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Douro Explorer
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Douro Explorer
Our 7-night Douro Explorer Cruise provides the ultimate holiday experience complete with a sublime blend of history, architecture and wine. Taking you to some of Europe’s most iconic regions – including the wine capital of Oporto – the Douro Explorer Cruise is the perfect gateway to your getaway.
Enjoy 7 nights in the lap of luxury as the Douro River draws you to the marvels of Portugal and Spain, from Baroque historical sites to world-famous cities, to local restaurants serving exquisite cuisine.
Choose from a selection of excursions and itineraries masterfully crafted by Saga with you in mind, showcasing the paragons of each region in all their splendor. Prepare for the journey of a lifetime with the Douro Explorer Cruise!
4.5
from
397 reviews
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Cruise Line: Saga -
Ship: Spirit of the Douro -
Duration: 7 Nights
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Departure: Apr - Sep
Douro Explorer Cruise Prices
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Douro Explorer Itinerary
For 7 nights, let the Douro River show you the crowning glories of Spain and Portugal with a luxurious cruise to opulent and revered destinations. Savour every sight, smell and taste with excursions tailored to give you the best possible experience, both on-board and off-board the ship. Let the Spirit of the Douro be your home as you traverse the glorious Douro River and experience everything it has to offer.
Day 1
UK to Oporto
Fly to Oporto before boarding the Spirit of the Douro at Vila Nova de Gaia. Your ship will remain moored here overnight until your departure to Régua the following morning.
Day 2
Régua / Pinhão
After a morning of scenic cruising, arrive in Régua and embark on a visit to the Mateus Palace and its extraordinary gardens. Enjoy an introduction to the palace from your guide.
Re-board the Spirit of the Douro and sail to Pinhão. After dinner, enjoy a traditional Portuguese folk music show.
Day 3
Vega de Térron
Upon arriving at Vega de Térron, partake in an excursion to the civil parish of Castelo Rodrigo in the mediaeval hilltop village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Take time to explore the village and marvel at the Baroque church.
Back aboard the ship, anticipate a delicious, traditional Portuguese dinner.
Day 4
Barca d’Alva
Join an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, a city renowned for its historic university buildings crafted with opulent gold-coloured stone. The journey to Salamanca typically takes two hours, which will be filled with a commentary from your guide about the sights passing by.
Following some leisure time, you can have lunch at a local restaurant followed by a flamenco show. Afterwards, join a walking tour of one of the most impressive town squares in Spain, the Plaza Mayor.
Re-board your ship in Barca d’Alva and remain moored overnight.
Day 5
Cais de Espinho / Pinhão
Enjoy the scenic views as you depart from Barca d’Alva and sail to Cais de Espinho.
Upon arrival, you can visit either Quinta do Seixo or Quinta Luiz, which both include a tour and wine tasting.
Continue cruising to Pinhão and visit a local quinta for dinner during the evening, complete with entertainment and wine. Your ship will remain moored in Pinhão overnight.
Day 6
Régua / Bitetos
Arrive in Régua and travel via coach to one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal – Lamego. You’ll get to see the intricate Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. You’ll have free time to explore this breathtakingly Baroque church, as well as venture into the city, accessible via the staircase which consists of nearly 700 steps.
Or, you can take a coach to the city, wherein you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, re-board the Spirit of the Douro and sail to Bitetos, where the ship will moor overnight.
Day 7
Oporto
In the morning, enjoy a scenic cruise back to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city, which you can explore with a tour. The coach tour will include visits to the historic Sé Cathedral and a port wine cellar, where you’ll learn about the production of the renowned wine and get to indulge in a tasting.
Your ship will moor in Vila Nova de Gaia overnight.
Day 8
Oporto to UK
After breakfast, disembark the Spirit of the Douro and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
DOURO EXPLORER CRUISE SHIPS
Spirit of the Douro
DOURO EXPLORER RIVER CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
Beautiful scenery, great weather and amazing food and drink in some of the Douro’s prime ports.
Douro Explorer Cruise Review
Douro Explorer FAQ
How many passengers will there be on the Douro Explorer Cruise?
The maximum number of people the Spirit of the Douro can carry is 126 passengers.
What kind of activities can we expect to be available on the Douro Explorer Cruise?
Typical for countries as architecturally and culturally rich as Portugal and Spain, you will have the opportunity to embark on excursions to the finest regions of both countries, including Salamanca, Lamego, and smaller, more local wonders such as a wine cellar in Oporto. There’s something for everyone aboard the Douro Explorer Cruise.
What is the temperature of Portugal and Spain in summer?
On average, during the peak of summer, temperatures in Portugal fall within the 25 °C – 30 °C (77 °F – 86 °F) range. In Spain, the average temperature in summer typically falls between 25°C – 35 °C (77 °F – 95°F), though temperatures can exceed 35 °C in some instances.
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