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.

Lisbon Walking City 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.

You take a funicular up to the Bairro Alto and admire the view of the Mouraria district and the Sao Jorge Castle, the charming neighborhood of Chiado abundant in old cafés, shops, and theaters.

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.

Trip to Sintra & Visit to the Belem Quarter
Following breakfast you meet your driver-guide and start your journey on an exciting day-trip to one of Portugal's most beautiful destinations - UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra, that is famous for its fairy-tale castles and beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, you visit the Pena Palace (from the outside) with a round trip shuttle bus (up to the Pena Palace). Here you have some free time to admire the beauty of the Palace and take some amazing photos.

Then you have some free time for lunch (not included) before your driver-guide takes you back to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you visit the Belem Quarter, where you admire the Jerónimos Monastery (from the outside). You also make photo stops at the ancient Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoverers.

After the tour you are transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

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
Upon arrival, your driver meets you and takes you to the Vila Nova de Gaia pier to embark the luxurious Spirit of Chartwell.

In the evening, you are invited for a welcome cocktail on board the ship and later we welcome you to have dinner in the ship's restaurant. Overnight in Ribeira.

Visit to Mateus Palace
Today you have breakfast and lunch on board, while your ship sails to Regua.  

Upon arrival, you take a trip to Mateus Palace and Gardens - a gorgeous 18th-century palace considered to be a perfect example of Baroque architecture, located in the civil parish of Mateus, municipality of Vila Real. The palace has been made famous worldwide for being featured on the label of Mateus Rose wine and it is well worth a visit for a glimpse into the lives of the Portuguese aristocracy. Behind it are the Mateus Palace Gardens among the most beautiful in Europe, with box hedges, statues, and a spectacular cedar tunnel about 35m (115ft) long. 

After the tour you continue cruising to Pinhão. After arrival you have a dinner at a local Quinta. Overnight in Pinhão.

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 in Barca D'Alva.

Touring Lamego & Portuguese Folk Show
Today you have breakfast and lunch on board, while your ship sails from Barca D'Alva to Regua. Upon arrival, prepare for an exciting tour to Lamego. It is a charming city in Northern Portugal. Located on the shores of the Balsemao River, it is nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley. Elegant Lamego is infused with Baroque style and has numerous striking attractions, including a 13th-century castle, standing atop a hill, and the sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies with a 7th-century church.

After the tour, you return to your cruise ship and have dinner. As a special cultural treat, this evening you get to attend a unique Portuguese folk music show on board the ship. Overnight in Regua.

Disembarkation & Departure
This is the final day of your Douro river cruise aboard the Spirit of Chartwell. After breakfast and lunch, you will disembark from the ship at Gaia Pier. 

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