Douro River Cruise - Porto - Up to -70% | Voyage Privé

Irresistible offers on inspirational holidays, exclusively for our members.

Every day, irresistible holiday offers, for members only

We Love —

  • Set sail for an immersive trip from Porto along the Douro River where you will discover impressive landscapes and fantastic architecture. 
  • Hop on board the MS Gil Eanes for visits to Régua, Vega de Terron, Barca d'Alva, Salamanca, Ferradosa and Pinhão.
  • Our members will stay in an Upper Twin Cabin on an All Inclusive board basis with a variety of excursions included!

New Voyage Privé —

Carefully selected by our experts especially for you

Your Destinations —

Porto

In northern Portugal, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, the ancient city of Porto is characterised by its narrow streets, picturesque buildings and colourful local markets. Much more than just a place of pilgrimage for Port Wine lovers,  Porto is steeped in history and is the ideal setting for a city break combined with cultural discovery. 

Straddling the River Douro just a few kilometres inland from the Atlantic, Porto, in the country's northwest, is closer to Spanish Galicia than it is to Lisbon. Porto possesses an appealing pan-Iberian atmosphere to complement its many historic charms. Porto's historic centre is the Ribeira district, full of UNESCO World Heritage sites and monuments. Old churches and staircases peer around every corner, and the friendly, inviting locals make discovering this fascinating city a pleasurable experience. 

Douro Valley

Discover the colourful valleys, sprawling vineyards, and striking views of the Douro Valley. This beautiful region of fertile hills and vineyards, classified as a World Heritage Site, produces flavourful Port wine – one of Portugal's greatest national treasures. This region has been producing wine for nearly two thousand years and its landscape represents the full range of activities associated with winemaking - terraces, quintas, villages, chapels, and winding roads. Why not book a vineyard tour or tasting, and take home some souvenir bottles?

Our Offer —

Your cruise itinerary and excursions is as follows:

Day 1: Porto - Porto by night
Day 2: Porto - Guided tour of Porto and wine tasting
Day 3: Porto to Régua - Guimaraes
Day 4: Régua to Vega de Terron - Vila Real and Mateus Palace
Day 5: Barca d'Alva to Salamanca - Guided tour of Salamanca
Day 6: Barca d'Alva to Ferradosa to Pinhão - Wines trail of Porto
Day 7: Pinhão to Porto - Guided tour of Lamego

Your Cruise Itinerary —

Experience the historic cities and verdant countryside of Portugal as you cruise on one of the Iberian Peninsula's major rivers: stop in the wine-growing districts to taste the local Port, roam around 18th-century palaces and get lost in the winding lanes of Porto along the way. 

Please note: the order of visits and excursions may change and times are approximate. Some excursions may have a minimum number of participants to take place. Comfy and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for excursions. 

Day 1: UK - Porto
Travel to Porto where you will be met and transferred to your ship. Enjoy a welcome cocktail party and the chance to meet the crew. With your excursion packages, you will join a tour to explore the charms of Porto by night.

A unique opportunity to admire the city of Porto by night during a panoramic tour by bus. You will love the old, preserved districts of this city of immense character, classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Porto is not only a city rich in vestiges from a glorious past but also the young-spirited, warm capital city of a region marked by its winemaking as well as its proximity to the ocean. During the tour of the historic centre, your guide will schedule a stop at the Sao Bento railway station to look at its magnificent azulejos. You will then return to the ship by coach. (Duration: approx 1hr 15. Please note: the excursion on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passenger who has booked the excursion before the cruise).

Day 2: Porto
This morning, take an optional guided tour of historic Porto either on foot. The afternoon is at leisure - you can ask to be dropped off in the city centre via Rabelo boat. Tonight, enjoy an evening of Fado entertainment on board.

Depart by coach from the Villa Nova de Gaia Quay, facing Porto from across the Douro river and the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, built between 1881 and 1886 by French engineer Theophile Seyrig, one of Gustave Eiffel's pupils. Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, stands out from the steep banks of the Douro river with its mixture of grey facades and red tiles interspersed with unusual architectural masterpieces. Its historical centre was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

You'll then discover The Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building), built in 1834 by the city's Commercial Association. It has remained their headquarters to this day. After climbing up the beautiful granite and marble stairway, we'll visit the former Tribunal Room, the Golden Room and the Arab Room, decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style. Afterwards, you'll visit the Igreja de Sao Francisco (Church of Saint Francis), also known as the 'Golden Church'. It was originally a modest convent founded by Franciscan monks in the 12th century, before being further altered by prominent Porto families in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were responsible for the Baroque style interior which mingles with the large, elaborate rose window in Gothic style on the main facade in a fascinating mixture of styles reflecting the various eras it went through.

We'll then cross the Dom Luis I Bridge again back to Villa Nova de Gaul for the visit of a wine cellar. Porto's pride notably stems from its famous wine known the world over, which you will get to taste. We'll return on board by coach (Duration: approx. 4hrs).

Day 3: Porto - Régua
The morning is at leisure, or perhaps join an optional excursion to Guimarães - the birthplace of Afonso Henriques and renowned for its historical treasures and museums. Return on board and cruise to Régua, passing through the gigantic lock at Carrapatello.

We'll leave by coach from Porto for Guimaraes. With your guide, you'll begin the tour of this university town on foot to discover its historical treasures. You'll get the chance to discover the Nossa Senhora de Oliveira Church (outdoors), the most important religious building in the city.

The medieval heart of Guimaraes is a labyrinth of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century buildings. You'll then continue on to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate and former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza with striking architecture. At the end of your visit, you'll return on board. (Duration: approx. 4hrs. Please note: The palace is closed on May 1 and Easter Day).

Day 4: Régua - Vega de Terron
This morning's optional excursion is to Vila Real to visit the beautiful manor and gardens of Solar de Mateus. Later, your ship continues cruising amid the steep, terraced vineyards that line the banks of the river, en route to Vega de Terron. Enjoy a flamenco evening on board.

You'll leave from Regua or Pinhao for Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces during the 16th and 17th centuries. The architecture of the religious buildings is here extremely varied. Welt take a panoramic tour of the city by coach, followed by a tasting of the local pastry Cristas de Galo.

You'll then set out to explore Mateus Palace, the most beautiful and astonishing manor in all of Northern Portugal. This 18th-century beauty is set in a hilly landscape reminding us of Mexico. The subtle mixture of granite, white walls and extravagance from the Age of Enlightenment such as ledges covered in statues and Baroque style pilasters is a striking feature. Behind the manor is a delightful garden with box hedges, more statues, and a spectacular 115-foot cedar tunnel. After the tour, you'll return to the ship in Regua or Pinhao (Duration: approx. 4hrs).

Day 5: Barca d'Alva - Salamanca
After breakfast, join us for an optional full-day excursion to the Spanish city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The city has been well-preserved and has beautiful stone-built noblemen's houses, convents and palaces scattered among the faculty buildings. Discover the city on foot. Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board this evening.

Depart by coach towards Salamanca where you'll meet up with your guides. Since 1988, the Old Town of Salamanca has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The classified area extends on the major part of the city as it used to be until the middle of the 20th century and is responsible for its growing popularity. You'll visit the cathedral whose successive extensions created a mixture of styles going from late Gothic, Baroque & Renaissance.
Afterwards, you'll visit one of the world's oldest Universities which first opened in 1218. Also known as "Escuelas Mayores", the University building has a sumptuous gate adorned with the city's most famous design: a frog atop a skull - symbolic of the sin of lust being punished after death. Its wonderful library brims with old manuscripts dating back from prior to the 19th century. You'll enjoy lunch and be free to discover the city on your own. Return on board in Vega de Teron (Duration: approx. 10hrs 30).

Day 6: Barca d'Alva - Ferradosa - Pinhão
Continue your voyage through the stunning countryside of the Douro Valley, arriving in Ferradosa after lunch. Today's optional excursion in the afternoon takes you along the Porto Wine Route, through pretty vineyard towns and to a Quinta for a traditional port tasting. Back on board, enjoy a gala evening tonight.

Depart from Ferradosa for your excursion along the Porto wine route. You'll discover these incredible vineyards extending over 100 km along the Douro river all the way to the Spanish border. You will visit San Salvador do Mundo and Sao Joao da Pesqueira, two small towns set among the vineyards in the Rio Torto valley. In Sao Joao da Pesqueira, you will have the opportunity to explore the arcaded main square, the chapel and the white houses with their balconies. You will visit a Quinta (wine cellar) to taste the famous Porto. You will then return on board in Pinhao or Folgosa (Duration: approx. 4hrs).

Day 7: Pinhão - Porto
The optional excursion today takes you the ancient town of Lamego, 12km from the banks of the Douro. This includes a visit to the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios sanctuary, 600 metres above the town, the medieval castle, the church of Almacave with its azulejo lined walls and gilded woodwork on the altars, and the Cathedral. After lunch on board, the ship continues its journey to Porto. Tonight, there is a fado evening on board, where you can hear the traditional folk songs of Portugal.

Depart by coach from Regua to Lamego for a guided tour of the city centre by coach and on foot. Lamego is a charming episcopal and commercial town where you'll get to discover the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Sanctuary. This 18th-century church stands out with its white facade dominating a baroque staircase with 686 steps, ending in a shrine built in the rocaille style and adorned with azulesos. The first stone was laid on the 14th February 1750 and gave way to the construction of a massive temple overlooking the city and providing a breathtaking view over the misty mountains of the surrounding landscape. Return on board in Regua (Duration: approx. 4hrs. Please note: Appropriate attire is required to visit the sanctuary. Access to the sanctuary requires climbing up 700 steps).

Day 8: Porto - UK
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Your Ship —

Our guests will enjoy a 7-night cruise on MS Gil Eanes, in an Upper Deck Cabin with large floor to ceiling window on an All Inclusive Board Basis (breakfast, lunch and evening meal with a selection of snacks and drinks).

Step on board your 3-deck ship, for a fantastic cruise down the Douro. Finished in 2015, this 80m ship offers an intimate and personal accommodation along the winding waters of Portugal's countryside.

Located on the main deck, you will find the restaurant serving delicious cuisine and large panoramic windows for gazing out over the beautiful landscapes. This is where all your meals will be served during the cruise. After a day of exploring, head to the bar which offers an array of aperitifs with evening entertainment as an accompaniment.

Need some time to relax? Head up to the sun deck where you will be able to lounge on the deck chairs around the ship's idyllic pool whilst taking in sensational views, or taking part in a morning gym session. The choice is up to you!

Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included and may incur a surcharge payable locally.  Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only

Your Stateroom

This offer is based on a Double Upper Deck Cabin (13m2).

Double Upper Deck Cabin

Step into your spacious and comfortable cabin offering panoramic views of the scenery surrounding you. These twins or double bed cabins are fully equipped with a bathroom including a shower and a toilet, and with towels provided onboard. They are also equipped with television, hairdryer and safe, as well as climate control. Your cabin boasts a large floor to ceiling window, ideal for gazing over fantastic views. 

Sleeps up to

Adults Adults
2 Adults

Please note: Views from some staterooms may be obstructed

Your Journey —

Flights: Included with Easyjet

Option 1:
Outbound
Depart: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 20-Apr-2019 - 05:35
Arrive: Porto Airport (OPO) 20-Apr-2019 - 08:00
Inbound
Depart: Porto Airport (OPO) 27-Apr-2019 - 08:40
Arrive: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 27-Apr-2019 - 10:55

Option 2:
Outbound
Depart: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 18-May-2019 - 05:35
Arrive: Porto Airport (OPO) 18-May-2019 - 08:00
Inbound
Depart: Porto Airport (OPO) 25-May-2019 - 07:05
Arrive: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 25-May-2019 - 09:25

Option 3:
Outbound
Depart: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 15-Jun-2019 - 05:35
Arrive: Porto Airport (OPO) 15-Jun-2019 - 08:00
Inbound
Depart: Porto Airport (OPO) 22-Jun-2019 - 07:05
Arrive: London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 22-Jun-2019 - 09:25

Luggage: 23kg checked baggage is included.

Transfers: Return shared transfers from the airport to port are included. 

Please note: flight details are given as a guide only and may change.  We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given.  Specific flights cannot be selected and confirmed timings will be shown on your official documentation from the tour operator.  Flights are non-changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.

Weather —

Jan
min : 5°C max : 13°C
Feb
min : 5°C max : 14°C
Mar
min : 8°C max : 16°C
Apr
min : 9°C max : 18°C
May
min : 11°C max : 20°C
Jun
min : 13°C max : 23°C
Jul
min : 15°C max : 25°C
Aug
min : 15°C max : 25°C
Sep
min : 14°C max : 24°C
Oct
min : 11°C max : 21°C
Nov
min : 8°C max : 17°C
Dec
min : 5°C max : 14°C

Travel Advice —

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport, health and visa information click here.

Please note that the advice can change and consumers should continue to check it until they travel.

It is essential that all customers purchase adequate travel insurance for all countries they are travelling to or through.

In More Detail —

Please find practical information about the cruise and your trip:

This ship is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. 
The number of cabins on this ship: 66
Check-in time: 5 pm
Check-out time: before 12 pm

Our price doesn’t include a city/accommodation/tourism tax which may be payable locally.

Please Note: 
Check-in outside the standard times may incur additional fees. Check out times are subject to change, please check these upon arrival.
Schedules and prices are subject to change. 
If the ship is accessible to people with reduced mobility, this is subject to availability. To book a room for reduced mobility, please contact our Customer Services Team. 

What's Included?

  • Return direct flights from London Gatwick to Porto with Easyjet
  • Return shared airport-port transfers
  • 7 nights on board in an upper twin cabin with large floor to ceiling window
  • All Inclusive at Gil Eanes Ship
  • Classic Excursion Package included

Ship Facilities

  • Style: Premium
  • Class: 5 anchors class
  • Size: Boutique
  • Number of crew: 20
  • Number of cabins: 66
  • Number of wheelchair cabins: 1
  • Number of large cabins: 0
  • Capacity: 132 passengers
  • Main language on board: fr+en
  • Currency on board: EUR
  • Number of decks: 3
  • Gross tonnage: 1000
  • Length (m): 80
  • Width (m): 11.4
  • Speed in knots: 9
  • Year of construction: 2015

Your Contract —

The flight inclusive offer(s) shown on this page are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Voyage Privé is acting as agent for Cosmos with ATOL number 2275 and your contract is with that company.

Important Information —

For further information on passport & visa requirements click here

Please note that the location shown on our map is to be used as a guide only and the actual location of the property may differ

Your contact details may be passed on to the hotel so that they can make contact with you to discuss your booking in advance of your arrival.

Please note: you may be asked to provide a credit/debit card deposit on arrival to cover any purchases made in the hotel / on the ship.

Although we endeavour to provide up to date information we cannot guarantee that all hotel facilities and services will be available during your stay, especially when travelling out of the main holiday periods

Star rating standards may differ to that of the UK, depending on the country of travel

The Voyage Privé Promise

  • A unique selection of high-end accommodation
  • Exclusive perks and discounts of up to -70%
  • For all inquiries, refer to our help centre available 24/7
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Exclusive prices and discounts of up to -70%

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