Spain and the Douro River Voyage

• Seven-night river cruise aboard Porto Mirante, an exclusively chartered deluxe river boat.
• This itinerary also includes a 2-night hotel stay in Madrid, Spain, at the deluxe InterContinental Madrid.
• Exclusive land and cruise journey introduces you to the cultural highlights of this unspoiled wine- and port-producing region.
• Specially arranged food and wine tastings throughout the Douro River Valley.
• Three UNESCO World Heritage sites — The Old City of Salamanca, Spain; Alto Douro Wine Region and Historic Centre of Porto, Portugal.

*This program also operates in the reverse direction

Depart for Madrid, Spain. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city. Be sure to attach the provided Gohagan & Company luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including carry-ons. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: MAD.

Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in Madrid, Spain. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening, meet a Gohagan & Company representative. Transfer to the deluxe InterContinental Madrid hotel.

Settle in and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Explore Madrid, and make your own plans for lunch and dinner. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining and sightseeing recommendations.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on today’s excursion. Madrid Tour and Prado Visit. There has been a settlement in the vicinity of Madrid since the Stone Age. At the end of the ninth century, an Islamic military outpost was established here; the city has changed hands—from Hapsburgs to Bourbons to, eventually, democracy—as it has grown over the centuries. Today Madrid is Spain's capital and a vibrant, welcoming city known for its rich culture and historic neighborhoods and streets. A tour reveals elegant, tree-lined boulevards; large, landscaped parks; varied architecture and lovely fountains—Cibeles Fountain has become a symbol of the city. Stop in the Prado Museum, which boasts one of the world’s finest collections of European art, renowned for its superior collection of artworks by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, Titian and Hieronymus Bosch, among others. Free Time: Spend the afternoon exploring Madrid at your own pace. Make your own plans for lunch and dinner. Please visit the Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk for restaurant and itinerary suggestions.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on today’s excursion.

There has been a settlement in the vicinity of Madrid since the Stone Age. At the end of the ninth century, an Islamic military outpost was established here; the city has changed hands—from Hapsburgs to Bourbons to, eventually, democracy—as it has grown over the centuries. Today Madrid is Spain's capital and a vibrant, welcoming city known for its rich culture and historic neighborhoods and streets. A tour reveals elegant, tree-lined boulevards; large, landscaped parks; varied architecture and lovely fountains—Cibeles Fountain has become a symbol of the city. Stop in the Prado Museum, which boasts one of the world’s finest collections of European art, renowned for its superior collection of artworks by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, Titian and Hieronymus Bosch, among others.

Spend the afternoon exploring Madrid at your own pace. Make your own plans for lunch and dinner. Please visit the Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk for restaurant and itinerary suggestions.

Savor a delectable breakfast this morning—and every morning on board—before disembarking for the day’s excursions.

Drive by coach to Castelo Rodrigo, a tiny, fortified village encircled by walls built in 1296. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and learn about the town’s captivating history. From the castle itself, enjoy spectacular views of the valley and the red-roofed stone houses of the village. Enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine.

Return to the boat and tuck in to a delicious lunch on board.

This afternoon, the riverboat travels from Barca d’Alva to Pinhão. Spend time on deck watching the beautiful green and gold hills, terraced vineyards, hamlets and tiny villages glide past.

Pinhão Railway Station Walk. This morning, stroll to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, famous for its lovely azulejos—distinctive blue-and-white, hand-painted tiles. The azulejos depict scenes of local significance—quintas (vineyards), winemakers, folk culture and stunning river and valley landscapes. This train station serves the Douro Line, one of Portugal's most iconic rail journeys.

Lunch at Quinta da Avessada: Enjoy an authentic, delectable dining experience complete with entertainment at this family-run quinta. As you dine, delight in the sounds of traditional Portuguese music. Quinta da Avessada houses a museum showcasing the fascinating history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region—complete with tastings!

This afternoon, indulge in another wine tasting at a local quinta. Return to the boat for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the boat departs Pinhão and sails to Regua. Mateus Palace and Gardens. Explore Mateus Palace and Gardens, declared a national monument in 1911, on a guided tour. The palace, built in the early 1700s, epitomizes Italian Baroque architectural style. Its façade is well known, as it is pictured on the Mateus rosé wine label. The palace is brimming with antiques and artwork; note the entrance salon’s spectacular wooden ceiling featuring family coats of arms. The gardens boast formal beds, topiaries, statues and camellias; the captivating Cedar Tunnel is an aromatic and memorable highlight. Free Time: Return to the boat and settle in for a delicious lunch on board. Lamego. Visit this ancient and picturesque town, which produces wines, fruit and smoked meats. Stroll the cobblestoned streets and the town’s wide boulevard, lined with cafes and market stalls. Lamego is home to one of Portugal's most important pilgrimage sites, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). This church was built in 1761 on the spectacular hilltop site of a previous small chapel dedicated to St. Stephen. The church is accessed by a stunning Baroque double staircase of 686 steps and nine terraces, decorated with statues, azulejos and urns. And the views at the top are spectacular! Decide whether you’d like to reach the pinnacle by motorcoach or by climbing the famous staircase—either option is available! (You may be asked to choose your option once aboard the boat.) Local Food Tasting. End the day with a tasting of local specialties such as bolas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), presunto (a type of dry-cured ham) and espumante (a Portuguese sparkling wine). Return to the boat for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the boat departs Regua and sails to Entre-Os-Rios. Spend the morning on deck watching the beautiful scenery gliding by, or enjoying the boat’s amenities. In the late morning, disembark in Entre-Os-Rios. Lunch at a Local Quinta. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local winery.

Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the town, which is ideally located between two rivers. Take in the rolling landscapes and beautiful views; meander the cobbled streets, admiring historic churches and architecture. The ancient town boasts a Roman bridge dating to the first century A.D.

Return to the boat for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the boat departs Pinhão and sails to Regua. Mateus Palace and Gardens. Explore Mateus Palace and Gardens, declared a national monument in 1911, on a guided tour. The palace, built in the early 1700s, epitomizes Italian Baroque architectural style. Its façade is well known, as it is pictured on the Mateus rosé wine label. The palace is brimming with antiques and artwork; note the entrance salon’s spectacular wooden ceiling featuring family coats of arms. The gardens boast formal beds, topiaries, statues and camellias; the captivating Cedar Tunnel is an aromatic and memorable highlight. Free Time: Return to the boat and settle in for a delicious lunch on board. Lamego. Visit this ancient and picturesque town, which produces wines, fruit and smoked meats. Stroll the cobblestoned streets and the town’s wide boulevard, lined with cafes and market stalls. Lamego is home to one of Portugal's most important pilgrimage sites, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). This church was built in 1761 on the spectacular hilltop site of a previous small chapel dedicated to St. Stephen. The church is accessed by a stunning Baroque double staircase of 686 steps and nine terraces, decorated with statues, azulejos and urns. And the views at the top are spectacular! Decide whether you’d like to reach the pinnacle by motorcoach or by climbing the famous staircase—either option is available! (You may be asked to choose your option once aboard the boat.) Local Food Tasting. End the day with a tasting of local specialties such as bolas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), presunto (a type of dry-cured ham) and espumante (a Portuguese sparkling wine). Return to the boat for dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast this morning as the boat departs Pinhão and sails to Regua.

Explore Mateus Palace and Gardens, declared a national monument in 1911, on a guided tour. The palace, built in the early 1700s, epitomizes Italian Baroque architectural style. Its façade is well known, as it is pictured on the Mateus rosé wine label. The palace is brimming with antiques and artwork; note the entrance salon’s spectacular wooden ceiling featuring family coats of arms. The gardens boast formal beds, topiaries, statues and camellias; the captivating Cedar Tunnel is an aromatic and memorable highlight. Free Time: Return to the boat and settle in for a delicious lunch on board.

Visit this ancient and picturesque town, which produces wines, fruit and smoked meats. Stroll the cobblestoned streets and the town’s wide boulevard, lined with cafes and market stalls. Lamego is home to one of Portugal's most important pilgrimage sites, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). This church was built in 1761 on the spectacular hilltop site of a previous small chapel dedicated to St. Stephen. The church is accessed by a stunning Baroque double staircase of 686 steps and nine terraces, decorated with statues, azulejos and urns. And the views at the top are spectacular! Decide whether you’d like to reach the pinnacle by motorcoach or by climbing the famous staircase—either option is available! (You may be asked to choose your option once aboard the boat.)

End the day with a tasting of local specialties such as bolas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), presunto (a type of dry-cured ham) and espumante (a Portuguese sparkling wine). Return to the boat for dinner on board.

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Porto International Airport for your return flight home.