A new itinerary introducing the Douro cruise of our longstanding European partner, CroisiEurope at a special introductory tariff from Porto to Spain enjoying seven excursions including Porto, Guimarães and Salamanca
(limited dates/availability)
For all bookings made by 30 January 2021, deduct £50 per person
Day 1 - Porto
Day 2 - Porto
Day 3 - Guimarães/Régua
Day 4 - Vega de Terron
Day 5 - Salamanca/Barca d'Alva
Day 6 – Rio Torto Valley/Pinhão
Day 7 – Lamego/Porto
Day 8 – Return Flight
The response to our 2021 exclusive offer on the Royal Barge has been tremendous with some departures sold out (Apr 30 & Jun 18) or nearly full but we do still have 3 dates with good availability (Jun 4, Aug 27 & Oct 22) and have negotiated a price reduction, so early booking is recommended.
This new itinerary and vessel introduces the Douro cruise of our longstanding European partner, CroisiEurope at a special introductory tariff from Porto to Spain including seven excursions, meals and most drinks.
Discover the stunning “River of Gold” from the comfort of a cruise vessel, with departures running from May through to October to capture the best of the seasons and their amazing views, relaxing on board or exploring the culture and culinary delights the length of the Douro River from Porto to Salamanca – including four Unesco World Heritage Sites: the Historic centre of Porto, the Old Town of Salamanca, the Douro wine region and the historic centre of Guimarães.
To most appreciate the natural beauty of the Douro valley, Spring, Summer and Autumn are the best seasons to visit the Iberian Peninsula. The height of summer, when all the vineyards are in full bloom provide the most majestic view of the Douro river and surrounding valleys while the vineyard harvest period – while not a fixed time of year – typically falls in the second half of September. At this time of year, the river Douro comes alive with thousands of vineyard workers handpicking and collecting the grapes that make this region famous for both wine and port.
Culture & Riverscapes
Excursions included
Drinks included
4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
No Single Supplement
UK Tour Manager
Group Size: 2 – 28
Enjoy Porto by Night, drinks parties, port tasting and Fado, Flamenco and Folklore entertainment on board.
Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Porto and embark on the MS Infante Don Henrique for seven nights. Welcome cocktail and crew introduction. Enjoy a panoramic tour of vibrant Porto by night. (D)
Day 2 Morning tour of Porto. Visit the impressively decorated interior of Palácio da Bolsa and the Igreja de São Francisco, known as the “Golden Church”. Visit a port wine cellar. Afternoon free to explore. Pre-dinner Jules Verne drinks party. Enjoy an evening of Fado entertainment on board. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Travel to medieval Guimarães for a walking tour including the most important religious building, Nossa Senhora de Oliveira and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Enjoy an afternoon of cruising to Régua while crossing the Crestuma Dam and Carrapatelo Dam (highest in Europe). Perhaps walk through Régua after dinner.(B, L, D)
Day 4 Enjoy a panoramic tour of Vila Real, where aristocrats built magnificent palaces during the 16th and 17th centuries, followed by tasting of Cristas de Galo (local pastry). Explore the small but beautiful Mateus Palace with Baroque architecture surrounded by a lush garden in a hilly landscape. Cruise towards Vega de Terron in the afternoon passing through the Valerie and Pocinho Dam. Enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Travel to the ancient university town of Salamanca for a tour including the cathedral with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance features and the Escuelas Mayores university. After lunch in a local restaurant (drinks not included), free time to explore. Overnight at Barca d’Alva. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Relax on a morning of cruising, passing through the Pocinho Dam. Afternoon tour of the port wine route, visiting the small towns and villages in the Rio Torto valley including port wine tasting at a Quinta. Return to the vessel in Pinhão. Gala dinner. (B, L, D).
Day 7 Morning visit to the charming ancient town of Lamego including the impressive 18th century church of our Lady of the Remedies with a beautiful facade reachable by blue and white tiled staircase climbed by religious devotees since the 13th century. Relax as you enjoy the sailing towards Porto, crossing the Carapatelo and Crestuma Dam. Farewell Jules Verne drinks party. Evening of folk entertainment. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Disembark for the return flight or extend your stay. (B)
Notes
Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board is possible).
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
Launched in 2003 and refurbished in 2014 to a high standard, the MS Infante Don Henrique is registered in France with a mainly European crew and announcements in French and English. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established over 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family.
All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service with the occasional buffet. The vessel does not sail at night.
Reception, lift, lounge bar with small dance floor, viewing deck and WiFi (free/limited).
71 air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV. 38 twin/double cabins (118 sq. ft.) on the Upper Deck with picture window. 17 twin/double cabins (118 sq. ft.) and two single cabins (97 sq. ft.) with picture window on the Middle Deck. 12 twin/double cabins (118 sq. ft.) and two single cabins (97 sq. ft.) with picture window on the Main Deck.
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A charming 3-star hotel, centrally located in a pedestrian zone. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 94 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. Breakfast included. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €2 per person per night.
The Cradle of Portugal - Pre-Cruise Extension
Stay at the 4-star Hotel do Parque perched high on a hilltop overlooking Braga and surrounded by gardens, with access into the town by road and funicular. Sightseeing includes tours of medieval Braga, Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €1.50 per person per night.
Day 1 Transfer to the Minho region and stay three nights in the Hotel do Parque.
Day 2 Visit medieval Braga. (B)
Day 3 Visit Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima . (B)
Day 4 Transfer to the MS Infante Don Henrique (B)
Stay in the 4-star Hotel do Parque, perched high on a hilltop overlooking Braga and surrounded by gardens, with access into the town by road and funicular. The hotel serves breakfast only but a hotel nearby, under the same management, has a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. 49 air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar, hairdryer and satellite TV.
Portugal's Capital Cities - Post-Cruise Extension
Stay two nights at the 3-star art-deco central Hotel Astoria in Coimbra and two nights at the 4-star central Hotel Mundial in Lisbon. Travel between Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon by rail with a half-day tour of Lisbon included and breakfast daily.
Day 1 Travel by rail from Porto to Coimbra and stay two nights at the 3-star Hotel Astoria
Day 2 At leisure. (B)
Day 3 Travel by rail from Coimbra to Lisbon and stay two nights at the 4-star Hotel Mundial. (B)
Day 4 Half-day city tour of Lisbon. (B)
Day 5 Return flight. (B)
A 3-star art deco hotel reminiscent of the 1920's located in central Coimbra, within walking distance to the restaurants and bars of the town. 62 rooms air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and satellite TV. WiFi (free).
A 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Lisbon, close to the tram network, railway station and a choice of metro stations. Bar, restaurant, coffee shop, a fine terrace with panoramic views and WiFi (chargeable). 350 air-conditioned rooms with private facillities, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €2 per person per night.
Mondays
per person in a twin/double main deck cabin
TAP Portugal from Gatwick
(limited dates/availability)
For all bookings made by 30 January 2021, deduct £50 per person
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability – main & middle deck only)
Jul 19, Aug 16
Single supplement £395
Cabin Upgrades
Middle £95
Upper £195
Flight Options
TAP Portugal Business Class from £195
easyJet from Gatwick - nil
Ryanair from Stansted - nil
Extra Nights
Extra Nights - Porto
Grande Hotel do Porto (per night) £70
Double for sole use £60
Airport-Hotel-Boat/Boat-Hotel-Airport transfer add £20 per way
Pre-Cruise Extension - The Cradle of Portugal
Hotel do Parque
3 nights £345
Single supplement £105
Post-Cruise Extension - Portugal's Capital Cities
4 nights £485
Single supplement £225
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer add £20
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, port charges, transfers, 7-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, UK Tour Manager, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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VAT No. 805146159
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