Douro Discovery with Aegean Explorer

Fly into Porto today, a perfect introduction to sunny Portugal. Spain’s smaller, but no less magnificent, neighbour, Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries and boasts a mix of vibrant art, music, wine and food, as well as endless sunny days. Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.  

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon, visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated Baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego – a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Dinner

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle, and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.

Today, you’ll disembark and board a coach bound for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, boasting sunlit sandstone buildings, a majestic city square, and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach across the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner.

Insider Experience – Flamenco Show

Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch, and be entranced by captivating dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

Join an excursion to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Tour this living museum and discover the connection between the beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus rosé wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, now docked in Régua.

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting

Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine – Portugal’s most famous tipple.

After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time to step back out and explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Guimarães

Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

After breakfast, your river cruise through Europe comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Embark on a city tour of Barcelona’s famous landmarks. Visit the famous Montjuïc Hill and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Then, admire the spectacular exterior of the iconic Sagrada Família (entrance not included). Take a guided walking tour through the old town and delve into the wonders of this beautiful city. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Today, enjoy a day at leisure discovering the highlights of Barcelona. Explore stylish neighbourhoods, browse local cafes and boutiques, or take a relaxing walk along the waterfront. Savour the city's renowned culinary scene, sampling local gourmet specialties, from fresh Mediterranean seafood to world-class tapas.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Barcelona before transferring to your Holland America Line ship, Nieuw Amsterdam. Settle into your stateroom and take time to explore the ship's facilities before attending a warm Welcome Reception this evening. Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers as you begin your journey together.

Spend today relaxing on board as you sail towards your next destination. Take advantage of the ship's many amenities, savour a variety of flavours across the onboard dining venues, or enjoy the diverse entertainment and leisure facilities available throughout the day.

Following your special Insider Experience, enjoy time at leisure in Valletta. Explore the city's rich heritage at your own pace, browse local shops, or relax and take in the unique character of Malta's beautiful capital before rejoining your ship.

Insider Experience – Grand Master's Palace

Delve into more than 450 years of Maltese history at Valletta's Grand Master's Palace. Gain fascinating insights from expert guides as you explore one of Malta's most significant landmarks. Discover the beautifully restored State Rooms, the historic Armoury, and the remarkable stories that have shaped the palace's rich legacy during this immersive guided tour.

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea and take the opportunity to experience all that the ship has to offer. From wellness facilities and exceptional dining to live music, enriching activities and entertainment, there is something to suit every interest as you relax and enjoy life on board.

Today, arrive in Souda, the gateway to Crete's rich history and culture. Discover the authentic charm of nearby Chania as you wander its atmospheric streets and admire the idyllic Venetian Harbour. Browse local markets and boutiques, relax at a waterfront cafe, and sample traditional Cretan cuisine while soaking up the vibrant local lifestyle. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace or choose from a range of optional sightseeing tours available (additional expense).

Dock in beautiful Santorini, one of the Greek Islands' most iconic destinations. Admire the island's whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches dramatically perched above the caldera, creating some of the most breathtaking clifftop views in the Aegean. Stroll through the winding lanes of Fira and Oia, browse charming boutiques and cafes, or relax and soak up the spectacular vistas. Enjoy the freedom to explore this captivating island at leisure or enhance your visit with an optional tour (additional expense).

This morning, cruise into Kuşadasi, situated on Türkiye's rugged Anatolian coast. On arrival, enjoy an historical Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Visit Ephesus

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical sites in the Eastern Mediterranean. Step back in time as you explore the remnants of this once-thriving Roman metropolis, imagining life during its golden age. Walk along its broad marble streets, lined with the remains of grand public buildings and temples, and admire the magnificent Library of Celsus, built in honour of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. This remarkable archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the history, architecture and culture of the ancient world.

After breakfast, your cruise comes to an end. Disembark your ship in Athens and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.