£2099pp—Douro River cruise in balcony cabin w/home transfers

Discover the Douro Valley's remote landscapes, rural wine estates, and Medieval villages during this 7-night river cruise which includes excursions in every port. All meals and drinks are covered, as well as transport throughout—right from your front door.

What’s included

• Door-to-door UK transfers
• Return flights from London Gatwick, with checked baggage
• Transfers in-destination
• 7-night cruise onboard Spirit of the Douro, in a Twin cabin with French Balcony
• All-inclusive board, including all meals, drinks, and snacks
• Seven included excursions
• Gratuities and Wi-Fi
• Travel insurance**

These cruises are designed for members aged over 50, plus travel companions aged over 40.

When
Depart from London Gatwick on 21 November, 2024.

Depart on 14 November, 2024, from £2229 per person, or on 7 November, 2024, from £2299 per person.

For more information or to book online, see our partner's website. When booking online, the price on our partner's website will show the standard cabin price on the first two pages. The correct price will show when you choose your cabin.

Itinerary 
Join the Spirit of the Douro in Porto. Meet your fellow passengers at welcome drinks and spend time settling into your cabin, ready to set sail the next morning.

By the following afternoon, you'll arrive in Régua, where you'll visit the baroque Mateus Palace, famous for its impressive art collection and beautifully manicured formal gardens. Afterwards, return to the ship for a Portuguese folk music show. 

From Régua, sail to Pinhão for a visit to a winery in Favaios followed by dinner in a nearby "quinta". The next day, cruise into Spain and moor in Vega de Térron overnight. Spend the day exploring Castelo Rodrigo, a hilltop Medieval village lined with boutiques and charming cafés. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Rocamadour, once a stop-off point for pilgrimages.

While still moored in Vega de Térron, visit the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca. You'll be guided to the Plaza Mayor and will take in a traditional flamenco show at a local restaurant. The ship will then sail to Pocinho in the evening, while you enjoy a Portuguese dinner on board.

Returning to Régua, you'll call at the Medieval village of Lamego. You can choose between touring the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies or visiting the city's Gothic cathedral. This evening, you'll continue to Bitetos and can look forward to a farewell dinner aboard Spirit of the Douro. 

Finally, sail back to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, for a visit to a local port wine cellar. Learn about how they produce this famous tipple, and finish by sampling some for yourself. There will also be a coach tour of the city, so you can learn more about Porto's history. 

About the ship
The Spirit of the Douro is an intimate 5-star river ship with 63 cabins. All cabins are outward-facing with river views, and are equipped with a television, a hairdryer, and tea and coffee-making facilities. You'll sail in a Twin cabin with French Balcony, so you can open the windows to really take in the views as you sail. 

Admire the passing scenery from panoramic windows as you dine in the restaurant—breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinners are served here, and a selection of house branded drinks are also included. There's a lounge bar on the upper deck, and drinks are included throughout your cruise. Also onboard is a fitness room, a spa, and a large sun deck with lounge chairs and a splash pool.

Wi-Fi and gratuities are all included, plus daily excursions and a chauffer service from your home address. 

Transfers & baggage
Door-to-door UK transfers, transfers in-destination, and a checked-baggage allowance of up to 23kg per person, return, are included.