Summary
Short description
Explore the world-famous Douro Valley in small-ship luxury
Highlights
- Cruise among the historic Douro Valley's terraced hillsides & famous vineyards
- Explore with included vineyard tastings & walking tours in one of the world's premier winemaking regions
- Relax on board the brand-new S.S. São Gabriel, with stylish suites, a pool & spa
- Indulge in local cuisine, port and wine, including two gala dinners on board
- Discover the medieval gems & charming streets of Porto & Pinhao
In Brief
- 2 Nights Porto
- 2 Nights Pinhão
- 1 Night Salamanca – optional
- 1 Night Barca de Alva
- 1 Night Guimaraes
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Escorted tour | Food & wine | River cruise
The Douro River Valley abounds with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural beauty, and this luxury river cruise, which departs from Porto, sees you explore its most famed sites as you meander past archetypal terraced hillsides that frame charming villages and world-class vineyards. Pausing at quintas and local winemakers, you'll get to know Porto and Pinhão with included local walking tours and vineyard visits where you'll sample some of that world-renowned port. After a stop in Spain's Salamanca, head out on local walking tours to the cobblestone castle village of Castelo Rodrigo and historic Guimarães' UNESCO-listed Old Town. Alongside it all, you'll return each night to your river-view stateroom and all-inclusive luxury on board the brand-new S.S. São Gabriel.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Porto
After included airport lounge access to begin your trip in style, you'll board your flight to Portugal and arrive in Porto. On arrival, you'll be transferred to the port to board the new-for-2021 S.S. São Gabriel. Board and unpack in your lavishly-appointed, river-view suite – enjoying butler service throughout – alongside a sun deck, pool, lounge bar, spa and gym. Tonight, sample the first of your included meals with a delectable food and wine-paired menu inspired by the region.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: D
Day
2
Explore Porto
After breakfast, you've got the chance to explore the city proper. Choose from an in-depth Porto city tour – highlights include stops at the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, Clérigos Tower and hilltop cathedral – or a local-inspired walking tour. The latter will see you walk over the Ponte Dom Luis for panoramic views before hopping on Porto’s famed tram to the Clérigos quarter, Sao Bento Station and Cathedral Sé. Back on board, after time to relax on the pool deck or at the spa, head to the restaurant and lounge bar for a reception and dinner to be officially welcomed by the Captain.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: B L D
Day
3
Entre-os-Rios, Pinhão
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. After breakfast, head to the Douro Museum for a unique tour where you'll learn about the region’s geology and winemaking history, with several rabelos – boats that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto – on display. End the tour with a sample of some regional Douro wine before you travel along the winding, terraced-framed streets for lunch at a local quinta with spectacular panoramic views.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Pinhão
Sail to Pinhão through the pristine, UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley today before you head ashore for a choice of excursions. Perhaps taste excellent local port as you look over the valley with a tour of the prestigious local port wine estate Quinta do Seixo, or alternatively, head out on a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. The Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley is also well worth a visit, home to prehistoric and 17th-century carvings which you'll learn about at the Côa Museum before heading into the valley with a 4WD Jeep tour and hike.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Salamanca, Spain
Today's excursion visits the historic university town of Salamanca, by road. Best known for its sandstone buildings, myriad churches and Spain's oldest university, we'd highly recommend a walking tour of the 'Golden City', pausing at two cathedrals and the baroque gems of Plaza Mayor before heading to Salamanca’s food hall for a sample of chorizo, cheese, olive oil and ham for the perfect tapas lunch.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Barca d’Alva, Régua
It's back to Portugal today and the medieval gems of Barca d’Alva and Régua. Begin with a drive through the wonderfully scenic countryside, past lavender fields and almond groves, before a tour of the hilltop, medieval castle Castelo Rodrigo. Take in the panoramic views from its ancient stone walls before winding through the tiny cobbled streets of the below village for a stop at a local teahouse for local delicacies like honey, almonds, olive oil and cheese.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Guimarães, Porto
Sail back to Porto today and the historic town of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. A city tour affords you the chance to explore in depth, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, beautifully-preserved Old Town to the 14th-century gothic Padrão do Salado. Guimarães also has the youngest population of any city in Europe, so expect buzzing cafés and shops that line the streets, perfect for a leisurely lunch. Alternatively, opt for a walking tour of nearby Ribeira, where quaint cobbled streets, pastel-coloured townhouses and buzzing eateries look over the neoclassical gem of Palácio da Bolsa. As it's your final night on board, perhaps head for a sundowner on the deck with new-found friends before your final Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
Stay: S.S. São Gabriel
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Porto to UK
After breakfast, disembark before your transfer to Porto airport for your flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
8-day luxury river cruise
from £3,195 pp incl. flights
2025 departures from
Special Offer
Early booking offer - save 10% off selected dates: Save up to £360 pp.
Book by: 31 October 2024
Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK to Porto
- All transfers on arrival and departure days
- 7-night Douro River cruise in a riverview stateroom
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients including gala dinner
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- Internet and wi-fi access
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- Captivating onboard local entertainment
- Butler service in suites
Weekly Sunday departures from April to November. Price varies by departure date and stateroom availability, please call for details.
Why not consider adding a three-night Lisbon extension to your cruise, with transfers, hotel accommodation and a Lisbon city tour - please ask our cruise specialists for details.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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