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Discover the vibrant Spanish capital of Madrid and the ancient city of Salamanca. Uncover the breathtaking landscapes, terraced vineyards and quaint towns of Portugal's Douro Valley on a seven-night river cruise. Then, explore the highlights of Coimbra, Lisbon and Sintra.
Onboard MS Estrela
Come aboard the MS Estrela, APT's new custom-built river ship, designed to gracefully navigate the picturesque waters of the Douro River in Portugal. Purpose-built to offer unparalleled comfort and style, from its luxurious cabins to exquisite dining experiences, the MS Estrela promises an unforgettable journey through Portugal's enchanting wine country.
Inclusions
Highlights
Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Fado Performance in Palácio da Bolsa
Inclusions
Seven nights on the MS Estrela
Experiences in 10 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions
A total of 29 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
Expert Tour and Cruise Directors
Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena near the hilltop town of Sintra
Visit Palácio da Bolsa for a cocktail reception, followed by a traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Madrid
Once you’ve arrived in Madrid, 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, Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor
Day 2 - Madrid
Today you’ll enjoy the chance to tour Spain’s vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. This evening, savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
Day 3 - Madrid
Freedom Of Choice™
Maybe you’d like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Of course, if you’re more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.
Choose how you want to spend your time in Madrid today.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 4 - Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Embark Ship
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 Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner.
Stay: Seven Nights, MS Estrela
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5 - Vega de Terron, Barca d’Alva
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6 - Pinhao, Regua
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. Later your ship will sail to Regua.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7 - Regua
signature experience
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.
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.
Enjoy a full day in Regua where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing before a special Signature Experience.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
From the river looking up towards the hill covered in vineyards at Regua
Day 8 - Entre-os-Rios
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 sailing morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9 - Entre-os-Rios, Porto
Signature Experience
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.
Arrive in Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before sampling a few selections of port.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10 - Porto
Freedom Of Choice™
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.
On your final night on board, your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
Daily: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
A lady looking at the blue tiles depicting an image in the Chapel of Souls
Day 11 - Porto, Disembark Ship, Coimbra, Lisbon
Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
Stay: Three Nights, Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Daily: Breakfast
Day 12 - Lisbon
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 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 farewell dinner.
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
Day 13 - Lisbon, Sintra
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.
*Pricing is based on per person twin share and is subject to change & availability at time of booking, correct as of 25 February 2025. Pricing and savings amount is based on 14 July 2025 departure.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
