Porto & the Delightful Douro Valley

Day One

We've an early start this morning, with home pick ups included as we head south to Plymouth to join the 16:45 Cruise ferry to take us over to Santander on Spain's Northern Coast. Relax in your en-suite on board cabin and make use of the onboard facilities, there's shopping, relaxing bars & restaurants, evening entertainment and an on board spa too. A 2 course dinner in the self service service retaurant is included.

Day Two

We spend the day on baord sailing towards to Spain - weather permitting the outdoor pool could be open should you feel like a dip or simply relax on deck. We are due to dock into Santander at 3.15pm, we then re-join our coach for the journey to our overnight stay at the Europa Centro Hotel in Palencia.We arrive in time to settle in before dinner.

Day Three

From Spain and into Portugal we arrive into Vila Praia de Anora late afternoon with time to check in and unpack before enjoying dinner this evening.

Day Four

Today we enjoy a guided tour of the historic city of Porto, Portugal’s second city, with its beautiful buildings and atmospheric squares. In the afternoon we visit a Port wine estate across the river in the Vila Nova de Gaia area and learn the process of producing Port whilst enjoying a sample or two!

Day Five

A free day today to enjoy lovely Vila Praia de Ancora, perhaps enjoy a stroll along the long promenade taking in the sea air use the hotel facilities or explore the town. If you didn't get enough of Porto yesterday the town also has an excellent rail link to the City.

Day Six

We have an early start this morning, it all becomes worth it when we board our riverboat for a relaxing full-day, one way cruise along the beautiful and majestic Douro River. We sail from Vila Nova de Gaia, in Porto up river to Régua. We pass by rows of terraces cultivated with vines, following the curves of the mountain, a truly spectacular day, we enjoy a 3-course set lunch during our sail and ur coach returns back to the hotel later in the day

Day Seven

This morning, we head inland to the historic town of Guimarães for a guided walking tour. The first capital of Portugal and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is often referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality and is one of the most atmospheric towns in the north of Portugal. Visit the 10th century castle, the 15th century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the picturesque Praça de Oliveira.

Day Eight

Leaving Portugal behind today we return to Palencia for our overnight stay once again at the Europa Centro Hotel

Day Nine

A leisurely journey today takes us back to Santander. We will enjoy free time in the coastal city before boarding our ship for the 18:15 sailing heading back to Plymouth. All facilities and inclusions as per your outward journey

Day Ten

We spend the day sailing and travelling back to the UK, we are scedulded to arrive back into Plymouth at 15:00 and will then make our way back to the North West for a late evening arrival home

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, EM=Evening Meal