Porto, Salamanca & Douro Delights River Cruise

Day 1

After this morning's departures, we travel by coach to London Gatwick Airport to catch our flight to Porto, Portugal. We arrive and then travel to meet our river cruise, A-ROSA ALVA, docked and waiting for us on the majestic Douro River. Once checked into your cabin, it's time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere onboard before this evening's meal.

Day 2

As breakfast is served, we depart Porto, allowing you to admire your departure as you sail down the Douro. Enjoy free time to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities as we travel towards Régua and Pinhão, two winemaking town famous for their roles in the production of port wine. This evening, we enjoy a traditional Portuguese evening at a vineyard near Favaios. After arriving at the Quinta da Avessada, you will be welcomed with music and an apéritif, followed by a short tour of the vineyard. Tonight, you'll be served a traditional Portuguese menu, where you can experience a relaxed atmosphere while getting to know the traditions of the Portuguese culture.

Day 3

Enjoy a morning to explore the small town of Pinhão; why enjoy a walk around the town at the centre of the famous port wine-growing region, where the Douro and its surrounding landscape are at their most picturesque. We later enjoy a typical port wine tasting at the Quinta da Roeda this morning. Here, you'll have a wonderful view over Pinhão and the beautiful valley below. After a short tour, you may taste something special for this vineyard - the Pink Port. Upon our return to our ship, we set sail towards the hilly landscape of the Parque Natural do Douro, where we find Barca d'Alva, a tranquil village that serves as this evening's port of call.

Day 4

Join us for our included excursion into beautiful Salamanca today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the classical heart of Spain. Walking through centuries of history, art, and knowledge, you'll find its famous university, one of the oldest in Europe, and the city's two cathedrals made with characteristic golden stones. A visit to the Plaza Mayor is also a must; formally a bull ring, this huge square is complete with a granite floor and mighty archway, creating a real spectacle - especially when everything is beautifully illuminated in the evening. No wonder, that it is considered to be the most beautiful place in Spain. Tonight, our ship will dock in Vega Terrón, where the Agueda joins the Douro, which forms the natural border between Spain and Portugal.

Day 5

Enjoy a free morning to relax onboard A-ROSA ALVA or explore the walks surrounding Vega Terrón. During lunch, we make our return journey westbound along the Douro, where we return to Pinhão this evening.

Day 6

We head for Régua, the largest city on the banks of the Douro, this morning as breakfast is served as we sail. The town played a fundamental role in the production and marketing of port wine - which was transported away by sailing boat - as early as the 18th century. After free time to explore, we set sail for Leverinho, a rustic town in the picturesque Douro Valley and known for having stunning sunset views.

Day 7

After breakfast, we set sail for Porto, a mesmerising city carved in granite cliffs. In Porto, you'll find a lively UNESCO World Heritage old town, imposing architectural sights, Portugal's highest church tower - perfect for sweeping views of the city - and six magnificent bridges, each with unique vantage point of the river that flows through it.

Day 8

Today, your eventful river cruise comes to an end. Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before we return to Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport for our flight back to the UK. Upon our arrival at Gatwick, we return home by coach.