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Colours of Spain with Douro Discovery

21 Days Barcelona to Porto
Colours of Spain with Douro Discovery
Colours of Spain with Douro Discovery
Colours of Spain with Douro Discovery

Overview

Travelmarvel
Cruise Operated By:
 (424) Reviews Total No. of Tours & Cruises 208
Visit some of Spain’s most vibrant cities, including Barcelona, Madrid and Granada. Then embark on a seven-night cruise along the stunning Douro River, discovering more glorious sights in Portugal and Spain.
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Our Price From
A$13,734 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $1,713 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

21 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Barcelona

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Porto

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
MS Estrela
Trip Reviews
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Passengers
Passengers

120

Ship Launch
Launched

2024

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

EUTCOPS21

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a delightful Welcome Dinner.

Accommodation: Barcelona, Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864 (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Dinner

Explore Barcelona's famous landmarks on a city tour today. Drive to the famous Montjuïc Hill, visit the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, then admire the striking exterior of the iconic Sagrada Família. On foot, your guide will take you through the Old Town and show you the wonders of this beautiful city.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today, travel by train to Madrid, Spain's lively capital. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore before sitting down to a tapas dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Radisson RED Madrid (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On a guided tour this morning, visit Palacio Real, residence of the Spanish Royal Family, then see a selection of Madrid's best-loved attractions. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps wander the lawns of Parque del Retiro or browse the Prado Museum.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today, travel to Toledo for an escorted tour. Explore the Old Town's winding cobbled streets and its majestic 13th-century cathedral before continuing to Córdoba.

Accommodation: Córdoba, NH Amistad
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a guided tour of Córdoba, during which you'll admire the Mezquita of Córdoba, a medieval mosque converted to a cathedral. Continue to Granada, where you'll embark on a tour with an expert guide. Experience a revival of grand Spanish hospitality at Hotel Alhambra Palace.

Accommodation: Granada, Alhambra Palace Hotel or similar (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, pay a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Granada.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Ronda, stopping along the way for your authentic Insider Experience. Set off on a guided tour of Ronda and see the Puente Nuevo and the Plaza de Toros.

Insider Experience - Local Olive Oil Farm Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients.

Accommodation: Ronda, Catalonia Ronda
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning after breakfast, travel to Jerez and visit the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Then, continue to Seville.

Accommodation: Seville, Catalonia Santa Justa (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, experience the beauty of Seville with a local guide. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enter Portugal and stop to admire the architecture of World Heritage-listed Evora, before arriving in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Accommodation: Lisbon, Altis Grand Hotel or similar (Three Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Explore the Alfama district and visit the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to see the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the historic Belém Tower.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps Enhance Your Journey with an optional visit to nearby Sintra.

Enhance Your Journey - Sintra Travel to the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace.

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you'll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

Accommodation: aboard your river ship, the MS Estrela (Seven Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, you'll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you'll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language.

This afternoon you'll visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal's best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town's famous specialties, Bola de Lamego, a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you will enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Portuguese Quinta Dinner Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you'll board a coach and return to your ship.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll disembark and board a coach to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over the border to Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbeque dinner.

Insider Experience - Flamenco Show Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch and be entranced by captivating flamenco dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, which is now docked in Régua.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town as you please.

Insider Experience - Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal's most famous tipple.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city's iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there's ample time for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city's historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can take an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Guimarães Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality'. See Guimarães Castle and and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

  • Olive Oil Farm Lunch: Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients.
  • Portuguese Quinta Dinner: Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.
  • Flamenco Show: Enjoy Seville's flare for flamenco at the Flamenco Dance Museum.
  • Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting: On arrival in Régua, head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you'll enjoy a tasting of local port wine, Portugal's most famous tipple. 

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Prices are for land/cruise and rail only. Flights are not included unless specified

Life On Board

APT
 (478) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 251
APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel more companies.

From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.

Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
MS Estrela
MS Estrela

Wind through heavenly scenery and discover Portugal by river aboard a brand-new Travelmarvel river ship, the MS Estrela, launched in 2024. Cruise through the sun-kissed Douro Valley, visiting riverside villages and family-owned quintas.

Cruise Inclusions
Cruise Inclusions

Onboard water stations, tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer & local wine during lunch and dinner are included, along with transfers, tipping and the services of your Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides.

Onboard Dining
Onboard Dining

Experience a delicious range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours, expertly prepared by chefs on your river ship. Dine in the main restaurant, savour a light meal in the ship's lounge or dine alfresco on the main lounge's deck.

Trip Reviews (1)

Travelmarvel Reviews
Reviews 1 Review
Average Rating 5 out of 5
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Wonderful trip through Spain, Portugal & the beautiful Douro River   11 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2018
We had the most wonderful holiday with Travelmarvel. All of their guides were very knowledgeable and approachable, nothing was a trouble. This trip was not like any other coach trip we have been on where you arrive at a place only to find 2 or 3 other coaches already there. Travelmarvel took us to places where we were the only ones there, it was wonderful. read more All our accommodation was either 4 or 5 stars, a little out of the city centre which was less hectic. We could not have asked for better weather, not a drop of rain, temp between 25 and 30 most days.

Highlights for us, oh sooo many. Let's start with the helicopter flight over Barcelona, a must do. Then there's the home-cooked meal we had in the kitchen of a local Spanish family on the way to Marbella, just fabulous. Next was the visit to Sintra and Cascais where we had lunch at the seaside. Onwards and upwards to the beautiful Douro Serenity, what an elegant ship with happy and friendly staff.

The Douro river is so beautiful dusted with vineyards along the way and quaint villages which we visited. If you like doing a lot of walking then this is the trip for you as the tours through the different villages take up at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours walking. We have come away from this tour making some wonderful new friends who will we keep in contact with via Facebook.

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Travelmarvel Europe (2026) Brochure

Travelmarvel Europe (2026)

Travelmarvel offers a diverse range of travel styles across Europe, allowing you to tailor your journey to suit your pace and preferences - whether by river, rail, road or sea. Glide along scenic waterways aboard state-of-the-art ships, uncover coastal gems aboard the intimate MV Princess Eleganza, or explore Europe's rich cultures and landscapes by more coach and rail. You can even combine multiple travel styles for a deeper, more immersive discovery. With centrally located hotels, small group options capped at 24 guests and personalised service throughout, Travelmarvel ensures every journey is unforgettable, enriching and comfortably your own.

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $13,734
From $14,709
From $16,081
Friday 16 Apr 2027 16 Apr 27 Barcelona
Thursday 06 May 2027 06 May 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$15,792
Save $1,703
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 14 May 2027 14 May 27 Barcelona
Thursday 03 Jun 2027 03 Jun 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$16,086
Save $1,709
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 21 May 2027 21 May 27 Barcelona
Thursday 10 Jun 2027 10 Jun 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$16,086
Save $1,709
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 18 Jun 2027 18 Jun 27 Barcelona
Thursday 08 Jul 2027 08 Jul 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$15,204
Save $1,691
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 16 Jul 2027 16 Jul 27 Barcelona
Thursday 05 Aug 2027 05 Aug 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$13,734
Save $1,661
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 06 Aug 2027 06 Aug 27 Barcelona
Thursday 26 Aug 2027 26 Aug 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$14,518
Save $1,677
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 03 Sep 2027 03 Sep 27 Barcelona
Thursday 23 Sep 2027 23 Sep 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$16,282
Save $1,713
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 01 Oct 2027 01 Oct 27 Barcelona
Thursday 21 Oct 2027 21 Oct 27 Porto
Details
MS Estrela
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$16,086
Save $1,709
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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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