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Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
EUPDCSP23
Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 23 Day Spain & Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise. Discover the highlights of Spain and Portugal before boarding a Douro River cruise where you’ll visit towns including Regua, Salamanca and Porto.
Itinerary
Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Get to know everyone at a welcome reception. Stay Two Nights: Barcelona, El Palace Hotel
Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. See the towering Sagrada Familia on a city tour. This evening, come together to share a welcome dinner. (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Start the day with a before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudi.
Farewell Barcelona as you board your train to Madrid. Upon arrival, art lovers will rejoice with a visit to the Prado Museum. Here, wander among fine works that are based on the former Royal Spanish Collection and feature pieces by Velazquez. Stay Two Nights: Madrid, Gran Melia Fenix (B/D)
The icons of Madrid are on show today, with a guided discovery taking you to the Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The evening is free for you to explore. (B)
This morning, head to the narrow streets of Toledo as you take a guided stroll through the city's rich history. Afterwards, continue the journey south to Cordoba. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio Cordoba (B/D)
Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the historic Jewish Quarter on a guided tour this morning. Later, enjoy some free time. (B)
At an olive estate, sample some of Spain's finest produce, before arriving in Granada. Stay Two Nights: Granada, AC Hotel Palacio De Santa Paula (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Tonight in a local gypsy cave, feel the passion of a flamenco show as you graze on tasty tapas.
Explore the World Heritage-listed Alhambra on a guided tour. Part fortress, part palace, the Alhambra is a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. See the restored Lion Fountain and roam the Nasrid Palace complex. (B)
Travel to Ronda and embark on a guided exploration of this mountaintop village set above a deep gorge. Have your camera ready as you capture its vistas. Later, arrive in Seville, the Andalusian capital, for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Seville, Gran Melia Colon Sevilla (B/D)
On a Seville exploration, see the royal palace of Alcazar, then admire the Cathedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower. (B)
Enter Portugal and head to the chic Algarve coast for some rest and relaxation. Stay Two Nights: Algarve, Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort (B/D)
Choose from a range of sightseeing options today. (B)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- Perhaps be guided by a local biologist on an easy bike ride through the natural park. Alternatively, enjoy sailing in the lagoon.
Journey to Lisbon today and enjoy free time on arrival. Stay Two Nights: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz (B)
Set off to see the sights of Lisbon by riding the city's tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a special dinner. (B/D)
As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from every direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it's your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner. (B)
Travel through Portugal's countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country's most famous university. After a spot of sightseeing and free time for lunch, make your way to Porto. Board your river ship together and settle in with a special dinner. Stay Seven Nights: MS Estrela (B/D)
The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- On a tour of Lamego, you'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Otherwise, you might visit Quinta da Pacheca for a tasting.
Take a trip to Palacio de Mateus near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace's construction in the 18th century. It is also well-known thanks to the bottles of Mateus Rosé wine which feature the palace on its label. (B/L/D)
Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You'll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells. (B/L/D)
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you'll stop to visit the castle ruins. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local quinta for a cultural immersion. (B/L/D)
Cruise through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-Os-Rios. When you arrive, take the chance to visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese. (B/L/D)
Today gives you the chance to do what strikes your fancy the most. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- Explore Porto's iconic 16th-century Old Town before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, set off on foot for a hike through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Or, join a culinary walking tour.
- Visit Palacio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Your trip comes to an end today. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Trip Inclusions
APT Estrela
Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Estrela in 2024 – APT's brand-new river ship that redefines Douro river cruising.
All-inclusive. All taken care of.
From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more
Freedom of Choice
Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Spain & Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise' Reviews
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No hesitation recommending this tour 2 Mary & Mark W, NSW, Australia, Aug 2015
Fabulous tour, beautiful cruise and fantastic scenery. The only criticism is the coach used in Spain was not as comfortable as other coaches we have been on. The itinerary was good although we could have easily skipped our diversion to Faro for lunch and spend more time in Lisbon or Porto which would be a little more relaxing with less time travelling. ...read more The cruise was the highlight and APT do it so well. We have no hesitation recommending this tour.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
