Day 1 - UK to Porto
Fly to Porto, beautifully located on the banks of the Douro River and famous for giving its name to the iconic port wine. Upon arrival transfer to your Nicko Cruises ship and after time to settle into your cabin, meet your travelling companions over a welcome drink prior to dinner onboard. D
Day 2 - Porto - Caldas de Aregos
After breakfast on board, enjoy a city tour of Porto. Starting with a drive through the narrow streets to see its 16th century arcaded buildings and Baroque churches and chapels we then cross Gustav Eiffel's iconic 19th century iron bridge to reach the cathedral atop Penaventosa hill, which boasts some amazing views across the city. This tour ends with a visit to a typical port wine cellar for an opportunity to see some casks full of port and to taste a sample of the world famous Portuguese tipple. Return to the cruise for lunch and sail to Caldas de Aregos, arriving this evening. B,L,D
Day 3 - Caldas de Aregos - Pinhão
This morning arrive into the picturesque little town of Pinhão situated on a particularly scenic bend on the River Douro, deep in the heart of one of Portugal's most established port wine growing regions. This afternoon visit Mateus Palace, a fine example of baroque architecture, with an impressive facade made up of beautiful pinnacles before returning to the ship. B,L,D
Day 4 - Pinhão - Barca d'Alva
Enjoy a leisurely morning whilst sailing to Barca d'Alva. On arrival, enjoy an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo one of Portugal's twelve historical parishes and home to a castellated medieval village from which it derives its name. B,L,D
Day 5 - Barca d'Alva - Pochino
A day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your cruise or to wander around Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, close to the Spanish border and overlooked by mountains. Alternatively you could take the optional excursion to the Spanish city of Salamanca including lunch, (book and pay onboard the cruise). B,L,D
Day 6 - Pochino - Regua
A leisurely morning before arriving early this afternoon into Regua. This afternoon a visit to the warm and charming town of Lamego, rich in history and home to one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal - The Sanctuary of our Lady of Remedies. The Sanctuary is a stunning baroque church built in the 18th century ,over the remains of a 14th century chapel. There will also be a visit to the Gothic Cathedral and town's museum. Return to the cruise for dinner this evening. B.L.D
Day 7 - Pochino - Porto
Enjoy a day at leisure cruising back to Porto where you will arrive in the early afternoon. B.L.D
Day 8 - Porto - UK
After breakfast disembark from the cruise and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. B