Uniworld Cruise

Lisbon to Porto - Vineyards along the Douro

Portugal, a small country tucked into the corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by its much larger neighbor, Spain, changed the course of world history, leading to the “discovery” of many new lands. The Portuguese invented the navigation of the seas, so it’s only fitting for you to discover the warmth and friendliness of these very proud people as you travel along the Douro River. Before embarking on your cruise, enjoy Lisbon, a colorful entree to what lies ahead as you sail the river valley with steeped-terraced vineyards and picture-postcard landscapes. Stop in Coimbra, “Birthplace of Kings,” and Porto, the “City of Bridges.” Taste new wines from old village vineyards – Régua, Pinhão and Lamego. Stroll the UNESCO World Heritage City, Salamanca, Spain, and all along the way uncover a land of unspoiled beauty and charm.

Included Features

• 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom on Douro Queen
• 2-night Lisbon hotel stay including breakfast
• All meals onboard the ship
• 8 shore excursions with English-speaking guides
• Captain’s Farewell Dinner
• Exciting onboard entertainment and insightful lectures

Included Highlights

• Lisbon City Tour
• Coimbra Tour with Family Style Lunch
• Dinner at Solar da Rede
• Vila Real and Mateus Palace & Gardens
• Salamanca City Tour with Lunch
• Tour of Medieval Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Vintage House and Wine Academy
• Lamego Tour and Dinner at Alpendurada Monastery
• Porto City Tour

The Ship

Itinerary

Day 3 Lisbon
Your guided exploration of the city takes you to one of the most historical districts of the city, Belem, where you’ll see the Belem Tower, a fortress that kept careful watch over the great navigators who left Portugal to seek their fortunes elsewhere. You’ll relive the opulence of the former times with a visit to the Royal Coaches Museum, and the 16th-century ornate Jerónimos Monastery.

Day 4 Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto (embark)
En route to the Douro Queen, you’ll learn about Portugal’s third largest city on a tour of Coimbra, known as the birthplace to six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. You’ll enjoy lunch in a local Pousada, a family-run restaurant, before continuing on to Porto to meet the ship.

Day 5 Regua
Régua is the center for Port wine production, so it is only fitting that you spend a lovely evening savoring fine hearty cuisine and Port wine at Solar da Rede, a beautifully restored 18th-century pousada manor house, with a spectacular location high above the river.

Day 6 Regua (Vila Real), Barca d’Alva - Country Estates
Today, you’ll visit Vila Real or “Royal Village,” founded by a Portuguese king in the 13th century, and famous for its grand manor houses. You’ll also be enchanted with a visit to Mateus Palace and Gardens, a perfect example of Baroque architecture, with an impressive façade made up of beautiful pinnacles on the roof and ornate stairway, all reflected in a pond in front. During the afternoon, cruise to Barca d’Alva.

Day 7 Vega de Terron (Salamanca)
Salamanca is one of the loveliest and best preserved of the old Spanish cities. Your walking tour takes you through the narrow cobblestone streets, past beautiful plazas, and to the 12th-century Cathedral Vieja and the13th-century university. You’ll then lunch at one of the city’s wonderful restaurants.

Day 8 Vega de Terrón and Pinhão
Visit the small Medieval town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo with a parish church that dates from the 12th century. In the evening, you’ll visit the Vintage House and Wine Academy, where you’ll be treated to an informative lecture by an expert on the intricacies of Port, and of course, you’ll get to indulge in some of this country’s most celebrated beverage.

Day 9 Pinhão, Régua Lamego, and Bitetos
Be amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley as we cruise from Régua to Pinhão this morning. During the afternoon, tour enchanting Lamego, with several fine buildings, including the 18th-century pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora dos Remedios and an 11th-century castle. We’ll then sail to Bitetos, where you’ll spend an evening dining at a former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada. But first, join us for a Port wine cocktail on the monastery’s terrace with breathtaking views of the river valley below.

Day 10 Porto
The “City of Bridges,” is Portugal’s second largest city. Its charm stems from its dramatic position above the river, with gabled houses closely terraced on the hill. You’ll be guided through the Medieval city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then on to see the Romanesque Cathedral. Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Day 11 Depart Porto Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Cost of This Trip