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Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise

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Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 17,265 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,473 Per Person
 Trip Length
24 Days
 Trip Starts
Barcelona
 Trip Finishes
Madrid
24 Day Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Spain, Portugal
Our Price From 17,265 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,473 Per Person
 Trip Length
24 Days
 Trip Starts
Barcelona
 Trip Finishes
Madrid
24 Day Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Spain, Portugal
Trip Operator
Trip Style
River Cruise
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
EUPDCSP24
Trip Operator
Trip Style
River Cruise
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
EUPDCSP24

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 24 Day Spain and 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.
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 24 Day Spain and 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, Le Meridien

Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. Later, see the towering Sagrada Familia on a guided city tour. This evening, come together to share a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Start the day with a before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudí.

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, Petsana Plaza Mayor (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:
  • 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 or similar (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:
  • Perhaps be guided by a local biologist on an easy bike ride through the Ria Formosa National Park. Alternatively, enjoy sailing in the lagoon.

Ola and welcome to Portugal. Once you've arrived in Lisbon, you'll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city's iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos 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 welcome dinner. (B/D)

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and National 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 oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto. Stay Seven Nights: MS Estrela (B/D)

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Explore Porto's 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration, or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.
Signature Experiences:
  • Tonight you'll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, 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.

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Regua. Once you've arrived, you'll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.

After enjoying the experience your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhao. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • On a tour of Lamego, you'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip 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. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.

Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You'll then visit a local quinta.

This evening you'll be treated to the captain's farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you'll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Returning on board, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. 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 before continuing to your hotel in Madrid.

Tonight is yours to spend as you please. Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor (B/L)

Be transferred to the airport. (B)

Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Get to know everyone at a welcome reception. Stay Two Nights: Barcelona, Le Meridien

Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. Later, see the towering Sagrada Familia on a guided city tour. This evening, come together to share a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Start the day with a before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudí.

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, Petsana Plaza Mayor (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:
  • 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 Seville or similar (B/D)

On an exploration around Seville, see the royal palace of Alcazar, then admire the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower. (B)

Enter Portugal and head to the chic Algarve coast, a region renowned for its dramatic coastline and striking rock formations. Stay Two Nights: Algarve, Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort (B/D)

This morning, discover the nature and wildlife of Ria Formosa National Park. Then, take the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the facilities at your resort. Relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment. (B/D)

Journey to Lisbon today and enjoy free time on arrival. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz or similar (B)

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city's iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos 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 each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and National 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 oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto. Stay Seven Nights: the MS Estrela (B/D)

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Explore Porto's 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port. Alternatively, visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration, or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.
Signature Experiences:
  • Tonight you'll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Aveleda, 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.

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Regua. Once you've arrived, you'll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.

After enjoying the experience your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhao. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • On a tour of Lamego, you'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip 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. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.

Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You'll then visit a local quinta.

This evening you'll be treated to the captain's farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you'll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Returning to the ship, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. 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 before continuing to your hotel in Madrid.

Tonight is yours to spend as you please. Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor (B/L)

Your journey comes to an end today. Be transferred to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

APT Estrela
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.
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
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

APT Estrela
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.
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
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

Deck Plans

 
Category E
Window Stateroom
 
Category D
Window Stateroom
Lower Deck (Level 1)
 
Category C
French Balcony
 
Category B
French Balcony
Main Deck (Level 2)
 
Category A
French Balcony
 
Category P
French Balcony
 
Category S
French Balcony
 
Category OS
Owners Suite
Upper Deck (Level 3)
Sun Deck

Cabins

Category E & D (Window Stateroom)

The Window Staterooms (13.4 sq. m to 15.6 sq. m) on the Lower Deck of the MS Estrela offer a cozy retreat with its ensuite bathroom, personal climate control for tailored comfort, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Category C, B, A, P & S (French Balcony Suite)

Experience luxury and comfort in the French Balcony Suites located on the Main and Upper Deck of the MS Estrela. These suites feature electric slide-down windows opening to a French-style balcony, offering stunning riverscapes.

Each suite is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, personal climate control, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a blend of modern amenities and elegant living as you cruise along the scenic Douro River.

Category OS (Owners Suite)

The Owner's Suite on the Upper Deck of the MS Estrela is a pinnacle of luxury, offering an ensuite bathroom, personal climate control for your comfort, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

This suite combines elegance and modernity, ensuring a memorable stay as you navigate the beautiful Douro River.

Deck Plans

 
Category E
Window Stateroom
 
Category D
Window Stateroom
Lower Deck (Level 1)
 
Category C
French Balcony
 
Category B
French Balcony
Main Deck (Level 2)
 
Category A
French Balcony
 
Category P
French Balcony
 
Category S
French Balcony
 
Category OS
Owners Suite
Upper Deck (Level 3)
Sun Deck

Cabins

Category E & D (Window Stateroom)

The Window Staterooms (13.4 sq. m to 15.6 sq. m) on the Lower Deck of the MS Estrela offer a cozy retreat with its ensuite bathroom, personal climate control for tailored comfort, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Category C, B, A, P & S (French Balcony Suite)

Experience luxury and comfort in the French Balcony Suites located on the Main and Upper Deck of the MS Estrela. These suites feature electric slide-down windows opening to a French-style balcony, offering stunning riverscapes.

Each suite is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, personal climate control, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a blend of modern amenities and elegant living as you cruise along the scenic Douro River.

Category OS (Owners Suite)

The Owner's Suite on the Upper Deck of the MS Estrela is a pinnacle of luxury, offering an ensuite bathroom, personal climate control for your comfort, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

This suite combines elegance and modernity, ensuring a memorable stay as you navigate the beautiful Douro River.

Brochure

Europe

APT Europe (2024)

No matter how many times you’ve been, there’s always something new to discover in APT’s Europe. Whether you want to cruise the rivers, glide through landscapes by rail or coach, or get deeply immersed in art, culture, food and history in any number of amazing cities, APT is for you.

Brochure

Europe Preview

APT Europe Preview (2025)

In 2025, Australia's most outstanding global tour operator will raise the standard of luxury travel to new heights with the launch of two brand-new, ultra-luxury river ships, the APT Solara and APT Ostara. This sets a new dawn for APT and river cruising. No matter how many times you’ve been, there’s always something new to discover in APT’s Europe....more Whether you want to cruise the rivers, glide through landscapes by rail or coach, or get deeply immersed in art, culture, food and history in any number of amazing cities, APT is for you.

Availability

Wednesday 22 May 2024
Friday 14 Jun 2024
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $18,295
  N/A
Wednesday 03 Jul 2024
Friday 26 Jul 2024
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $17,895
  N/A
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 25 Sep 2024
Friday 18 Oct 2024
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $17,595 $17,265
Save $330 Enquire
Wednesday 22 May 2024
Friday 14 Jun 2024
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $28,545
  N/A
Wednesday 03 Jul 2024
Friday 26 Jul 2024
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $27,995
  N/A
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 25 Sep 2024
Friday 18 Oct 2024
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $27,445 $26,918
Save $527 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 30 Apr 2025
Friday 23 May 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $19,495 $19,127
Save $368 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Friday 20 Jun 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $19,495 $18,024
Save $1,471 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 25 Jun 2025
Friday 18 Jul 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $19,295 $17,826
Save $1,469 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 10 Sep 2025
Friday 03 Oct 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $19,695 $18,222
Save $1,473 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 30 Apr 2025
Friday 23 May 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $30,695 $30,103
Save $592 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 28 May 2025
Friday 20 Jun 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $30,695 $29,112
Save $1,583 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 25 Jun 2025
Friday 18 Jul 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $30,345 $28,765
Save $1,580 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Wednesday 10 Sep 2025
Friday 03 Oct 2025
Ship Name MS Estrela
From: $31,045 $29,458
Save $1,587 Enquire
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Base Cabin  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category D $ 395
Category C $ 1,095
Category B $ 1,295
Category A $ 1,495
Category P $ 1,695
Category S $ 2,095
Category OS $ 2,595
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Base Cabin  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category B $ 1,295
Category CT $ 1,295
Category P $ 1,695
Category S $ 2,195
Owners Suite $ 2,695
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
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.

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