costa Nova, a typical little fishermen town and former family-friendly resort which has now been restored. The resort is located between the beaches on the Atlantic coast and the lagoon and is open onto the ria. Here there are lots of traditional multi-colored, striped wooden houses lining the promenade which is also planted with palm trees. Return on board by coach in Porto. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

2h00Authentic

Included

Hike in the International Douro Nature Park

This hike will take place among the wild, mountainous settings of the park and offers magnificent views of the Douro and Spain. The steep banks are home to rich wildlife, especially various types of nesting birds of prey. Don’t forget your binoculars for this one! You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 9.32 miles (15 km); 1,738-foot altitude difference (530 m). The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h30Authentic

Included

Guided Visit of Lisbon and Panoramic Tour

We’ll spend the morning on a guided visit of Lisbon. Ruled by Germanic tribes beginning in the fifth century, captured by the Moors in the eighth century, Aphonso Henriques conquered the city during the Crusades, and it has since been the major political, economic, and cultural center of Portugal. The city spans seven rolling hills, and its colors, accents, and charm have not faded over the thousands of years it has existed. Discover the distinctive buildings and landmarks the Belém District, including its famous tower and the Jerónimos Monastery—the most prominent example of Late Gothic Manueline architecture in the country. The imposing monastery also houses the Maritime and National Archeology Museums. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Lisbon (known as Portugal’s “City of Lights”) and discover the São Jorge Castle, as well as the traditional neighborhoods of Alfama and Mouraria. PLEASE NOTE For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified. Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

8h00Authentic

Included

Day at the Salamanca swimming pool

Day at the Salamanca Swimming Pool Departure by coach to Salamanca. Upon arrival, the coach will drop you off at the swimming pool located in the city center. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day — both children and adults will have a great time. Picnic lunch included. Return to the boat by coach. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. The swimming pool excursion in Salamanca is guaranteed with a minimum of 25 participants.

10h30Authentic

Included

Vila Real and Mateus Palace

We'll leave from Regua or Pinhão for Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 18th centuries. The architecture of the religious buildings is here extremely varied. We'll take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry, Cristas de Galo. We'll then set out to explore Mateus Palace, the most beautiful and astonishing manor in all of Northern Portugal. This 18th-century beauty is set in a hilly landscape reminding us of Mexico. The subtle mixture of granite, white walls and extravagance from the Age of Enlightenment such as ledges covered in statues and Baroque style pilasters is a striking feature. Behind the manor is a delightful garden with box hedges, more statues, and a spectacular 115-foot cedar tunnel. After our tour, we'll return to our ship in Regua or Pinhão. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

Included

Quaint Afurada

We’ll leave by coach for the mouth of the Douro River to set off on an atypical stroll to Afurada, located on the southern bank. We'll visit the Afurada Heritage Interpretive Center. The space was designed to keep the local traditions and livelihoods in the fishing village alive. Permanent and temporary exhibits showcase fishing tools and traditional clothes so that each visitor understands the daily life and cultural distinctions in the community. Enjoy some time on your own in this charming village. Lose yourself in the backstreets lined with colorful homes. Don't forget to sample delicious seafood dishes at a local tavern! We’ll return to the ship. PLEASE NOTE Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Experience

Included

See the excursion

Guided tour of Lamego

Departure by coach from Regua to Lamego for a guided tour of the city center by coach and on foot. Lamego is a charming episcopal and commercial town where you'll get to discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary. This 18th century church stands out with its white façade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulejos. The first stone was laid on February 14th, 1750 and gave way to the construction of a massive temple overlooking the city and providing a breathtaking view over the misty mountains of the surrounding landscape. Return on board in Regua. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Please dress appropriately to visit the sanctuary.

4h00Authentic

Included

See the excursion

Guided tour of Salamanca (lunch included)

Departure by coach towards Salamanca where you'll meet up with your guides. Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. We'll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic to Baroque, including Renaissance. Afterwards, we'll visit one of the world's oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. Also known as "Escuelas Mayores”, the University building has a sumptuous gate adorned with the city's most famous design: a frog atop a skull - symbolic of the sin of lust being punished after death. Its wonderful library brims with old manuscripts dating back from prior to the 19th century. You'll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. Lunch in a restaurant included (drinks are not included). The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

10h30Authentic

Included

Hike through the Portuguese vineyards

You’ll be transferred by coach to Sao Joao da Pesqueira, where you’ll set off for a full-day hike through the surrounding vineyards. This is a great way to get a feel for what nature in Portugal has to offer. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 8.69 miles (14 km); 1,640-foot altitude difference (500 m). The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

Included

Explore Coimbra

We’ll leave by coach for Coimbra, once the medieval capital of Portugal and the site of the country’s largest university. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. Enjoy a guided visit of this charming city that cascades down the hillside to the Rio Mondego. You'll discover its laid back atmosphere, gorgeous medieval old town packed with history, narrow and picturesque streets, and majestic cathedral built in the 13th century (exterior only). PLEASE NOTE For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified. Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

8h30Authentic

Included