Rhone and Douro Discovery

On arrival in Lyon, be transferred to your ship. Explore the impressive social spaces and settle into your suite this evening. Later, enjoy meeting your fellow travellers and dedicated crew at a welcome cocktail reception. Stay Six Nights: MS Van Gogh (D)

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Lyon, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine. Traverse the city and ascend Fourvière Hill to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, affectionately known by locals as the upside-down elephant. Next, visit Vieux Lyon to admire the alluring buildings of the Old Town. Indulge in a tasting at Paul Bocuse's Les Halles de Lyon and savour the best regional fare, including local sausage, cheese, and a glass of wine. Return to the ship and set sail along the Saône River to Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or for a special Insider Experience later this evening. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - French Gastronomic Experience at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Delight in an authentic French meal at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges. Discover the innovative and unique approach to cuisine that earned Bocuse three Michelin stars. Taste exceptional dishes reflecting the gourmet chef's love for fresh, high-quality ingredients, all meticulously prepared by world-class chefs. Set in a spectacular location, this experience is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

Arrive in the port of Tain L'Hermitage this morning. Perhaps embark on an optional tour of the Cité du Chocolat. Cruise to the attractive city of Avignon, rich in Provençal character and history. Relish an evening of lively onboard entertainment. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Cité du Chocolat Delve into the world of chocolate on a tour of the Cité du Chocolat. Learn about this popular treat with interactive exhibits and taste samples at the Valrhona Discovery Centre.

Today, set out on a guided tour of Avignon, once an integral centre of the Catholic Church. Visit the medieval Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site along with Avignon's historic city centre. Learn about the palace's history as a fortress, church, and papal residence, and admire its breathtaking architecture. Reboard your ship and continue towards Arles. (B/L/D)

Spend time at leisure today in the beautiful city of Arles, a World Heritage-listed site renowned for its rich collection of ancient Roman relics and remarkable cultural heritage. Perhaps embark on a full-day excursion to the Camargue. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - The Camargue Explore the stunning coastal region of the Camargue, home to diverse flora and fauna. The marshes, ponds, and seashores provide a rich habitat for various species. Visit a traditional manade, a farm where herders train horses and raise cattle, and discover the unique rhythms of life in this wild landscape.

This morning, head out on a guided tour of Viviers, accompanied by an expert. Immerse yourself in the history of this charming city and visit the House of Knights to admire the intricate details of its Renaissance-style façade, despite its title as the smallest cathedral in France. Next, stop at Saint Michel Tower and the Great Seminary before taking in the sensational vista of Viviers from the overlook.

After, relax on board as you cruise towards La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Alternatively, join an optional coach tour to the stunning Gorges de l'Ardèche. Enjoy a Gala Dinner on board your ship tonight. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Gorges de l'Ardèche Embark on a panoramic coach tour to the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a 30 km canyon carved over millennia by the Ardèche River. Marvel at the powerful forces of nature that have shaped deep valleys, cliffs, and captivating limestone formations. Stop to view the Pont d'Arc, a natural stone arch rising 100 feet above the river, offering extraordinary views of this awe-inspiring landscape.

After breakfast, it is time to depart your Rhône River cruise. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Lisbon, Portugal's invigorating capital. Upon arrival, be transferred to your centrally located hotel and enjoy free time. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon, Altis Grand Hotel or similar (B)

Explore the historic Alfama district and visit the impressive Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to marvel at the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure. You might like to join an optional visit to nearby Sintra. (B)

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

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. Stay Seven Nights: aboard your river ship, the MS Estrela (B/D)

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, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you'll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language.

This afternoon, 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'll enjoy an Insider Experience. (B/L/D)

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

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. (B/L/D)

Today, you'll disembark and board a coach bound for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, boasting sunlit sandstone buildings, a majestic city square, and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach across 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 barbecue dinner. (B/L/D)

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

Join an excursion to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Tour this living museum and discover the connection between the beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus rosé wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, now docked in Régua. (B/L/D)

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 at your leisure. (B/L/D)

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.

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 to step back out and explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city's historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends. (B/L/D)

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 other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

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