Following the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port and explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. See the famous university of Salamanca, Spain, and visit the mountaintop village of Castelo Rodrigo.
Your journey ends in Lisbon, the city that launched some of the world’s most renowned explorers. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!
Itinerary
Porto (Embark)
Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Porto
Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose to explore Portugal on foot or by panoramic drive.
Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.
Porto Panoramic Tour
Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Take in the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, seeing its famous Moorish Revival-style Arab Room, during your panoramic tour. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously profoundly urban and moodily romantic. Colorful multistory townhouses sheathe the hills that climb precipitously from the Douro estuary, medieval alleys snake through UNESCO-designated neighborhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls—which were erected on Roman foundations—and baroque church towers crown the hilltops. The river itself cuts through the city on its way to the ocean, marked by a series of iconic bridges along the way. It meets its final destination at Foz do Douro, a district whose name translates to "Mouth of the Douro". Our tour will take us all the way here, where you can admire the Passeio Alegre with its promenade inspired by French architecture, see the Castelo do Queijo that juts out over the Atlantic, and drive down Boavista Avenue.
Do as the Locals Do: Porto Walking Tour
Depart by coach for Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where we will begin our long walk around town. Cross the upper level of the Ponte Dom Luis, Porto's eye-catching bridge, and arrive at the Cathedral "Sé." From there, we'll walk to the São Bento Station to see its famous azulejos murals, which portray the city's rich history. After that, head up the hill to Santa Catarina Street, a bustling shopping region full of beautiful cafes, shops, and historical landmarks.
To fuel our jaunt around Porto, we'll stop at the Bolhão Market for a taste of an important local treat and one of the city's biggest industries: canned fish. Finally, we'll make our way to the Clérigos Quarter on the way back to the ship through Ribeira.
Masterpiece Collection add-on experiences:
Let's Go: Porto to the Sea Bike Tour
$90 per person / €60 EUR onboard
The Douro River begins to open up from Porto as it makes its way to the Portuguese coast. Follow the river all the way to the sea and keep biking along the coastline for the most scenic cycling route this region has to offer—and that’s saying a lot. As you go, you’ll pass by the fishermen’s village of Afurada, bike the beaches of Gaia, and break for coffee and a treat at the Esplanada do Alex.
Régua
Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Later, discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. This evening, enjoy a Night Out with dinner at a local quinta.
Featured excursions included in your journey:
Douro Museum
The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Why? What makes Port the wine it is? Learn about the region’s unique geology and winemaking history—Romans planted vines in this region 2,000 years ago—at the Douro Museum. Exhibits laid out in buildings that were once home to Port winemaker Real Companhia Velha let you see how the process of making Port evolved over the centuries: You’ll find the tools of the trade and even a rabelo (a boat that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto) on display. An interactive map shows where the quintas are and how the region developed; and by sniffing vials of concentrated fragrance, you can learn to identify the many aromas that a good Port exhibits. It’s fun and informative—plus you can sample some regional Douro wine.
Lamego Walking Tour with Tasting
Lamego is known for a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of “Remédios" planted on top of one of the city hills and
reachable by a gorgeous staircase with 686 steps. During this experience, you’ll discover the importance of Lamego’s heritage to the valley. This is a very important area for the production of delicious sparkling wines and cold cuts, which you’ll be able to taste in the cozy and regionally typical atmosphere of a place called Presunteca, or the “Ham Library”
Nights Out: Dinner at a Local Quinta
Travel up winding roads with spectacular views—and breath-stealing drop-offs—for a traditional dinner bursting with regional flavors. Your hosts: the owners of a local quinta, a Portuguese analogue for the French "chateau" or English "estate".
Masterpiece Collection add-on experiences:
Cooking with the Condessa
$375 per person / €245 EUR onboard
Today, the Countess of Feira welcomes you to her estate, the beautiful Viscondes da Várzea, for a lesson on traditional Portuguese cooking. As you prepare a meal using delicious local ingredients and wood-burning stoves, picture the soirées that this kitchen has fed for generations. Share in the Countess’s passion for homegrown cooking as you prepare such Portuguese classics as Bola de Lamego (stuffed bread), Caldo Verde (soup made with potatoes and leafy greens), and Leite Creme (the Portuguese iteration of crème brûlée or flan). Savor your meal with a glass of the estate’s red or white wine.
Pocinho, Vega de Terrón
Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.
Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.
Castelo Rodrigo
Ride through wonderfully scenic countryside—the region is noted for its honey, which derives its flavor from the fields of wild lavender and the almond groves you’ll pass—to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both a castle and the village it shelters. The castle ruins stand high atop Marofa Mountain, telling the tale of border strife and Portugal’s struggle for independence in a single structure. Construction on the citadel began in 1209 under the auspices of the king of Leon, but it became part of Portugal within a century—though its local lords sided with Spanish rulers from time to time over the next four centuries. That’s why the palace adjoining the castle lies in ruins: Outraged citizens destroyed it after its lord sided with Castile. Take in the amazing view from the ancient stone walls, then step down through the tiny cobbled lanes of the village, passing the old pillory, the Manueline church, and the town’s market square. It’s not all history, of course. You’ll also get to sample delicious local treats, such as honey, almonds, olive oil and cheeses, and a newly restored tea-house invites you to relax over a cup of tea or a cool drink.
Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
Ready for an expedition worthy of Indiana Jones? Today’s your chance. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Côa River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer, and aurochs that span eons. The oldest images etched into the schist walls around the river date to approximately 22,000 to 20,000 BC, with younger carvings ranging from the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze ages to the 17th century—images that represent human interaction with the natural world for more than 30,000 years. Learn about this amazing area and see the original rock art for yourself when you visit the Côa Valley with your knowledgeable guide. It will be an illuminating adventure. Note: Exploring these sites will require sturdy hiking footwear and considerable physical fitness: You’ll take a four-wheel drive down dirt roads and hike into rocky and hard-to-access locations.
Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva
Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.
Featured excursions included in your journey
Salamanca - The Golden City and Spain's Oldest University
Called the “Golden City” for its tawny sandstone buildings, Salamanca boasts a dozen beautiful and historic churches, including two cathedrals: the new one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and can only be entered from the New Cathedral. Walk with your guide through Plaza Mayor, lined with wonderful baroque buildings, to the university, which was founded by Alfonso IX in 1218. The ornate plateresque façade is stunning, and the interior rooms you see are equally beautiful. You'll have time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor or enjoy a bite to eat on your own before we drive back to the ship. Your guide can recommend some excellent places to dine, whether you're looking for a typical tapas lunch or want to stroll the stalls of Salamanca's food hall (one of Spain's best).
Barca d’Alva, Pinhão, Régua
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Partake in a choice of excursions including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.
Select your choice of these carefully curated excursions, which operate at the same time.
Local Quinta Guided Tour with Tasting
As you journey through the hills to a local quinta, a prestigious Port wine estate and the oldest in the Douro River Valley, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. The stone terraces curving around the steep slopes hold soil that is largely the creation of human intervention: People have laboriously broken up the native silver schist stone over the centuries and turned it into usable sandy earth; it’s called “anthroposoil.” The process of producing Port wine is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity; the steepness of the slopes requires that grape vines be tended almost entirely by hand, but the wine itself is made using the most modern techniques. You’ll tour the estate to see its stainless steel and oak vats, Boutique Winery, and the historic wine presses, before proceeding to the terrace for a Port tasting with a view over the river.
Let's Go: Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta
Although many Port wine estates are owned by international corporations nowadays, the tradition of the family-owned estate remains strong. Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are tended and grapes harvested. Although some 80 varieties of grapes are approved for the creation of Port, six grape varieties dominate. Discover which ones are grown here and learn why.
Porto (Guimarães)
Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit.
Featured excursions included in your journey
Guimarães City Tour
Porto (Disembark), Transfer to Lisbon
Disembark the ship and board a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal’s picturesque countryside to Lisbon where you will check in to your hotel.
Along the way, we’ll stop in the charismatic city of Óbidos, where you’ll enjoy a couple hours of free time to explore and have lunch on your own. If you’d like help selecting an eatery, your Cruise Manager will be happy to make some suggestions.
Masterpiece Collection add-on experiences:
Portuguese Cooking Class
$230 per person / €150 EUR onboard
To visit Portugal is to fall in love with its food. And while Portuguese cuisine is not as widely known around the world as those of its nearby neighbors, you’ll return home raving of the dishes you enjoyed in this lively country. Share the flavors of Portugal with the ones you love by joining an authentic cooking class led by a local chef, who will teach you how to replicate some of classic dishes so you can replicate them at home for years to come.
Lisbon
Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to an iconic, locally made pastry.
Featured excursions included in your journey
Lisbon City Tour
When you gaze out at the Tagus River, tile-roofed houses climbing the hills behind you, you are looking at the port where Portugal’s empire began. Here the kings of the newly independent nation launched an age of exploration—and then poured the profits of their new trade routes and colonies into their capital. Do you see the square tower rising from the water? Belém (the name comes from Bethlehem) Tower, built in the 16th century to guard the port, has housed cannons, prisoners and royalty over the centuries; its ornamented façade might strike you as unusual for a fortress, but that is typical of Lisbon—even fortresses have beautiful ornamentation. Another landmark nearby, the 20th-century Monument to the Discoveries, commemorates these voyagers and their founding patron, Prince Henry the Navigator. Leave the riverfront to embark on your own voyage of discovery: Head inland a short distance to the Jerónimos Monastery, which will have you reaching for your camera. A masterpiece of Manueline architecture—the Portuguese late-Gothic style is named for King Manuel I—erected during the 16th century and decorated with sculptures and elaborate scrollwork, Jerónimos Monastery is another shining example of Portugal’s golden era.
Note: Please note that we do not visit the cloisters at Jerónimos Monastery.
Not all landmarks are architectural, however. Take a break and enjoy one of the city’s iconic pastries before experiencing the
rest of your panoramic motorcoach tour through the Rossio—the busiest square in Lisbon.
Your local guide will make suggestions for lunch. You can choose to remain downtown and explore on your own or return to the hotel. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the hotel this afternoon, which is yours to spend as you please.
Masterpiece Collection add-on experiences:
Lisbon Foodie Walk
$155 per person / €100 EUR onboard
With hundreds of bars and restaurants all in one neighborhood, the Bairro Alto district is the perfect place for a foodie’s evening out in Lisbon. Experience Portugal’s lively atmosphere while indulging in mouthwatering petiscos, better known as the Portuguese version of tapas. By the time you return to your hotel for the night, you’ll have developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for Portuguese cuisine and its international influences—or, at the very least, you’ll go home with a full belly, ready to dream of the delicious local bites you enjoyed today.
Retro Sidecar Lisbon Tour
$430 per person / €280 EUR onboard
Lisbon is full of hidden treasures, if only you know how to look. Come discover the city from a new angle as you hop into the sidecar of a motorbike. Your driver, a local guide, will escort you to a selection of iconic sites and unexpected highlights, São Bento Palace, Largo Camões, and the 25th of April Bridge (the longest suspension bridge in all of Europe). You’ll see other classic modes of transportation along the way—wave at the passengers aboard the cheery yellow Tram 28 and Bica Funicular as you pass them by. For the best view in town, your driver will make sure to stop at the Cristo Rei Sanctuary, where the Portuguese answer to Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer monument stands watch over the city.
Lisbon
Experience your own “Age of Discovery” with a full day to explore Lisbon however you wish. The city hosts remarkable museums and excellent shopping, and natives of Lisbon boast that they have the best food in the world.
Masterpiece Collection add-on experiences:
Sintra and Cascais
$140 per person / €90 EUR onboard
On our way to Sintra from Lisbon, visit the Queluz Palace, a Baroque masterpiece known as the "little Versailles of Portugal." Then arrive in Sintra to admire the fairytale towers and extravagant villas of a town where royalty has vacationed for centuries. A scenic coastal drive will take you to your next destination: Cascais. Here, you'll find picturesque coves and beaches, along with cobblestone alleys bustling with outdoor cafés.
Lisbon (Depart)
If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Lisbon Portela Airport for your flight home.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
