Douro Discovery & Romantic Rhône

Your adventure begins as you fly into Lisbon today, Portugal’s invigorating capital. Upon arrival, be transferred to your centrally located hotel and enjoy free time.

Explore the historic Alfama district and visit the impressive Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to marvel at the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower.

Enjoy a full day at leisure.

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you’ll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers 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, you’ll take part in a Portuguese language lesson, during which you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon you’ll 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 will 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 to set off for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, and boasts sunlit sandstone buildings along with a majestic city square and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach back over 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 barbeque dinner.

Insider Experience — Flamenco Show

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

Join an excursion to the splendid Gardens and Palace of Mateus. Tour this living museum which is still owned by the Count of Vila Real. Discover the connection between this beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus Rose wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, which is 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 as you please.

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 for you to step back out to explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs. Or perhaps take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can take 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 and other historic landmarks that highlight the city's rich heritage.

After breakfast, disembark and be transferred to the airport in Porto for your flight to Paris. Arrive in Paris, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city’s historic centre. Later this evening you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception. 

Paris is the perfect city to begin your journey through France. This morning, open the door to some of the city’s best-loved sights on a guided tour, including the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore Paris at your leisure.

Today, you’re bound to fall head over heels for the ‘City of Love’ during a full day of exploration. Will you enjoy a whirlwind romance with the bohemian fervour of the Latin Quarter? Or cement an enduring devotion to the art at the Louvre Museum? Alternatively, you may wish to join some exciting optional experiences. 

Enhance Your Journey – Culinary Walking Tour 

Set out on a walking tour of the charming Marais district, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Along the way, sample some culinary gems. 

Enhance Your Journey – Moulin Rouge 

Visit the iconic Moulin Rouge for dinner and a Parisian cabaret show. See a range of breathtaking acts and dances including the legendary French Cancan. 

Travel to Giverny, the former home of the French Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Here, visit Monet's House and Garden. As you wander the gardens, take in lovely scenes that inspired many of Monet's famous paintings. See the water garden with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas.

Farewell Paris after breakfast and board your coach for a scenic drive to Lyon to embark your ship MS Van Gogh. Explore the impressive social spaces and settle into your suite this evening. Later, enjoy meeting your fellow travellers and dedicated crew at a welcome cocktail reception.

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Lyon, a city known for its delectable array of cuisine. Traverse the city and ascend Fourvière Hill to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, known to locals as the upside-down elephant. Next, visit Vieux Lyon to admire the alluring buildings of the Old Town. Indulge in a tasting at Paul Bocuse’s Les Halles de Lyon and savour the best regional fare including local sausage, cheese and a glass of wine. Return to the ship and set sail along the Saône River to Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or for a special Insider Experience later on this evening.

Insider Experience – French Gastronomic Experience at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges

Delight in an authentic French meal at Paul Bocuse’s Abbaye de Collonges. Discover the innovative and unique approach to cuisine that Paul Bocuse was renowned for, earning himself three Michelin stars. Taste exceptional dishes reflecting the gourmet chef’s love for fresh, high-quality ingredients, all meticulously prepared by world-class chefs. Accompanied by a spectacular setting, this experience is sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

Arrive in the port of Tain L’Hermitage this morning. Perhaps embark on an optional tour of the Cité du Chocolat. Cruise to the attractive city of Avignon, rich in Provençal character and history. Relish an evening of lively onboard entertainment.  

Enhance Your Journey – Cité du Chocolat 

Delve into the world of chocolate on a tour of the Cité du Chocolat. Learn about this popular treat with interactive exhibits and taste samples at the Valrhona Discovery Centre. 

Today, set out on a guided tour of Avignon, once an integral location of the Catholic Church. Visit the medieval Palace of the Popes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Avignon’s historic city centre. Learn about the history of the palace as a fortress, church and residence to popes and soak in the breathtaking architecture. Reboard your ship and head towards Arles.

Spend time at leisure today in the beautiful city of Arles, a World Heritage-listed site renowned for its rich collection of ancient Roman relics and remarkable cultural heritage. Perhaps embark on a full-day excursion to the Camargue.

Enhance Your Journey – The Camargue

Explore the stunning coastal region of the Camargue, home to diverse flora and fauna. The marshes, ponds, and seashores provide a rich habitat for various species. Visit a traditional manade, a farm where herders train horses and raise cattle, and discover the unique rhythms of life in this wild landscape.

This morning, head out on a guided tour of Viviers, accompanied by an expert. Immerse yourself in the history of this charming city and visit the House of Knights to admire the intricate details of its Renaissance-style façade, despite its title as the smallest cathedral in France. Next, stop at Saint Michel Tower and the Great Seminary before taking in the sensational vista of Viviers from the overlook. After, relax on board as you cruise towards La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Alternatively, join an optional coach tour to the stunning Gorges de l’Ardèche. Enjoy a Gala Dinner on board your ship tonight.

Enhance Your Journey – Gorges de l’Ardèche

Embark on a panoramic coach tour to the Gorges de l’Ardèche, a 30 km canyon carved over millennia by the Ardèche River. Marvel at the powerful forces of nature that have shaped deep valleys, cliffs, and captivating limestone formations. Stop to view the Pont d’Arc, a natural stone arch rising 100 feet above the river, offering extraordinary views of this awe-inspiring landscape.

After breakfast, it is time to depart your Rhône River cruise. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.