Royal Douro Voyage

Arrival
Welcome to Lisbon - the fabulous capital of Portugal! Upon arrival, you are met by your private driver, who transfers you to the hotel for the check-in.

Please note:  The Hotel is not reachable by car and you need to walk 3-5 min 

The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Highlights of Lisbon Tour
After breakfast, you meet your guide and enjoy a panoramic walking sightseeing tour of Lisbon.

During the tour, you see the most famous attractions, including Restauradores Square with the Obelisk commemorating the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640.

Then you proceed to Baixa including Rossio Square, where you learn how the city was destroyed in 1755 by a massive earthquake, and then totally rebuilt to become the city of today. Continue to Alfama Lisbon’s oldest district to admire Se Cathedral - the city’s oldest church and Commerce Square before returning back to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

The Belem Quarter & Cascais Tour

Embark on a journey exploring the highlights west of Lisbon. Begin with a hotel pick-up  and head to the iconic Belém Quarter, where you’ll see the Belém Tower, Monument of the Discoveries, and Jerónimos Monastery from the outside.

Enjoy a traditional Pastel de Belém at the famous local bakery (at your expense) before continuing to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of continental Europe.

Then, visit the charming coastal town of Cascais, where you'll have a bit of free time. On your return to Lisbon, stop for an interior visit to the elegant Ajuda Palace before being dropped off at your hotel.

A perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.

*Please note that the Ajuda Palace is closed on Wednesdays. On this day, the visit will be replaced with a visit to the Palácio de Fronteira e Alorna.

Departure
After breakfast, you check-out from your hotel. You have some free time to continue exploring Lisbon on your own and buying souvenirs.

In the afternoon, your driver takes you to the train station where you take a train to Porto - the romantic second-largest city in Portugal (train tickets are included).

Arrival and Cruise Embarkation
Embark on your unforgettable Douro River journey at 6:00 pm from Gaia Pier. Enjoy a warm welcome cocktail as you meet the crew and fellow travellers. Savour your first dinner on board, followed by a lively Portuguese folklore music show that sets the perfect tone for the voyage ahead.

Overnight: On board at Gaia Pier.

Flavours of the Douro
Start your day with breakfast on board as the ship sets sail towards the charming village of Pinhão. Enjoy a “Culinary Delight” presentation and tasting while admiring the scenic Douro Valley landscapes. After lunch on board, arrive in Pinhão by early evening for a visit and dinner at a local Quinta, where you’ll experience the authentic flavours and wines of the region.

Overnight: On board at the Pinhão pier.

Exploring Castelo Rodrigo & Portuguese Night
Enjoy another day aboard the luxury cruise liner and take in the views of the breathtaking Douro Valley Wine Region - a famous UNESCO Heritage Site recognized as the best river destination of Europe. Today your ship sails to Barca D'Alva.

Following breakfast and lunch on board, you make a stop to explore the small historical Portuguese village Castelo Rodrigo together with your guide. From its lofty hilltop position, it looks down over the plateau stretching eastwards to Spain and northwards to the deep. The village boats historical monuments preserving important medieval references, including the 11th-century castle, the ruins of the Cristovao de Moura Palace and the 16th-century pillory.

After the tour, you return to your cruise ship and have a themed dinner with vintage Port wine bottle opening ceremony.

Overnight: On board at Barca d’Alva pier.

Lamego Tour & “Portuguese Night” Dinner
Begin the day as the ship sails toward Régua, enjoying breakfast on board while taking in the valley’s timeless beauty. Learn more about the region during the onboard presentation “Douro – River and Region”, followed by lunch.

Upon arrival in Régua, take a guided visit to Lamego with a tasting of local specialties. Later, the ship continues to Porto Antigo, where a festive “Portuguese Night” themed dinner brings the country’s spirit to life.

Overnight: On board at Porto Antigo pier.

Disembarkation & Departure
This is the final day of your Douro river cruise aboard the Spirit of Chartwell. The ship sets sail early toward Gaia.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as you take in the last views at sea. Arrive at Gaia pier by midday, where check-out and disembarkation mark the end of your journey.

Your driver meets you at the pier and transfers you to the airport for your flight back home.