Porto and the Douro Valley
Cruise in the heart of Portugal and the Douro Valley. You’ll have the chance to explore Lamego, a city rich in heritage and tradition, or Guimarães considered the beating heart of Portugal. You will also be amazed by the striking history of the tram museum in Porto or the Quaint Afurada.
What’s Included in Your Douro River Cruise
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Flight from Dublin to Oporto
- 10kg carry on bag per person
- Transfer from the Airport to the River Quay
- 5 nights accommodation onboard the 4* Ms Vasco de Gama
- Based on 2 sharing a main deck cabin
- Full Board basis from dinner on the first evening to breakfast on the morning of departure
- Onboard activities & optional excursions
- Welcome Cocktail
- Drinks throughout the cruise
- Gala dinner and evening
- Transfer from the River Quay to the Airport
- Flight from Oporto to Dublin
Over 55 years? Join our 55Club! Click here for more info.
” Hi Eleanor and Chloe,
This was my first time to travel with Travel Escapes and my first river cruise. It was a wonderful trip, the boat was lovely, food and service amazing. Delightful, friendly and helpful staff.
Excursion’s interesting and enjoyable. Enjoyed the evening entertainment and especially loved cruising on the Seine by night.
Overall, it was a great experience and I would highly recommend this cruise and Travel Escapes
Thank you , Eleanor and Chloe for your advice and assistance
Kind regards, Annette ”
Annette travelled on this cruise from 01st-04th November 2024
MS Vasco de Gama
Named after the famous Portuguese navigator who discovered the route to India, MS Vasco da Gama sails on the Douro. Passengers can admire the unique landscapes, sculpted by nature and shaped by man, along an enchanted valley where the famous port wine is produced.
Completely renovated in 2014, this intimate-sized ship measues 75 meters long and 11.40 meters wide. It can accommodate 136 passengers in 70 cabins spread over three decks. The size of each cabin is between 11 m2 and 12.50 m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The majority of cabins are located on the upper deck and have large panoramic windows. Those on the middle and main decks have large windows. The decoration is stylish and its atmosphere, both elegant and friendly, and in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Located on the main deck, the restaurant offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large windows allow guests to fully enjoy the panorama. The lounge / bar with dance floor, located on the middle deck, welcomes passengers during evening entertainment. A swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, with a large shaded area, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Restaurant
Located on the main deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It seats all guests at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant.
Lounge Bar with Dancefloor
The lounge tastefully decorated, is located at the front of the ship and offers panoramic views. Cocktails and games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here.
Terrace
Located at the back of the ship, you can easily meet friends, relax enjoying the view.
Fitness
Start your day by joining us for a morning fitness class on the sun deck.
Sun Deck
Take advantage of the sun deck to relax! It is equipped with chairs and deckchairs, allowing you to cool off while enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent landscapes.
Cabin Amenities
- TV
- Telephone (for internal calls only)
- Bathroom with shower and toilet
- Towels
- Safe
- Independent air-conditioning
- Electricity 220V
- Wi-Fi
Please note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.
You can find more info about the MS Vasco de Gama, including Deck Plans, on our Ship Information page.
CroisiEurope
Agent
Booking Remarks
Prices are per person based on two sharingInclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
Non-refundable or transferable booking deposit €500 per person. Full payment due 16 weeks before departure
Adequate travel Insurance is required
Prices are correct at time of going to press,
Single supplement from €450
Ref POB
Itinerary
Porto, Portugal
On arrival transfer to the port for boarding.
After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion by coach: Tour of Porto “by night”.
Regua, Portugal
This morning will be spent cruising. Join us on an optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: Guided tour of Lamego. Enjoy an evening of dancing.
Porto Antigo, Portugal
Take part in our optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion: The Douro Museum and a tasting of olive oil and wine in a quinta. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
Porto Antigo, Portugal
We’ll spend the morning cruising. This afternoon, join us on the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Porto. We’ll leave for Porto’s city center by coach. Our first stop will be a tour of St. Francis Church. A stone’s throw from the Douro riverbank, it is among the most symbolic buildings in Porto. We’ll then head over to see the inside of Bolsa Palace—also known as the Stock Exchange Palace—a magnificent, neoclassical mansion in the heart of the historic downtown. We’ll ascend the magnificent marble and granite staircase to visit the Golden Room and the lavishly decorated Arab Room, where official receptions are still held. The next stop will be an azulejo tile workshop. This tour is a unique occasion to discover this age-long art form. We’ll return to the ship.
DISCOVERY: Touring Porto via tram and visiting the tram museum. We’ll board one of the city’s trams and partake in this urban-tourism experience all the way to the mouth of the Douro. We’ll finish up our excursion with a tasting of some of the local specialties.
The evening is free to do as you please.
Porto, Portugal
Enjoy time at leisure this morning to discover Porto at your own pace. This afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Tour of Guimarães.
DISCOVERY: Quaint Afurada. We’ll leave by coach for the mouth of the Douro River to set off on an atypical stroll to Afurada, located on the southern bank. We’ll visit the Afurada Heritage Interpretive Center. Enjoy some time on your own in this charming village. Lose yourself in the backstreets lined with colorful homes. Don’t forget to sample delicious seafood dishes at a local tavern! We’ll return to the ship.
Tonight’s our gala evening and dinner followed by traditional folk entertainment.
Porto, Portugal
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking and transferring back to the airport for your return flight home.
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