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The vibrant, riverside city of Porto is the starting point of this cruise, which makes its way down the Douro River, through the Douro Valley - one of the most dazzling landscapes in Portugal - and into Spain. Explore the architectural treasures of Porto's historic centre, enjoy fantastic food and wine experiences, visit the impressive Ducal Palace and tour the hillside town of Lamego on this thrilling eight-day voyage.
Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Porto. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner then take a tour of Porto, enjoying the city sights by moonlight.
Explore Porto, one of Europe's oldest cities with evidence of settlements dating back to 300 BC, on a guided tour, visiting San Francisco Church, with its gold-laced interior, and the beautiful Palacio da Bolsa located in the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Porto. In the afternoon begin your cruise through the Douro Valley where you will pass granite cliffs, whitewashed estates and 18th Century vineyards carved into mountains. Arrive in Regua, gateway to the Alto Douro, in time for an evening of dancing or some free time to explore.
Relax on board before disembarking for a visit to Vila Real with the chance to stroll through the landscaped gardens of Mateus Palace and taste the delicious local speciality of 'cristas de galo', a sweet pastry shaped like a rooster's crest. Later tonight, enjoy an entertaining flamenco performance.
Arrive at Barca d'Alva early in the morning, a tranquil town shadowed by mountains and surrounded by countryside rich in orchards and vineyard. Later, join a day tour to the Spanish university town of Salamanca, a place blessed with a dazzling array of beautiful buildings awash with golden sandstone, including the exceptional Plaza Mayor with its magnificent cathedral.
Cruise through the locks of Valeira and Pocinho, en route to Ferradosa. Take part in a port wine tasting experience at a local estate. The ship docks at Pinhao, a town encircled by terraced hillsides and home to some of the world's finest port, where there will be a spectacular gala dinner on board.
Disembark for a tour to Lamego, an elegant town dotted with Baroque buildings and nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley. This afternoon, cruise to historic Porto.
This morning, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimaraes, birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first independent King of Portugal, to visit the impressive Ducal Palace built by the first Duke of Braganca in the 15th Century.
Disembark for your airport transfer and flight to the UK
A visa is not required for British nationals travelling to Portugal and Spain. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of €300pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your flight is to Porto Airport, Portugal with TAP Air Portugal (TAP) departing from London Gatwick South Terminal. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 2 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This river cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on cobbled streets and getting on and off the cruise ship. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
Optional excursions are escorted by an experienced, English speaking guide.
The currency in Portugal and Spain, as well as onboard, is the Euro (EUR). We recommend that you exchange currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in most towns and cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
This cruise is All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book. Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for this purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise. Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout Portugal and Spain.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Dates | |||
| 19 Jun 2023 | 26 Jun 2023 | €2306 | |
| 26 Jun 2023 | 03 Jul 2023 | €2048 | |
| 03 Jul 2023 | 10 Jul 2023 | €1791 | |
| 10 Jul 2023 | 17 Jul 2023 | €1981 | |
| 17 Jul 2023 | 26 Jul 2023 | €1981 | |
| 2024 Dates | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | 15 Apr 2024 | €1791 | |
| 27 May 2024 | 03 Jun 2024 | €2351 | |
| 17 Jun 2024 | 24 Jun 2024 | €2015 | |
| 15 Jul 2024 | 22 Jul 2024 | €2015 | |
| 12 Aug 2024 | 19 Aug 2024 | €2015 | |
| 02 Sep 2024 | 02 Sep 2024 | €2351 | |
| 21 Oct 2024 | 28 Oct 2024 | €2239 | |
Treat yourself to a better vista! Cabin and Deck upgrades are available for an additional supplement. For prices and availability please call our Reservations Consultants or Book Online.
If you're travelling alone single cabins are available for a small supplement. For prices and availability please call our Reservations Consultants or Book Online.
The Captain and Croisieurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
There is no official dress code on board, however, you'll be most comfortable during the day in smart casual clothing. You may wish to bring items that do not wrinkle easily as there is no iron provided on board ship. There are also no laundry facilities available. Bring a variety of clothing for the weather expected on your cruise, including light clothing and bathing suits for hot weather, a jumper or jacket for cooler weather and of course a raincoat and/or small umbrella.
5 °C / 26 °C
Please familiarise yourself with the below weather charts.
The MS Infante D Henrique is an attractive 3 deck ship consisting of 71 cabins. As you sail through the Douro admire the beautiful scenery from the large relaxing sun-deck. Facilities include a lounge bar with dance floor, dining room and gift shop.
All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe. Spaced across the Upper and Main Decks, all cabins are outside facing and located above the water affording outstanding views from the large picture window.
Your day will always begin with an impressive buffet breakfast. Chefs prepare succulent 3-course meals for lunch and dinner which are served in the onboard restaurant. Midday and evening meals are paired with excellent and carefully chosen beers and wines, included in the price. An open bar is available throughout the voyage (not including Champagne, special wines, premium spirits or fine brandies).
All cruises start with a welcoming cocktail reception where you'll meet the captain, crew and staff of your ship. Facilities onboard include a comfortable lounge with a dance floor for your enjoyment and relaxation as well as a gift shop. FREE Wifi is available in lounge bar and reception. The sun deck, complete with deckchairs, offers a panoramic view of the landscape's beauty as you cruise.
7 nights
View
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