PORTUGAL Porto
Douro River Cruise on the Royal Barge May 21–28, 2021 | from £3250 per person September 24 – October 1, 2021 | from £3275 per person with Martin Symington
• Sail aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, formerly Her Majesty’s Royal Barge, as it cruises along the ‘River of Gold’ • Take in the vineyards and historical towns of Portugal’s northern valleys • Learn about the history of port, Oporto and the Douro Valley
Our Tour Director, Martin Symington, BA, is a travel journalist who contributes to The Times and Wanderlust, and is the author of Dorling Kindersley’s guidebook to Portugal. Martin was born and raised in the region, and is a port expert.
Beginning our tour with an exploration of the old town of Oporto, we cast off for our voyage eastwards. Along the way, we will explore one of Europe’s most handsome Renaissance cities, Salamanca, and pay a visit to the 18th century Mateus Palace.
Port Lodge – owned by the Symington Family Estates – to discover and taste some of their fine vintage.
Our tour will also embrace some lesser-known delights, including the picturesque town of Pinhão, strikingly situated at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão Rivers, and the medieval hilltop town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. During an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Lamego, where Baroque mansions and churches grace the skyline, we will enter one of the country’s most majestic shrines – Our Lady of Cures – acclaimed for its monumental Baroque staircase. Continuing into Spain, we will explore Salamanca, famous for its honeycoloured buildings, ancient university, 18th century Plaza Mayor, and twin cathedrals, perched high above the River Tormes. The city has passed through the conquering hands of Carthaginians, Romans and Moors, a fact that is evident from its mix of architecture. Upon our return to Oporto, we will visit the historical Factory House of the British Association, and tour Graham’s 44
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Overall, this tour is not especially strenuous, and participants can easily opt out of the more difficult elements. Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1150 on TAP Portugal, arriving Porto 1400. Walking tour of Oporto (including cathedral and cloisters). Embark Spirit of Chartwell for seven nights. Overnight Oporto. Day 2 Cruise up the river through the Douro Valley to Entre-os-Rios. Continue to Régua for the Douro Museum and overnight stay. Evening lecture: Douro River & the Region. Day 3 Lamego: museum, Sanctuário Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Cruise to the riverside town of Pinhão for walking tour and overnight stay. Evening lecture: Port. Day 4 Sail past rolling hills and terraced vineyards to Barca d’Alva. Afternoon excursion to the medieval Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Evening lecture: Portugal’s History followed by Captain’s dinner on board. Overnight Barca d’Alva. Day 5 Whole day excursion to Salamanca (UNESCO World Heritage site): Plaza Mayor, Casa de las Conchas, Salamanca University, New Cathedral. Overnight Pocinho. Day 6 Morning cruise to Régua. Visit to Mateus Palace. Evening lecture: Portugal in the 20th Century. Overnight Porto Antigo.
Cost of May tour: £3250 Cost of September tour: £3275 Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded cabin, full board with unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee with lunch & dinner, shore excursions & admissions, crew gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, supplement for the Royal Suite £200 per person, double cabin for single use supplement £1795. TOUR CODES: DRR121 / DRR221 Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confirmation nearer the time.
The Spirit of Chartwell Refurbished for use by Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, the Spirit of Chartwell is the flagship vessel on the River Douro. This royal river barge, now based in Portugal, offers a spacious and sumptuous design with the finest interior furnishings. The vessel is fully equipped with a restaurant, piano bar, observation deck, and 14 comfortable outside-facing cabins, each with private facilities. Professional and highly attentive crew members provide unequalled service during this calm passage through the Douro River Valley.
Day 7 Morning cruise down river to Oporto: visit to the historical Factory House of the British Association and visit to Graham’s Port Lodge. Overnight Oporto. Day 8 Disembark Spirit of Chartwell. Some free time in Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Depart Porto 1755, arriving London Gatwick 2005.
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