The Enchanting River Douro

Day 1 UK - Porto Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Porto. On arrival, we transfer to the port to embark MS Gil Eanes (4T) or MS Amalia Rodrigues (4T) for a welcome cocktail. We remain here overnight. Day 2 Porto This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Porto, which will showcase the city’s wealth of historic sights. Wonderfully charming pathways lead you over the undulating centre of this beautiful city to magnificent medieval landmarks and flamboyant ornamentation. A visit to a local port winery with a wine tasting is included. Enjoy a free afternoon, and return to the ship aboard a traditional Rabelo boat. Dinner and an evening of Fado entertainment awaits. Day 3 Porto - Guimarães - Régua This morning, visit historic Guimarães, which has been called the ‘Cradle of the Portuguese Nation’. The wonderfully preserved Old Town is dominated by Alfonso Henriques’ grand castle. We visit the 15th century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, before returning to the river to sail through the beautiful Douro Valley, passing sleepy villages and tranquil countryside to Régua and dock overnight. Day 4 Régua - Vega de Terrón This morning we visit the sleepy university town of Vila Real and the 18th century Casa de Mateus Palace, with a beautiful Baroque façade that reached fame on the label of Mateus Rosé wine, and its attractive gardens that are considered some of the country’s finest. We re-join the ship and sail onwards to Vega de Terrón for an overnight stop. Day 5 Vega de Terrón - Salamanca - Barca d’Alva Following breakfast, we take a full-day included excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca. On arrival, we take a guided walking tour of this city of copper and golden stone architecture, narrow cobbled streets, majestic cathedrals, palaces, churches and one of Spain’s most magnificent squares, the Plaza Mayor. We cross the border back to Portugal and return to our ship in Barca d’Alva to stay overnight. Day 6 Barca d’Alva - Ferradosa - Pinhão Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Douro, before we step ashore for an excursion into terraced hillsides, covered in the vines that produce some of the world’s best port. After a guided tour of the port wine road, we taste a selection of delicious, locally produced port. Back on board, we have a gala dinner. Dock overnight in Pinhão. Day 7 Pinhão - Lamego - Porto Visit one of the most attractive cities in Portugal, Lamego, nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley. The ruins of a 12th century castle give an indication to the ancient city’s importance, as this is where Afonso Henriques was officially declared Portugal's first king. At the top of the city’s second hill is the elaborate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which is set atop nine steep and beautifully crafted terraces. The ship will sail to Porto, where we dock overnight. Day 8 Porto - UK Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.