Offer Expired
Waiting for Cruiseline update
Two intriguing countries and one dramatic river equal a grand adventure.
Before setting sail on the Douro River, experience three legendary Spanish cities: Salamanca, the lovely “Golden City"; Madrid, renowned for its museums, stately royal palace and vibrant nightlife; and Toledo, the city of El Greco and a magnificent tribute to the three great cultures that forged Spain.
Cruise through the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years, visiting picturesque quintas and meeting the winemakers who operate them, as well as tasting the wine. Get even closer to natural treasures at the Douro International Natural Park, where you can get a better understanding of the flora and fauna of the land with an intimate boat cruise, and at the Quinta Aveleda’s gardens, offering an enchanting landscape that boasts a cascading waterfall, graceful swans swimming, peacocks flaunting their colours and so much more. Visit the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a site that dates back to the 12th century, and the pilgrimage town of Lamego to see the monumental baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Travel through the verdant countryside to Óbidos, a charming hilltop town that has entranced visitors since the 13th century en route to Portugal’s colorful capital of Lisbon.
Reward your inner explorer with the “Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River," blending captivating cities, picturesque villages and unparalleled scenic cruising through this less-traveled corner of Europe.
Important Terms
- * Rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
- Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
- Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
Departures & Rates
* All prices quoted are PER PERSON based on twin share in Australian Dollars and include taxes, fees and port expenses (if applicable). All prices quoted are for the cruise departing on 20Sep19. Certain departure dates and embarkation points may be at an additional supplement. For more information please contact one of our Travel Specialists.
*Rates are based on per person for two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates, or other cabin types not listed, please contact our Travel Specialists for a quote.
Cabins
Suite
Beautifully appointed riverview suites (323 sq ft – 30 sq m) have full balconies, hotel beds draped in fine linens with choice of pillows, built-in closets, slippers, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen television, radio, alarm clock, iPhone/iPod charger and player, Nespresso and tea station, bottled water, and fresh fruit daily.
Bathrooms with L’Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, a choice of bathrobes, and slippers.
Deluxe Balcony
Beautifully appointed riverview Deluxe Balcony Category 1 staterooms (215 sq ft – 20 sq m) have full balconies, hotel beds draped in fine linens with choice of pillows, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen television, radio, alarm clock, iPhone/iPod charger and player, bottled water daily.
Bathrooms with L’Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, a choice of bathrobes, and slippers.
French Balcony
Stateroom (161 sq ft – 15 sq m) amenities include French Balcony, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flatscreen TV, radio, alarm clock, and bottled water.
Bathroom amenities include L’Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, comfy bathrobes and slippers.
Classic
Stateroom (161 sq ft – 15 sq m) amenities include built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flatscreen TV, radio, alarm clock, and bottled water.
Bathroom amenities include L’Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, comfy bathrobes and slippers.
Itinerary
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
DAY 1: Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel.
DAY 2: Lisbon
Everything old is new again in the Portuguese capital, which is undergoing a remarkable rebirth of late. Get to know this hilly metropolis with a city tour that shows you all the top sights and treats you to a unique pastry with an intriguing (and delicious) history. Dynamic, colorful and picturesque, Lisbon will continually surprise you. Glorious historic architecture reflects the wealth brought in during the “Age of Discovery,” when the Portuguese owned the seas, but it is also a modern center of finance and international trade.
Featured Excursion:
Lisbon city tour with visit to the Church of the Jerónimos Monastery
DAY 3: Lisbon, Óbidos, Transfer to Porto (Embark)
You’ll board a motorcoach this morning, heading north through Portugal’s picturesque countryside toward Porto—but you’ll stop in fascinating Óbidos before you reach the colorful city. The tiny whitewashed village of Óbidos is so charming that Portuguese kings traditionally gave it to their brides as a wedding gift. Need we say more? Climb up to the imposing hilltop castle for spectacular, Instagram-worthy photos of the countryside and the sea beyond.
Featured Excursion:
Guided stroll through Óbidos
DAY 4: Porto
There’s much more to Portugal’s second city than its eponymous fortified wine—historic architecture, cutting-edge design, fabulous food and wine, and a hip, laid-back vibe. Discover its many charms with your choice of distinctively different tours today. Today you cruise to the mouth of the Douro and Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto, which gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. The city is a fascinating combination of historic buildings and cutting-edge architecture, tradition and vivacious modernity.
Choice of Porto city tour or Exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Porto walking tour with local tastings and vintage tram ride
DAY 5: Porto (Guimarães)
Guimarães or Porto? That’s the question of the day today (you really can’t go wrong either way). Guimarães is the town where Portugal was born and its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit. Or opt to explore one of Porto’s oldest neighborhoods, picturesque Ribeira, considered the soul of the city.
Choice of Guimarães: the cradle of Portugal or Porto shopping experience
DAY 6: Entre-os-Rios (Amarante)
The family-owned Quinta da Aveleda looks like something out of a fairytale, with its lush flower gardens, peacocks and swans, shady terraces and whimsical follies—the perfect place to relax over a glass of vinho verde, the preferred drink of the region. After your visit to the quinta, you will get a crash course in the history of making Port during your visit to the Douro Museum.
Featured Excursions:
Quinta da Aveleda visit with gardens
Douro Museum and Port wine history
DAY 7: Régua (Lamego), Pinhão
One of Portugal’s top pilgrimage sites is our destination today, Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego. The church sits high above the town, accessible via hundreds of zigzagging steps adorned with beautiful blue and white tiles. After seeing the sights with a local expert, enjoy a tasting of locally made wines at a picturesque quinta.
Featured Excursions:
Lamego city tour with a sparkling wine tasting at the Quinta da Pacheca
Scenic Stroll to Pinhão station
DAY 8: Pinhão, Pocinho
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. You’ll head to the hills to a prestigious wine estate, where you can sip Port while savoring marvelous views. Or, take a scenic drive to a family-owned quinta, where you’ll have a firsthand look at grape harvesting.
Choice of Quinta do Seixo guided tour with tasting or Vineyard hike and wine tasting at a local quinta
Whichever excursion you opt for, you’ll spend the afternoon cruising along a stretch of the Douro that is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, boasting dramatic vistas, bountiful countryside and terraced vineyards, as well as picturesque villages tucked along the riverbanks.
DAY 9: Pocinho, Barca d’Alva (Castelo Rodrigo)
A tiny village surrounded by mountains, Barca d’Alva is your base for today’s adventures. Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. It has been singled out as one of Portugal’s 12 historic villages for its medieval beauty. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Or, if you wish, you can also lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings during a visit to Portugal’s first archaeological park, Foz Côa.
Choice of Castelo Rodrigo or Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
In the evening, a special Gala Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 10: Vega de Terrón (Disembark), Salamanca, Transfer to Madrid
What adventures await you in Spain? You’ll disembark today, heading towards Madrid. Along the way you’ll visit the beautiful and historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. This is the university town where Columbus sought advice before sailing west in search of the new route to the Indies. Walk with a local expert through the Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, and visit the university and the city’s astounding Food Hall.
Featured Excursion:
Salamanca walking tour
After checking into your hotel in Madrid, join a guided “Madrid at Your Doorstep” vicinity walk to begin getting acquainted with the city.
DAY 11: Madrid
Madrid may very well be Europe’s liveliest capital city, a place where people eat late and stay up even later. Get your bearings with a panoramic overview or a more intimate walking tour, both of which include a visit to the extraordinary Prado Museum. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a colorful, passionate, foot-stomping show at the city’s finest flamenco venue. The capital of Spain, Madrid boasts incomparable artwork, an amazing range of architectural styles— from Moorish to postmodern—and exceptional food. Your Iberian adventure begins here as you sample some of its highlights.
Featured Excursion:
Corral de la Moreria – award winning Flamenco performance and dinner
Choice of Madrid panoramic city tour with Prado Visit or Madrid panoramic and active walking tour: historic center and Prado visit
DAY 12: Madrid (Toledo)
A one-time ancient Roman colony, medieval Moorish capital and center for religious tolerance, Toledo is said to be Spain’s spiritual heart: a timeless, UNESCO-listed city where Muslims, Jews and Christians have peacefully co-existed for three centuries. After your city tour you’ll have time to explore—and eat—on your own; the food here is so exceptional that Toledo was named Spain’s gastronomic capital in 2016.
Featured Excursion:
Toledo walking exploration: city of walls, silk and swords
DAY 13: Depart Madrid
You’ve experienced the best of Spain, Portugal and the pristine Douro River, but now the journey comes to a close. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Madrid-Barajas Airport for your flight home. Your Uniworld adventure may be over, but we know you’ll enjoy the memories you’ve made for years to come.
Ship Info
Queen Isabel
Uniworld’s Queen Isabel provides an up-close and unforgettable view of Portugal’s Douro River Valley—a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site—renowned for its dramatic, rugged scenery and pristine waters. Named after Portugal’s beloved queen, this boutique 116-passenger vessel is the most unique and stately ship on the Douro, a wonderful place to admire the region’s steeply terraced hillside vineyards and charming wine estates.
Staterooms
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® of England beds draped in high-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, along with a menu of pillow options.
Deck Plans
Uniworld’s meticulously designed ships feature enticing public areas and luxurious amenities, including a lounge with full-service bar, well-equipped fitness center, restaurant, Serenity River Spa, and a Sun Deck where you can relax and take in the ever-changing views.
Quick Facts
| River | Douro River |
| Guests | 116 |
| Staff | 33 |
| Suites | 2 (323 sq ft) |
| Staterooms | 56 (161 sq ft) |
| Length | 258 ft |
| Width | 37.5 ft |
Note: Cruising in Spain and Portugal is a wonderful experience, and while the Queen Isabel is a lovely and comfortable ship, its amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship. Butler service is not available on this ship.
Cruise Line
Uniworld
Whether you’ve visited Europe once or a dozen times, you haven’t really experienced the best of Europe until you’ve sailed with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Uniworld has been cruising the waterways of the world for more than 30 years. Their river cruise combines the charms and landmarks of different destinations with exquisite accommodation, award-winning hospitality, and world-class cuisine of a five-star boutique hotel. Cruise the historic waterways of Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and Vietnam & Cambodia.
Why Uniworld?
Uniworld offers the highest level of comfort, quality and service in river cruising with an unparalleled variety of vacation choices. You’ll cherish this world of benefits designed just for you.
CHOICE
- Over 500 departures
- More than 40 itineraries
- Sail 12 of the world’s most breathtaking rivers
- Choose from over 20 countries throughout Europe, China, Egypt and Russia
QUALITY
- Travel+Leisure’s “World’s Best Top 10 Small Cruise Lines"
- Condé Nast Traveller’s “Gold List"
- Condé Nast Reader’s Cruise Poll Winner for “Top Small Cruise Ships"
- Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Award for “World’s Top 10 Small Cruise Lines
HOSPITALITY
- Over 98% guest service satisfaction rates
- One crew member for every three guests
- Professionally trained all English-speaking staff
- Condé Nast “Gold List" winners with highest honours in hospitality
- Meet and Greet transfers on arrival and departure days
COMFORT
- Staterooms offer beautiful river views, modern amenities and luxury hotel-style beds
- Meals prepared with the regions’ freshest ingredients by a gourmet culinary staff
- Intimate ambiance of 130 guests on average
- Local English-speaking experts leading shore excursions to the hidden treasures of each port.
