Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise

Arrive in the Spanish capital of Madrid and be transferred to your hotel to settle in. Stay: Madrid, Pestana Plaza Mayor

Today, journey to the ancient city of Salamanca and embark on a guided tour. See the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before heading to Vega de Terron, located on the border of Portugal and Spain. Board your elegant river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Stay Seven Nights: MS Estrela (B/L/D)

Embark on a tour of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and visit the striking medieval castle ruins. Return to your luxurious ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight. (B/L/D)

Today, visit Pinhao Railway Station and delight in its blue and white tiled exterior. Known as one of the most spectacular railway stations in Portugal, it was built in the 19th century with walls adorned with traditional scenes depicting the production of port.

Afterwards, visit a local quinta, a family-run winery.

Later, your ship sets sail towards Regua. (B/L/D)

• Perhaps embark on a tour of Lamego and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Alternatively, head to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace's construction in the 18th century.

• Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional Portuguese lunch and sumptuous wine tasting, accompanied with stunning views over Regua and the Douro River.

• You may like to take a tour of Guimaraes, where you can discover the evolution of medieval settlement. Or perhaps visit Quinta da Avelada, a family-run winery established in the 1870s. Explore their beautiful gardens and savour a wine and cheese tasting from their selection of fresh produce.

• Tonight, head to the palatial Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

• You may wish to visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration. Alternatively, head out on an active walking tour through the charming medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.

fter you disembark from your ship, travel through Portugal's countryside towards Coimbra. Discover this preserved medieval city, home to the country's oldest and most famous university, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel. Stay Three Nights: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz (B)

This morning, set off to see the highlights of Lisbon. Take a ride on the city's iconic tramcars and visit the Old Town. Journey to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, symbolic of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. The monastery was built in 1502 by King Manuel I to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. (B/D)

Today, be awed at your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra. Magnificent views of mountains cascade from each direction, making every peak as memorable as the last. Explore King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before indulging in time at leisure to discover Sintra and enjoy lunch.

Afterwards, return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Make the most of your final night in Lisbon and head out to try one of the local restaurants for an authentic dinner. (B)

Travel towards the chic Algarve coast today, renowned for its alluring cliffs, attractive bays and pristine islands. Arrive at your hotel, your home for the next two nights. Stay Two Nights: Pine Cliffs Resort Algarve (B/D)

• Perhaps join a guided bike ride tour, led by a local biologist. Ride through the Ria Formosa National Park. Alternatively, enjoy sailing in the lagoon, surrounded by sandy beaches.

Cross the border into Spain today and travel to historic Seville. The Andalusian capital is known for flamenco dancing and Moorish architecture. Stay Two Nights: Gran Melia Colon Seville (B/D)

Today, explore the beautiful Seville. See the royal palace of Alcazar, then admire the Cathedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower. (B)

• Indulge in a visit to the extraordinary location of Ronda and head out on a guided exploration of this mountaintop village set above a deep gorge. Capture the vistas of the honey-coloured landscape divided by a deep ravine.

Embark on a guided tour to see the World Heritage-listed Alhambra, a location encapsulating Andalusian history. Be captivated by the Moorish architecture of this work of art that is part fortress, part palace. Admire the Court of the Lions featuring the restored Lion Fountain and wander through the beautiful Nasrid Palace complex with its opulent courtyards, reception halls and royal quarters. (B)

Today, savour a visit to an authentic Spanish olive estate and sample some of the finest olives that produce Spain's world-famous olive oil.

Afterwards, head to the city of Cordoba, a prominent Roman city. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio Cordoba (B/D)

This morning, set out on a guided tour of Cordoba. Visit the impressive Great Mosque of Cordoba and the historic Jewish Quarter. Delight in the unique architecture of the city, influenced by a melting pot of cultures and religions.

Later, enjoy time at leisure to explore more of this intriguing destination. (B)

Travel to Toledo and take a guided stroll through the city's the narrow streets, rich in history. As one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire, ancient Toledo is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, continue to Spain's capital, Madrid, where you will have the opportunity to sample the delectable local fare at a special tapas dinner tonight. Stay Two Nights: Pestana Plaza Mayor (B/D)

Enjoy a guided discovery of Madrid's icons. Head out to see the vast Royal Palace, the lush Buen Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The evening is yours to explore this vibrant city at leisure. Perhaps dine at one of the city's restaurants for authentic Spanish cuisine. (B)

Located in the heart of Madrid, visit the renowned Prado Museum, the main Spanish national art museum. Enjoy a guided tour before travelling by rail to the coastal city of Barcelona. Stay Two Nights: Le Meridien Barcelona (B)

• Begin your day with an exclusive before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudí. Situated in the Gracia neighbourhood of Barcelona, Casa Vicens is Gaudi's first major project and a brilliant example of his unique architectural style.

It is time to say farewell. After breakfast, be transferred to the airport. (B)