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Spain and Portugal Delights with Douro River Cruise

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Operated by Apt
Tripcode: EUPDCSP24
Overview
Destination:
Spain
Start:Barcelona, Spain
Finish:Madrid, Spain
Duration:24 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
River Cruise,
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
May 2025 - September 2026
Barcelona → Madrid

Our most in-depth discovery of Spain and Portugal. Begin in Barcelona by delving into galleries and architecture, with flamenco and tapas thrown in. Cross into Portugal’s chic Algarve coast then Lisbon and Porto before concluding on the Douro River.

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Standard inclusions
  • Experiences in 18 destinations
  • Seven nights on river ship MS Estrela
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions
  • A total of 45 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • Expert Tour and Cruise Directors
  • Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities
  • Take a before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudi
  • Feel the passion of a flamenco show as you graze on tasty tapas in Granada
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Barcelona

Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome reception.

Day 2 - Barcelona

Enjoy a Signature Experience this morning. Later, see the towering Sagrada Familia on a guided city tour. This evening, come together to share a welcome dinner.

Signature Experience

Start the day with a before-hours visit to Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Day 3 - Barcelona, Madrid

Farewell Barcelona as you board your train to Madrid. Upon arrival, art lovers will rejoice with a visit to the Prado Museum. Here, wander among fine works that are based on the former Royal Spanish Collection and feature pieces by Velazquez.

Day 4 - Madrid

The icons of Madrid are on show today, with a guided discovery taking you to the Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The evening is free for you to explore.

Day 5 - Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba

This morning, head to the narrow streets of Toledo as you take a guided stroll through the city’s rich history. Afterwards, continue the journey south to Cordoba.

Day 6 - Cordoba

Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the historic Jewish Quarter on a guided tour this morning. Later, enjoy some free time.

Day 7 - Cordoba, Granada

At an olive estate, sample some of Spain’s finest produce, before arriving in Granada.

Signature Experience - Flamenco Show

Tonight, in a local gypsy cave, feel the passion of a flamenco show as you graze on tasty tapas.

Day 8 - Granada

Explore the World Heritage-listed Alhambra on a guided tour. Part fortress, part palace, the Alhambra is a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. See the restored Lion Fountain and roam the Nasrid Palace complex.

Day 9 - Granada, Ronda, Seville

Travel to Ronda and embark on a guided exploration of this mountaintop village set above a deep gorge. Revel in the beauty of its vistas. Later, arrive in Seville, the Andalusian capital, for dinner.

Day 10 - Seville

On an exploration around Seville, see the royal palace of Alcazar, then admire the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower.

Day 11 - Seville, Algarve

Enter Portugal and head to the chic Algarve coast, a region renowned for its dramatic coastline and striking rock formations.

Day 12 - Algarve

This morning, discover Ria Formosa National Park on a local boat trip. Then, take the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the facilities at your resort. Relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment.

Day 13 - Algarve, Lisbon

Journey to Lisbon today and enjoy free time on arrival.

Day 14 - 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 Jerónimos 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 special dinner.

Day 15 - 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.

Day 16 - Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Embark Ship

Travel through Portugal’s countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country’s oldest and most famous university. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Your river ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.

Day 17 - Porto

The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.

Freedom of Choice — Porto Exploration

Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a scenic cable car ride, savouring panoramic views of the city below. Then, indulge in a tasting of the city’s famous port wines. Sample the rich flavours of the region.

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 — Walking Tour of Porto

Set off on foot for an active walking tour of Porto through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Stroll through cobbled streets and discover neighbourhoods of colourful 18th-century houses and quaint eateries.

Signature Experience — 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 18 - Porto, Entre-os-Rios

Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing option.

Freedom of Choice – Guimarães Tour

Explore the historic city of Guimarães, where the medieval settlement is on show during a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed 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 tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese. Test

Day 19 - Régua

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Régua. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.

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 Lamego county, the prestigious property features 75 hectares of vineyards, dating back to the 16th century. 

Day 20 - Régua, Pinhão

After enjoying the experience of your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhão.

Freedom of Choice – Lamego Tour

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 Palacio de Mateus

Embark on 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 being featured on the bottle labels of Mateus Rosé wine. 

Day 21 - Pinhão

Visit the 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. This evening, you’ll be treated to a captain’s farewell dinner.

Day 22 - Barca d’Alva, Vega de Terron

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stop to visit the castle ruins. Returning to the ship, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.

Day 23 - Vega de Terron, Disembark Ship, Salamanca, Madrid

Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. 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 your hotel in Madrid. Tonight is yours to spend as you please.

Day 24 - Depart Madrid

Be transferred to the airport.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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$17,624*
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23 nights
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