Discover Green Galicia + Douro River Cruise
Marvel at the lush green vistas and striking Atlantic coastline of Galicia before relaxing on board a river cruise through the breathtakingly beautiful Douro Valley.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Oporto.
Fly to Oporto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. (D)
DAY 2: Oporto - Vigo - Rias Bajas.
This morning why not explore Oporto at leisure before continuing, via the lovely city of Vigo, to the fjord-like Rias Bajas area for five nights. (B, D)
DAY 3: Santiago de Compostela.
Lying deep in the heart of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is one of the world's most famous pilgrimage destinations. The old town of this World Heritage city contains some of Europe's most important and well-preserved religious structures, while the narrow streets of the town centre are crammed with colourful market stalls. Your included city sightseeing takes in Obradoiro Square, flanked on every side by the city's most emblematic buildings, including the 12th century Romanesque cathedral. (B, D)
DAY 4: O Grove - La Toja - Combarro - Poio - Pontevedra.
Head north to the charming fishing village of O Grove for a delightful boat trip to taste some of the local delicacies such as oysters and mussels. Cross the O Grove bridge to the island of La Toja and admire the tranquil, pretty gardens and spectacular coastal scenery. From here, head back to Combarro, with a stop en route atop Siradella Mountain for breathtaking views of the region. Spend some time in Combarro enjoying the unique ambience of this traditional fishing village, before continuing to Poio for a visit to the Monastery, which in 1548 became a college of theology and now houses the largest library in Galicia. The day ends in Pontevedra, a city rich in historical and religious heritage, where the included sightseeing tour will introduce you to the city's fascinating monuments. (B, D)
DAY 5: La Coruña.
Today journey to La Coruña, the 'Balcony over the Atlantic'. The city has its origins in sea trade and its icon is the Tower of Hercules, a roman lighthouse still guiding seamen to this day. La Coruña is a city of contrasts, with elements of the shipping trade that have remained unchanged for years set side by side with a modern, vibrant metropolis laden with shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants. The included sightseeing trip will acquaint you with the highlights and you will have plenty of time to explore at leisure. (B, D)
DAY 6: Atlantic Coast scenic drive to Finisterre.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic Coast to Finisterre, often called 'the end of the earth' because of its position as one of the westernmost points on the European mainland. This route offers up some truly stunning coastal scenery; a blend of cliffs and rocks, white sandy beaches and lush marshlands. (B, D)
DAY 7: Cañon de Sil - Ourense - Oporto.
Head to Ourense, a tranquil city made up of narrow streets, pretty squares and pleasant gardens. It is home to many interesting religious buildings of varying styles with the pinnacle being the 12th century Cathedral. Whilst in Ourense visit the Burgas, unusual thermal springs which reach 70 degrees and date back to Roman times. Next, head to Cañon de Sil, an impressive canyon which is hundreds of metres deep. You have the chance to explore the villages and monasteries that lie on its ridges before continuing to Oporto for the night. (B, D)
DAY 8: Oporto to embark your cruise ship.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to your ship, MS Infante de Henrique, for embarkation. Enjoy a welcome cocktail party and a chance to meet the crew. In the evening there will be an optional excursion to see Oporto by night. (B, D)
DAY 9: Oporto.
After breakfast, there will be an optional guided tour of medieval Oporto, Portugal's second largest city. After a tour through the steep, winding lanes of the town, with grand archways and magnificent churches, travel to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will visit one of the producers of the port wine that the region is famous for, followed by a wine tasting. After lunch on board, enjoy a free afternoon to discover Oporto at your own pace, or take an optional trip downtown on the river in a traditional rabello. After dinner there will be a folk evening on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Oporto - Regua.
The morning is yours to discover Oporto at leisure or for you to take an optional excursion to Portugal's religious centre, Braga. Here you will have a chance to see the remains of the medieval city walls, city gates and towers, and various examples of imposing Baroque architecture that embellish the palaces and monuments built by archbishop Rodrigo de Moura Teles. After lunch, begin cruising through the spectacular scenery of the Douro Valley to Regua. In the evening you can take part in the organised entertainment, or enjoy an evening stroll at leisure through Regua. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Regua - Barca d'Alva.
This morning, enjoy an optional excursion to Vila Real for a visit to the beautiful manor and gardens of Solar de Mateus. In the afternoon, rejoin your ship in Pinhão, the geographical centre of the demarcated port wine making region. Later, your ship continues cruising amidst the steep, terraced vineyards that line the banks of the river, en route to Barca d'Alva. Enjoy a flamenco evening on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Barca d'Alva - Vega de Teron.
After breakfast, there is a full day optional excursion to the Spanish city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The city has been well-preserved and has beautiful stone-built noblemen's houses, convents and palaces scattered among the faculty buildings. The architecture reflects its Roman, Arabic and Christian past, and it is also said to have the most impressive town square in the whole of Spain. You rejoin the ship in Vega de Teron for an evening of entertainment. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Vega de Teron - Ferradosa - Pinhão.
Continue your journey through the stunning countryside of the Douro Valley, arriving in Ferradosa after lunch. There is an optional excursion in the afternoon that takes you through vineyards where grapes are grown for the production of local wines before heading to a Quinta to taste Port wine. You rejoin the ship in Pinhão before dinner, where you will have time to look at the local train station, built at the end of the 19th century, the inside of which is entirely lined with panels of patterned tiles, or azulejos. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Pinhão - Oporto.
This morning, there is an optional excursion to the ancient town of Lamego, 12km from the banks of the Douro. This includes a visit to the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios sanctuary, 600m above the town, the medieval castle, the church of Almacave with its azulejo lined walls and gilded woodwork on the altars, and the Cathedral. After lunch on board, the ship continues its journey to Oporto. Tonight, there is a fado evening on board, where you can hear the traditional songs of Lisbon. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Oporto - UK.
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Oporto: Hotel Tryp Porto Centro (3*).
Samieira and your hotel
A sleepy hamlet, Samieira with its narrow lanes and seaside location, is an ideal retreat for exploring this lovely region of Spain. Here you will find a selection of local shops and restaurants, as well as converted water mills, some of which serve tapas and wine.
Drinks with meals included on cruise
Wine, beer, fruit juice, mineral water and one cup of tea or coffee.
Optional Excursion Package
£170 per person
The following optional excursion package for the cruise can be purchased at the time of booking and includes:
Oporto
Day 8 - 'Oporto by night' excursion
Day 9 - Guided city tour
Braga
Day 10 - City visit
Vila Real
Day 11 - City tour and visit to Solar de Mateus manor and gardens
Salamanca
Day 12 - City visit
Ferradosa
Day 13 - 'Wines of Porto' vineyards route and wine tasting
Lamego
Day 14 - Guided tour
Note: All optional excursions are subject to change and a minimum number of participants are required for them to operate.
Your Holiday Map
Discover Green Galicia + Douro River Cruise
MS Infante de Henrique
MS Infante de Henrique is fully air-conditioned throughout and accommodates 142 passengers in 71 light, comfortable, outside cabins. With excellent facilities and amenities, including an extensive sun deck, splendid European cuisine, and a friendly, knowledgeable crew, MS Infante de Henrique is an ideal base from which to enjoy the pleasures of the Douro.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Large partially covered sundeck; swimming pool (July and August only); lounge bar with dance floor; restaurant; gift shop; lift.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting. Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. Aperitifs, coffee and digestifs are available in the lounge bar. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night. While on board you will be looked after by the ship's hostess and purser.
Cabins
All outside cabins have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and wc; and large picture window. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
Twin/double main deck cabin with large window
Twin/double middle deck cabin with large window
Twin/double upper deck cabin with large window
MS Infante de Henrique
MS Infante de Henrique is fully air-conditioned throughout and accommodates 142 passengers in 71 light, comfortable, outside cabins. With excellent facilities and amenities, including an extensive sun deck, splendid European cuisine, and a friendly, knowledgeable crew, MS Infante de Henrique is an ideal base from which to enjoy the pleasures of the Douro.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Large partially covered sundeck; swimming pool (July and August only); lounge bar with dance floor; restaurant; gift shop; lift.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting. Breakfasts are buffet style, while lunch and dinner have set menus, usually including a choice of regional specialities and traditional favourites. Aperitifs, coffee and digestifs are available in the lounge bar. Vegetarian meals and any special dietary requirements should be requested at the time of booking. There is an evening programme of entertainment and a welcome cocktail on the first night. While on board you will be looked after by the ship's hostess and purser.
Cabins
All outside cabins have twin or double beds; air-conditioning/climate control; satellite TV; radio; hairdryer; safety deposit box; shower and wc; and large picture window. Your holiday price includes a main deck cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
Twin/double main deck cabin with large window
Twin/double middle deck cabin with large window
Twin/double upper deck cabin with large window
MS Infante de Henrique
Main Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Middle Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Upper Deck twin or double cabin with large window
Discover Green Galicia + Douro River Cruise 14 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Discover Green Galicia + Douro River Cruise 14 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||||
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| 8 Oct 2012 |
Make your own way
Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
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| 8 Oct 2012 | Aberdeen |
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| 8 Oct 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 8 Oct 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 8 Oct 2012 | Manchester |
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Discover Green Galicia + Douro River Cruise
Price from £1535.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Oporto - UK
- Accommodation in a twin room with private facilities on tour and as per cruise ship details
- Meals 7 breakfasts (B) and 7 dinners (D) on tour and full board on cruise ship
- Drinks with meals on cruise (wine, beer, fruit juice, mineral water, one cup of tea or coffee)
- Professional tour director on tour
- Porterage on cruise ship (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airport, hotels and cruise ship
- All local, port and airport taxes
Holiday highlights
- Santiago de Compostela City sightseeing with a local guide, including cathedral entrance
- O Grove & La Toja Boat trip with seafood and wine tasting
- Combarro Guided Visit
- Pontevedra City sightseeing with local guide
- Poio Monastery Entrance
- La Coruña Full day city sightseeing
- Atlantic Coast Scenic drive to Finisterre
- Cañon de Sil Guided visit
- Ourense City sightseeing with local guide
- Oporto
- Regua
- Barca d'Alva
- Vega de Teron
- Ferradosa
- Pinhão
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Birmingham
- London Gatwick
- Manchester
Departures between
08 Oct 2012 to 08 Oct 2012
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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