SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: To Porto

Morning flight from Gatwick arriving in Porto at midday. Private transfer from the airport to the Eurostars Das Artes Hotel, centrally located and just a 5-minute walk from most of the cultural highlights including the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal and the Museu Nacional De Soares Dos Reis. Ponte Dom Luis Bridge is a 7-minute drive away.

Day 2: Porto to Pinhao Cruise

Enjoy an exceptional boat trip to the magnificent region of Pinhão, the land of vineyards and unique views. The cruise departs at 8am and both breakfast and lunch is served on board. The cruise passes the Crestuma-Lever Dam, the Carrapatelo Dam and the Bagaúste Dam. Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at the LBV House Hotel, situated in the beautiful Alto Douro wine region with panoramic views over the Douro River. Pinhão’s railway station is worth a visit with its vineyard-themed decorative tiles and just a 5-minute drive away.

Day 3: The Douro Historic Train

Travelling on the Douro Historical Train is like travelling back in time. Depart Pinhão just after midday for a half-hour journey to Régua where you can board the wonderful steam train that follows the Douro River. The steam locomotive pulls five historical carriages and runs between Régua and Tua and takes you on a unique trip into the past, travelling through beautiful landscape that is classified as a UNESCO as World Heritage site. The journey also includes on board entertainment with regional singers and musicians and a toast with a glass of Porto Ferreira. Arrive back in Pinhão in the evening.

Please note, the Douro Historical Train only operates June-October, primarily only on Saturdays.

Day 4: Return to Porto

There is a choice of trains from which to return to Porto. The 2 hour 25 minute journey will allow time to enjoy a leisurely morning and have time to explore Porto in the afternoon. Check in to the Eurostars das Artes again for a 2-night stay.

Day 5: At leisure in Porto

Spend a full day exploring Porto. Wander through the hilly backstreets of Miragaia, Ribeira and Massarelos for a slice of Porto life – famous for its wonderful food, wine and cutting-edge architecture. Enjoy a riverside walk along the Douro or we can arrange a food tasting tour, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, city cruise, walking tour, wine tasting, a Fado show or other excursions should you wish.

Day 6: Homeward Bound

Private transfer from hotel to airport for an early morning flight, arriving in Gatwick at 9am.

PRICING

Included:

• Economy flights from London

• B&B accommodation in good quality hotels (may be subject to change)

• Rail travel as specified

• Douro Historical Train

• Porto - Pinhao Cruise

• The services of a UK tour leader throughout

Not included:

• Meals other than those described above

• Drinks

• Gratuities and tips

We recommend packing lightly, with one manageable main piece of luggage per person.