Excursions to Portugal (Douro)

Perhaps one of the most popular of our destinations, Portugal is revealed to you over the Douro. Departing from Porto, you will sail from the Atlantic to the heart of the country , the Douro Valley. In fact, the Golden River draws sumptuous curves in the hilly landscape of the centre of the country, where terraced vineyards impose order and architecture to the scenery. The quintas (artisanal vineyards) are, with the picturesque and isolated villages, the only few people living in this landscape as vast and sublime as it is wild.

Our cruises on the Douro, we designed them so that you do not miss any of the most beautiful sites of the country. After having seen Porto by day and by night, you will sail in the lands until you reach Salamanca, the golden city and "Small Rome", a city with immense heritage. On the way, our excursions will have taken you to Guimarães, one of the oldest towns in the country, or to Lamego and its sanctuary connected by no less than 700 steps. For wine lovers, it will also be possible to follow the Wine Route of Porto and enjoy some of the best local produce. You will also see Vila Real and the Manor of Mateus with the magnificent gardens.

Through our excursion you will discover the very identity of Portugal, and dive into the heart of its traditions and the rich heritage it has to offer.

12 excursions available

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The douro museum and olive oil and wine tasting in a quinta.

This tour will begin on foot, accompanied by our onboard host or hostess. The first stop is the Douro Museum to learn about the passionate history and winemaking heritage in the region. Afterwards, we'll leave by coach for the Quinta do Tedo, a magnificent 18th-century estate that offers dramatic views of rivers on each side of the terraced hill it sits on. We'll visit the estate and enjoy a tasting of its wine and olive oil.* PLEASE NOTE *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation. If not available, visit another quinta. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

Included

Hike along the Douro River

Join us for this magnificent hike along the Douro towards its estuary and the Atlantic coastline found just to the south. You’ll get some great views of the ocean. You’ll be transferred back to Porto by coach from Lavadores. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 5 miles; no altitude difference. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h30Authentic

Included

Guided tour of Aveiro

Afternoon excursion to Aveiro by coach. Often called the "Venice of Portugal”, and known as the salt capital of Portugal, Aveiro is surrounded by salt marshes, beaches and lagoons and is dominated by the Central Canal that runs through the town. This little medieval town, built on a lagoon, expanded rapidly during the 15th and 16th centuries as a sea port thanks to cod fishing. It is also a center for baroque art with its many buildings and monuments. Aveiro has kept several of its typical boats with half-moon shaped prows, the "moliceiros”. Nowadays, Aveiro and its surroundings form a very significant industrial region with naval shipyards, engineering, iron and steel works, cellulose-producing factories, porcelain and pottery, and where salt production and fishing are still important activities. Its university is one of the largest in Portugal and there are also several further higher studies buildings. Aveiro is a bright and friendly little town with art-nouveau style architecture, brightly colored houses and charming little alleyways for you to take a lovely stroll. Afterwards, we'll set off for Costa Nova, a typical little fishermen town and former family-friendly resort which has now been restored. The resort is located between the beaches on the Atlantic coast and the lagoon and is open onto the ria. Here there are lots of traditional multi-colored, striped wooden houses lining the promenade which is also planted with palm trees. Return on board by coach in Porto. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

2h00Authentic

Included

Hike in the International Douro Nature Park

This hike will take place among the wild, mountainous settings of the park and offers magnificent views of the Douro and Spain. The steep banks are home to rich wildlife, especially various types of nesting birds of prey. Don’t forget your binoculars for this one! You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 9.32 miles (15 km); 1,738-foot altitude difference (530 m). The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h30Authentic

Included

Guided Visit of Lisbon and Panoramic Tour

We’ll spend the morning on a guided visit of Lisbon. Ruled by Germanic tribes beginning in the fifth century, captured by the Moors in the eighth century, Aphonso Henriques conquered the city during the Crusades, and it has since been the major political, economic, and cultural center of Portugal. The city spans seven rolling hills, and its colors, accents, and charm have not faded over the thousands of years it has existed. Discover the distinctive buildings and landmarks the Belém District, including its famous tower and the Jerónimos Monastery—the most prominent example of Late Gothic Manueline architecture in the country. The imposing monastery also houses the Maritime and National Archeology Museums. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Lisbon (known as Portugal’s “City of Lights”) and discover the São Jorge Castle, as well as the traditional neighborhoods of Alfama and Mouraria. PLEASE NOTE For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified. Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

8h00Authentic

Included

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Mateus Palace and the Douro Museum

We'll leave on foot for the Douro Museum to learn about the passionate history and wine-making heritage in the region, an experience combining traditional and modern approaches. We'll continue on by coach for Mateus Palace, a beautiful 18th-century manor in Vila Real. This baroque-style manor belonged to the same family until a foundation was set up to preserve it in 1970. The dramatic splendor and details of the complex offer a unique visual relationship between geometry and space. Enjoy a stroll through the magnificent tree- and hedge-lined gardens, which include a romantic Mexican-cedar topiary tunnel. After, we’ll return to the ship in Pinhão by coach PLEASE NOTE *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

Included

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Guimaraes

We'll leave by coach from Porto for Guimarães. With our guide, we'll begin the tour of this university town on foot to discover its historical treasures. We'll get the chance to discover the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Church (outdoors), the most important religious building in the city. The medieval heart of Guimarães is a labyrinth of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century buildings. We'll continue on to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza with striking architecture. The palace is closed on May 1 and Easter Day. At the end of our visit, we'll return on board in Porto. PLEASE NOTE The Palace of the Dukes of Guimarães is currently undergoing renovationwork. Guided tours of the interior are still taking place as scheduled,although some rooms are temporarily closed to the public. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

Included

Quaint Afurada

We’ll leave by coach for the mouth of the Douro River to set off on an atypical stroll to Afurada, located on the southern bank. We'll visit the Afurada Heritage Interpretive Center. The space was designed to keep the local traditions and livelihoods in the fishing village alive. Permanent and temporary exhibits showcase fishing tools and traditional clothes so that each visitor understands the daily life and cultural distinctions in the community. Enjoy some time on your own in this charming village. Lose yourself in the backstreets lined with colorful homes. Don't forget to sample delicious seafood dishes at a local tavern! We’ll return to the ship. PLEASE NOTE Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Experience

Included

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Guided tour of Lamego

Departure by coach from Regua to Lamego for a guided tour of the city center by coach and on foot. Lamego is a charming episcopal and commercial town where you'll get to discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary. This 18th century church stands out with its white façade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulejos. The first stone was laid on February 14th, 1750 and gave way to the construction of a massive temple overlooking the city and providing a breathtaking view over the misty mountains of the surrounding landscape. Return on board in Regua. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. Please dress appropriately to visit the sanctuary.

4h00Authentic

Included

Hike through the Portuguese vineyards

You’ll be transferred by coach to Sao Joao da Pesqueira, where you’ll set off for a full-day hike through the surrounding vineyards. This is a great way to get a feel for what nature in Portugal has to offer. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. PLEASE NOTE Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. Hike: Approx. 8.69 miles (14 km); 1,640-foot altitude difference (500 m). The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

Included

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Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo

Situated in the northern foothill of Marofa Mountain, in the middle of cultivated plains, this once-medieval town is a historic treasure thanks to the outstanding renovations that preserved the houses and important buildings. Here, we'll visit the Museu de Escalhão. Don't forget to take in the magnificent view of the valley. We'll return to the ship in Senhora da Ribeira. PLEASE NOTE The excursion lasts all day. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

3h30Authentic

Included

Explore Coimbra

We’ll leave by coach for Coimbra, once the medieval capital of Portugal and the site of the country’s largest university. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. Enjoy a guided visit of this charming city that cascades down the hillside to the Rio Mondego. You'll discover its laid back atmosphere, gorgeous medieval old town packed with history, narrow and picturesque streets, and majestic cathedral built in the 13th century (exterior only). PLEASE NOTE For optimal organization of your excursion, the order of the visits can be modified. Times are approximate and can change according to navigational conditions.

8h30Authentic

Included