Douro Delights with Madrid
Experience life on board your brand-new river ship, the MS Estrela. Custom-built to cruise along the majestic Douro River, the MS Estrela has been designed to reflect the beauty of the region, with ample natural light and a distinctly Southern European ambience.
What’s Included:
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin with 20kg check-in bag per person
- 7 nights onboard the brand new 5* APT MS Estrela river cruiser based on two sharing
- All meals onboard
- Complimentary drinks throughout your cruise
- Choice of tours
- Gratuities and local taxes included
- 1 night hotel stay in Madrid
- All Airport taxes, charges, and transfers
The cruise operates in reverse also.
MS Estrela offers
- Outdoor social spaces include a Sun Deck featuring a large swimming pool and an outdoor bar, plush lounge seats, sun beds and a putting green.
- The main restaurant showcases Portuguese and international flavours, or you can opt for a lighter meal in the ship’s lounge, or dine alfresco.
- Onboard entertainment includes Portuguese folk music and an informative history lesson.
- French Balcony suites feature an electric slide down window, allowing you to bask in the glorious landscapes.
MS Estrela
Cruise along the waters of Portugal
Cruise along Portugal’s Douro River aboard the MS Estrela, Travelmarvel’s custom-designed river ship offering unparalleled comfort and style. Enjoy premium amenities from well-equipped cabins to exquisite dining experiences. The MS Estrela promises an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s enchanting wine country. Pass charming local quintas and verdant hillsides, immersing yourself in the alluring scenery.
Ship Overview
Experience life on board your brand-new river ship, the MS Estrela. Custom-built to cruise along the majestic Douro River, the MS Estrela has been designed to reflect the beauty of the region, with ample natural light and a distinctly Southern European ambience.
- Outdoor social spaces include a Sun Deck featuring a large swimming pool and an outdoor bar, plush lounge seats, sun beds and a putting green.
- Onboard entertainment includes Portuguese folk music and an informative history lesson.
- The main restaurant showcases Portuguese and international flavours, or you can opt for a lighter meal in the ship’s lounge, or dine alfresco.
- French Balcony suites feature an electric slide down window, allowing you to bask in the glorious landscapes.
Ship Features
Rejuvenate in the sun
Relax on board the MS Estrela and take in beautiful surrounds from the Sun Deck. Rest by one of the largest pools on the Douro and treasure the passing landscape. Treat yourself to a drink from the outdoor bar and recline on a plush chair.
Celebrate Local Produce
Tantalise your tastebuds with flavours from Portugal and the Mediterranean. Opt to dine in the ship’s contemporary lounge or make the most of the outdoors with alfresco dining on the exterior deck.
Onboard Entertainment
Enjoy nights of wine, song and dance with onboard entertainment including Portuguese folk music. Uncover knowledge about the local culture with immersive history lessons and engaging talks with experts.
Lounge
Custom-built to embrace the natural light of the sun-drenched Douro Valley, relax in the lounge accompanied by a cocktail or book. Recline on a plush couch as you watch the spectacular scenery drift by from the comfort of your climate-controlled position.
APT
Agent
Booking Remarks
Optional insurance (conditions apply)A non-refundable, non-transferable booking deposit of 15% is required. Full payment if departure within 16 weeks.
Holidays & offers are subject to availability at the time of booking
These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.
Ref APT
Itinerary
Porto, Portugal
Fly from the Dublin to Porto and transfer to your river ship. Your ship has the best vantage point to see the sights as you embark on an illuminations cruise around Porto.
Porto, Portugal
Porto
The choice is yours when it comes to the sightseeing activities on offer today. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Signature Experience tonight.
Freedom of Choice — Porto Exploration
Explore Porto’s 16th-century Old Town and take a scenic cable car ride, savouring panoramic views of the city below. Then, indulge in a tasting of the city’s famous port wines and sample the rich flavours of the region.
Freedom of Choice — Cooking Demonstration
Porto is famous for its delectable cuisine, and you can discover its culinary heart with a visit to a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration.
Freedom of Choice — Active Walking Tour of Porto
Set out on an active walking tour of Porto through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira. Stroll through cobbled streets and discover neighbourhoods of colourful 18th-century houses and quaint eateries.
Signature Experience — Palácio da Bolsa
Head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
Enhance Your Journey:
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing and dining options to suit your interests.
Signature Experience:
These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Porto, Portugal
Entre-os-Rios, Portugal
Porto, Entre-os-Rios
Set sail this morning through the Douro Valley on your way to Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, choose your sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice – Guimarães Tour
Explore the historic city of Guimarães with a tour of its well-preserved buildings and attractions. Admire the medieval architecture in the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Freedom of Choice – Winery Tour and Tasting
Visit Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Vinho Verde wine region since the 1870s. Explore the gardens and round off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.
Enhance Your Journey:
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing and dining options to suit your interests.
Regua, Portugal
Régua
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Régua. Once you’ve arrived, visit the Douro Museum, which provides an incredible insight into the culture of the Douro Valley wine region.
Signature Experience – Lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Régua. Situated in the village of Cambres in the Lamego municipality, the prestigious estate dates back to the 16th century and features 75 hectares of vineyards.
Signature Experience:
These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Regua, Portugal
Regua, Pinhao
After enjoying the experience of your choice, relax on board your ship as you sail to Pinhao
Freedom of Choice
On a tour of Lamego, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real.
Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace’s construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.
Enhance Your Journey:
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing and dining options to suit your interests.
Pinhao, Portugal
Pinhão
Visit Pinhão Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. Venture to a local quinta, then be treated to a captain’s farewell dinner in the evening.
Vega De Terron, Portugal
Barca d’Alva, Vega de Terron
On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, stop to visit the castle ruins. Returning on board, enjoy a delicious dinner. Your thoughts will be fixed on Spain during your final night on board.
Salamanca, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Vega de Terron, Disembark Ship, Salamanca, Madrid
Disembark your ship and say goodbye to life on board. Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You’ll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to your hotel in Madrid.
Tonight is yours to spend as you please.
Stay: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor (or similar)
Madrid, Spain
Transfer to the airport for your return flight
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