Cruising the Douro River

(click here to see map)

A gentle and relaxing journey through Portugal's Douro River Valley, famous for its steep terraced vineyards of Port wine grapes. You will visit charming villages, sample the tasty cuisine onboard your ship and at local restaurants and enjoy local Portuguese and Spanish entertainment. The cruise begins and ends in the city of Porto, first settled over 5,000 years ago.

Itinerary

Day 1

Board your ship this afternoon in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto. Gaia is the home of the Port Wine Lodges. Many are open for tours and tasting. A welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. During your cruise you will experience many locks while traversing the dams, including the 1976 built Valeira, that tamed the wild Douro as you sail up and down the river.
Overnight onboard in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 2

Morning tour of Porto including the historic sites in the city with time to explore the steep medieval lanes and alleys in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to Bitetos. Tonight's dinner will be at the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery. Take in the breathtaking view of the river below from the terrace.
Overnight onboard in Bitetos.

Day 3

Sail to Regua, arriving after lunch. After docking, your tour today will take you to Casa de Mateus and Gardens. This stunning and flamboyant example of Portuguese Baroque architecture is famous throughout the world as the label on Mateus Wine. The manor house was built in the early 18th century and is still a working estate. Equally impressive are the gardens, which include the Cedar Tunnel. Return to the ship, now docked in Pinhao, the heart of the Port wine producing area. Dinner onboard tonight will be followed by a Portuguese show.
Overnight in Pinhao.

Day 4

Enjoy a visit to the Wine Academy today at the Vintage House Hotel before the ship sails into Spain to Vega de Terron. Dinner tonight will be followed by a Flamenco show onboard.
Overnight Vega de Terron, Spain.

Day 5

After breakfast depart for Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City. The city is famous for its Renaissance architecture, 13th century university and its unusual twin-towered cathedral combining an old 12th century cathedral (Vieja) with a newer 16th century cathedral (Nueva). Enjoy a typical Spanish lunch before returning to your ship, now docked at Barca d'Alva.
Overnight Barca d'Alva.

Day 6

An excursion this morning to Figueira Castelo Rodrigo, a typical Portugal-Spain border town. Many castles were built, besieged and rebuilt only to have the cycle repeated in the long border dispute in the area. Today, Figueira Castelo Rodrigo is a flourishing little town known for its almond blossoms. Sail to Pinhao. Tonight enjoy the Captain's dinner at Vintage House Hotel.
Overnight Pinhao.

Day 7

Set sail this morning to Regua and disembark for an excursion to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. In addition to Port, the area produces Raposeira, Portugal's premier sparkling wine. Visit the famous Baroque church, Nossa Senhora do Remedios, located high above the city atop a seemingly endless staircase. Lunch and dinner onboard as you sail to Porto.
Overnight onboard in Porto.

Day 8

Your Douro River cruise comes to an end after breakfast.

2008 Departure dates:

Cruises operate every Friday to Friday beginning March 14, 2008 to October 31, 2008.
The cruise line reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary.

2008 Prices (per person):

Sailing Dates	Main deck Double	Upper deck Double	Single Supplement
Mar 14, 21, 28, Apr 4	$1599.00	$1839.00	$659.00
Apr 11, 18, 25	$1779.00	$1999.00	$689.00
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30	$1779.00	$1999.00	$689.00
June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4	$1779.00	$1999.00	$689.00
Jul 4, 11	$1779.00	$1999.00	$689.00
Jul 18, 25, Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29	$1599.00	$1839.00	$659.00
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10	$1779.00	$1999.00	$689.00
Oct 17, 24, 31	$1599.00	$1839.00	$659.00

Note: Maximum allowed in a cabin is 2.

Cruise Includes:

• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8.
• 3 special meals ashore
• 2 local shows
• Shore excursions and activities per the itinerary
• Taxes

Not Included:

• Beverages other than coffee, tea and juices (breakfast)
• Gratuities
• Airfare
• Transfers to/from the ship

Cabin configuration

Main Deck cabins have windows and 2 twin beds fixed to the floor, TV, individually controlled heat and air-conditioning.

Upper Deck cabins have picture windows and 2 beds that can be pushed together to make a double, TV, individually controlled heat and air-conditioning.

Ship:

Invicta features 3 passenger decks, 40 double cabins for a maximum of 80 guests, restaurant with one seating for meals, panoramic bar, lounge, reception, sundeck, gift shop and is fully air-conditioned.
There is no elevator.

River Map:

Click here

For reservation and information click here to submit a request

You may call us at 800-652-9151 if you reside in the United States. From other countries call 1-209-667-2405