Travel Dates
Departing 18th Apr 2026
Package Provider: APT Luxury Travel
Package Type: Package
Region: Europe
Duration: 16 Nights
Begin your journey in the vibrant Spanish capital of Madrid before embarking on a seven-night cruise along the Douro River aboard the MS Estrela. Discover the highlights of Portugal's Douro Valley as you explore medieval towns and sample local fare. Visit Palácio da Bolsa and experience a wine tasting at Quinta da Aveleda.
Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 18 April – 04 May 2026
Solo traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant
Madrid’s Royal Palace Expert Guided Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
Discover and enjoy the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the kings of Spain, with a Skip the line entrance and a professional guided tour. Marvel at the splendour of one of Europe’s best-preserved palaces.
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Segovia with Transfers
You have always wanted to do this. A lifetime adventure in one of the most stunning scenarios for a Hot Air Balloon Flight in the world.
Porto Highlights Segway Tour
Who doesn’t like to escape routine and visit a new city or country? Even if only for a weekend, exploring a city as beautiful as Porto is enough to re-charge everyone’s batteries.
Braga Private Walking Tour
Braga wonders with the charm of an ancient as well as modern city. The name stems from the Proto-Celtic word “Bracara”, home of the Bracari Celtic tribe, who lived in hillside forts known as the “Castro culture” until these were subdued by the Roman empire.
Cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Madrid
Arrive in the Spanish capital of Madrid and be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: Vega de Terron - Pinhão
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhão, where your ship will dock overnight.
Day 4: Pinhão - Régua
Visit Pinhão 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, be awed by the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before you as your ship cruises through the heart of the Douro Valley region to Régua. Soak up the serenity of this enchanting setting as you glide past terraced vineyards and lush, rolling hills.
Day 5: Régua
Enjoy a full day in Régua, where you’ll have a choice of sightseeing options before a special Signature Experience.
Freedom of Choice – Tour Lamego: Set among hills adorned with vineyards in the Alto Douro region, Lamego is a charming town. On a guided tour, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego.
Freedom of Choice – Visit Palácio de Mateus: Embark on a trip to Palácio 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 being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine.
Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca: Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in the Lamego municipality, the prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features 75 hectares of vineyards.
Day 6: Entre-os-Rios
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.
Freedom of Choice – Tour Guimarães: Explore the historic city of Guimarães with a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Freedom of Choice – Winery Tour and Tasting: Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Vinho Verde wine region since the 1870s. Explore the gardens and round off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
Day 7: Entre-os-Rios - Porto
Arrive in the charming city of Porto in the afternoon. Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride before enjoying a Signature Experience in the evening.
Signature Experience – Fado performance in Palácio da Bolsa: Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Day 8: Porto
Spend a full day discovering Porto. Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity in the morning before enjoying the afternoon at leisure. During your final night on board, your river ship offers the best vantage point to take in the city's beautiful sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
Freedom of Choice – Cooking Demonstration: Porto is famous for its delectable cuisine and you can discover its culinary heart with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration.
Freedom of Choice – Port Tasting: Visit Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto's famous Port wine cellars. Here, you'll visit Taylor's Port, which was established over three centuries ago and is one of the oldest founding Port houses. Take a guided tour of the recently renovated 300-year-old cellars followed by a Port tasting.
Day 9: Disembark Ship - Depart Porto
Today, your sensational journey through the Douro Valley comes to an end. Following breakfast, be transferred to the airport.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.