The Essence of the Douro

Meet your Tour Leader at Malta International Airport before checking in for your flight to Porto. On arrival, transfer to the port and board Douro Queen, your home for the next seven nights. Settle in and feel the pace begin to slow as your journey through Portugal’s legendary wine country begins.

Wake up in Porto, where colourful houses rise above the river and generations of history are woven into its streets. Guests who have pre-booked the excursion will discover the city’s character on a guided tour, followed by a tasting of its world-famous port wine. Later, sail towards Caldas de Aregos as the city fades into green riverbanks and the first vine-covered hills appear on the horizon.

Wake up in Porto, where colourful houses rise above the river and generations of history are woven into its streets. Guests who have pre-booked the excursion will discover the city’s character on a guided tour, followed by a tasting of its world-famous port wine. Later, sail towards Caldas de Aregos as the city fades into green riverbanks and the first vine-covered hills appear on the horizon.

Sail deeper into the Douro Valley, where vineyards cascade down steep hillsides and the river winds through a landscape shaped by centuries of winemaking. Arrive in Pinhão, surrounded by traditional wine estates, while guests on the pre-booked excursion journey to Vila Real to discover the magnificent Mateus Palace, its elegant Baroque architecture and beautifully sculpted gardens

Today, the river takes centre stage. Sail through one of the Douro’s most spectacular stretches, where sunlit vineyards follow every curve of the hills and traditional wine estates appear between the terraces. Continue towards Barca d’Alva and Vega de Terrón, where the peaceful landscapes of Portugal meet the Spanish border.

Guests who have pre-booked the excursion will travel to Castelo Rodrigo, a historic hilltop village of narrow medieval streets, ancient walls and weathered stone houses. From its elevated position, admire sweeping views across the countryside before returning to the ship and continuing towards Foz do Sabor beneath the golden evening light.

Sail through layers of terraced vineyards, olive groves and small villages towards Régua, one of the Douro Valley’s most important wine-producing towns. Guests on the prebooked excursion will continue to Lamego to discover the magnificent Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and its grand Baroque staircase, decorated with fountains, sculptures and traditional Portuguese tiles.

Enjoy the final stretch of your river journey as Douro Queen sails back towards Porto. Watch the valley unfold one last time, with terraced vineyards gradually giving way to green riverbanks, historic bridges and the familiar colours of the city. It is a final day to slow down, take in the views and carry the magic of the Douro with you.

Following breakfast, disembark Douro Queen and transfer to Porto Airport for your return flight to Malta. Return home with memories of golden vineyards, storybook villages and peaceful days spent following the gentle rhythm of one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers.