An exclusive wine & food RIVER JOURNEY with

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Douro River Cruise

October 15 - 22, 2026

20+

Guest limits

8 / 7

Days / Nights

 20

MEALS

Join us on an unforgettable Douro River cruise to discover the rich cultural heritage, spectacularly scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality of the region and its people. From the unique vantage of our river ship, meander past the terraced hillsides and sun-drenched vineyards of this wine-lover’s paradise and visit the charming villages and historic cities along the way. 

Explore

the winding cobblestone streets of Porto and the beautiful and iconic Plaza Mayor of Salamanca

 

Taste

the varieties and styles of wine produced from grapes grown on the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley

 

Discover

 the centuries-old tradition of azulejo tilework in Lamego, where intricate ceramic panels line the grand staircase of the hilltop sanctuary

PRE-TRIP

+ 2 days in Porto

Day 1

Arrive Porto

Welcome to Porto! A private driver will greet you at the airport and transport you to our hotel set in the historic center of the city. Check in and have some time to relax and get settled. This evening, you are free to explore the city.

Overnight at PortoBay Teatro Hotel

Day 2

Taste of Porto and Embarkation

After breakfast, we’ll take you for a curated tasting at Prova Wine Bar, highlighting Portuguese wines from smaller producers. Enjoy accompanying local foods during this introduction to the wines of the region.  In the early afternoon, we’ll transfer you to the MS Douro Elegance to settle in for your cruise along the stunning Douro River.

Breakfast, Lunch

MAIN PROGRAM

+ 8 days on a Douro River Cruise

Day 1

ARRIVE PORTO

Welcome to Porto, where an Experi representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to the world-class MS Douro Elegance. This evening, we’ll enjoy our first dinner on board.

Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 2

PORTO - PINHÃO

As we get underway, relax and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated for its two millennia of wine-producing history, which has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages nestled among sun-drenched vineyards. This afternoon, we enjoy a visit to a local historic quinta - or wine estate - for an introduction to the stages of wine production and a tasting of their wines. Tonight, we’re moored overnight in Pinhão.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 3

PINHÃO - POCINHO

Begin your day with a peaceful cruise past steep, vineyard-covered hills towards Pocinho. We’ll pass through some of the Douro’s most tranquil and scenic stretches, a once wild waterway tamed by a series of locks. As we make our way toward the Spanish border, consider a refreshing dip in the Sun Deck pool or unwind with a glass of vinho verde and a good book, surrounded by the scenic landscapes of the valley.

This afternoon, visit Castelo Rodrigo, a charming 12th-century hilltop village with sweeping views over the Portuguese highlands. Return to the ship for dinner and a traditional vintage port tasting under the stars.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 4

SALAMANCA

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quarter have a storied past, shaped by Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. This morning, enjoy free time to explore its atmospheric streets, cathedral interiors, and colonnaded Plaza Mayor at your own pace.

Over lunch, take in a traditional flamenco performance accompanied by regional Spanish dishes. This afternoon, a guided walking tour introduces you to the city’s highlights, including the 13th-century university and the distinctive Casa de las Conchas, before returning to the ship.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 5

RÉGUA

This morning, we sail from the Spanish border back through the upper reaches of the Douro, as the river winds between steep hillsides and remote vineyards. Enjoy time to relax on board and take in the serene landscapes from the Sun Deck as we cruise toward Peso da Régua.

After lunch, visit the elegant Mateus Palace, an 18th-century Baroque estate renowned for its formal gardens and distinctive façade featured on the Mateus Rosé label.

This evening, we’ll take a short drive to Quinta da Pacheca, one of the region’s oldest and most beautiful wine estates. We’ll have a tour followed by a dinner paired with regional wines. We remain moored in Régua overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 6

LAMEGO

This morning, we’ll make our way to Lamego, one of the first towns in Portugal to be reclaimed from the Moors in the 12th century and the birthplace of the country’s renowned sparkling wine, Raposeira. Visit the hilltop Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, known for its sweeping staircase decorated with traditional azulejos.

Return to the ship for a freshly-prepared lunch as we set sail once again along the Douro. This evening, we’ll gather for the Chef’s Dinner, a celebratory meal showcasing regional specialities, followed by a performance of traditional Portuguese folk music.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 7

PORTO

Our destination today is the vibrant city of Porto, located at the mouth of the Douro River and known for its rich history, lively cultural scene, and role as the birthplace of Port wine.

After lunch on board, enjoy a guided tour of the coastal city and a visit to a port wine cellar that includes a tasting of various port styles. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the terraced streets, cobbled alleys, and bustling cafes at your own pace.   Tonight, we’ll toast our journey and savor a Farewell Dinner on board.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight on MS Douro Elegance

Day 8

DEPART PORTO

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Porto airport for your return flight, taking memories of the spectacular Douro Valley with you.

Breakfast

Extend your trip

+ 4 days in Vinho Verde

Day 1

Amarante

Depart this morning, traveling northwest to the Vinho Verde wine region— the largest wine growing region of Portugal. Along the way, take in the rolling green countryside, stopping at a winery along the way for a tour, tasting, and light lunch before venturing on to our accommodations. As evening falls, look forward to a wine-paired dinner of regional dishes at the property.

Dinner

Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

Day 2

Magic of Vinho Verde

After breakfast, embark on a journey through the relatively young and dynamic Vinho Verde wine region. Visit the distinguished Quinta de Santa Christina for a tour and tasting followed by a picnic lunch of regional products set amidst the vineyards. In the afternoon, stop for a stroll in the town of Amarante, a historic settlement on the banks of the River Tâmega known for its blend of Renaissance, Medieval, and Romanesque architecture. Return to the property for a leisurely evening.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

Day 3

Vinho Verde Delights

Today, we’ll visit Quinta da Lixa, a family-run winery, for a deeper understanding of Vinho Verde winemaking. Enjoy a tour followed by a tasting of their wines and a picnic lunch. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and have the rest of the day free to relax. You may wish to indulge in the hotel spa or explore the surrounding vineyards.

 

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Monverde Wine Experience Hotel

Day 4

Departure

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Porto Airport, marking the conclusion of your wine journey through Portugal's northern regions. Adeus!

Breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS

MS Douro Elegance
Douro_UpperDeck_MAY 2017

Details

DATES

Pre-Trip: October 14 - 15, 2026
Program: October 15 - 22, 2026
Extension: October 22 - 25, 2026

INCLUSIONS 

  • Seven nights / eight days accommodations aboard river ship, including all taxes and fees
  • Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
  • Private airport transfers on arrival and departure days
  • Access to all ship amenities
  • Personalized service onboard from ship staff
  • Access to bicycles for independent exploration on certain days
  • All activities as listed in the itinerary
  • All inclusive drink package
  • Port fees

Reservation process

DEPOSITS

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit per person reserves your space for this program. Final payment is due no later than 100 days prior to departure. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for a Pre-Trip reservation, and a $750 non-refundable deposit is required for an Extension reservation.

Travel Insurance

Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/

Travel Terms & Conditions

View our complete terms and conditions here at https://experi.com/agreement.

CATEGORIES & RATES

Double Occupancy:

Single Occupancy:
Middle Deck Standard Solo: $9,198
Upper Deck Standard Solo: $9,898

PRE-TRIP RATES*

Double Occupancy:
Classic: $559

Single Occupancy:
Classic: $669

EXTENSION RATES*

Double Occupancy:
Classic: $2,495

Single Occupancy:
Classic: $3,095

*Rates are per person in US Dollars.

Notes: Price includes everything listed as included.

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