Overview

An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers.

As you follow the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port. Explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. In Salamanca, Spain, you’ll see the city’s famous university. Return to Portugal with a visit to the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo and historic Guimarães. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!

Inclusions

Dining

• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• Gala Dinner
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

Excursions

• 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Guided “Do as the Locals Do” program
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
• Use of Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic S.S. São Gabriel
• Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites with hotel-style beds, draped in fine linens with a choice of pillows
• Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

• 2 countries: Portugal & Spain
• Multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• All transfers on arrival and departure days
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
• Captivating onboard local entertainment

Day To Day

Day 1: Porto (Embark)

Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro.

Day 2: Porto, Entre-os-Rios

Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose between two distinctively Portuguese ways to explore Porto.

Day 3: Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Pinhão

Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum.

DAY 4: Pinhão, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón

Head ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta. Later, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.

DAY 5: Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva

Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.

DAY 6: Barca d’Alva, Régua

Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish.

DAY 7: Régua (Guimarães), Porto

Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. Or opt for a leisurely walking tour through Ribeira’s quaint cobbled streets.

DAY 8: Porto (Disembark)

If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Porto Airport for your flight home.