An unforgettable Douro Valley cruise

What you need to know

Douro Discovery, 8 days, aboard MS Estrela

From £1,895 per person, based on twin share, departing 7th November 2024.

Save up to 35% across 2024 Douro Discovery departures (August to November 2024).

Offer valid for new bookings made before 31st March 2024.

This thrilling trip takes you along the glorious Douro from the iconic wine-producing city of Porto and back, exploring 11 villages, towns, and cities and enjoying all kinds of immersive encounters en route - many of them specially devised Insider Experiences that have been tailor-made for APT Travelmarvel’s guests and are exclusive to this itinerary. These include a fabulous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a local Quinta (Portuguese winery), a fiery flamenco performance, and a tasting of local port wine, Portugal’s most famous tipple.

Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain through Portugal and into the Atlantic, the Douro is bordered by magnificent vineyards. You’ll start and finish in Porto, visiting a local port winery for a tour and tasting as well as enjoying plenty of time to explore the city under your own steam – perhaps shopping for souvenirs in authentic boutiques or browsing the Mercado do Bolhão. You might also sign up for an optional excursion to the UNESCO-listed city of Guimaraes.

Other highlights of the itinerary include the delightful riverside town of Entre-os-Rios, a visit to the splendid 18th-century Gardens and Palace of Mateus, a living museum owned by the Count of Vila Real, connected with Mateus rosé wine, and a guided tour of the Douro Museum in Regua.

Your APT Travelmarvel cruise

The seven-night cruise takes place aboard the MS Estrela, a brand-new river ship that has been custom-built to cruise the majestic Douro and designed to reflect the beauty of this region, with ample natural light and a southern European vibe. Its outdoor spaces include a sun deck with a large swimming pool, a bar, loungers, and a putting green. Meanwhile, Estrela’s French balcony suites have an electric slide-down window that invites you to bask in the landscapes as you glide past them.

MS Estrela has a restaurant that showcases Portuguese and global flavours, and you can dine in the lounge or alfresco. There’s brilliant onboard entertainment, too, including Portuguese folk music and a fascinating history talk.

Meanwhile, throughout the cruise, you’ll benefit from the services of a Travelmarvel tour director, cruise director, and local guides. Also included in your package are seven breakfasts, six lunches, and seven dinners, with beer and local wine during lunch and dinner, plus unlimited tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

To book your APT Travelmarvel river cruise and tour, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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