12-day voyage including an 8-day river cruise in Portugal's Douro Valley
Europe
Portugal
20–28 people
12 days
During the most beautiful time of year, you’ll experience numerous highlights on an enchanting itinerary through Portugal, including the romantic capital of Lisbon; the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Belém and Sintra with their imposing monasteries and palaces; the nostalgic cultural metropolis of Porto; and, as the crowning finale, an 8-day river cruise through the breathtakingly beautiful Douro Valley (UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site). The Spirit of Chartwell, chartered exclusively for you, offers the great advantage of traveling in a small group with no more than 28 fellow passengers on board. Where otherwise only large and impersonal cruise ships operate, the Spirit of Chartwell guarantees you comfort and, at the same time, a particularly private atmosphere!
Stephanie Gräf
A specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
HIGHLIGHTS
- 8-day river cruise: Exclusive charter in the Douro Valley during the best time of year
- A small group of no more than 28 guests aboard the comfortable, 1920s-style boutique ship Spirit of Chartwell
- German-speaking tour guide throughout the trip from Lisbon to Porto
- 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca, Sintra, Belém, and the Alto Douro wine region
- Palaces, castles, and a medieval atmosphere: Queluz, Óbidos, and Coimbra
- Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe
- Fine wines and culinary highlights in one of the world's most beautiful wine-growing regions
- Portuguese Culture: Authentic Fado in Lisbon and Coimbra
route
itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Portugal
Flight to Lisbon. Spend the afternoon exploring Lisbon’s historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). To round off your first day in Portugal, enjoy an atmospheric welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2: Lisbon, the city on seven hills
In the morning, you’ll visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Here, you’ll also sample Portugal’s most famous cream pastries: pastéis de nata. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the world’s only tile museum and the Expo grounds. In the evening, you’ll enjoy delicious Portuguese specialties at a traditional fado restaurant. (FA)
Day 3: Palaces and Castles in Sintra and Queluz
Passing through the coastal town of Cascais, you’ll reach Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. The lighthouse marks the spot where the land ends and the sea begins. You’ll then arrive in the idyllic castle town of Sintra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its fairy-tale palaces and enchanted gardens. Visit the Royal Palace of Queluz. (FM)
Day 4: Medieval Alleys and the Atlantic Ocean
Today, you’ll stroll through the medieval streets of Óbidos, with its crenellated castle, and sample the local cherry liqueur before enjoying lunch right on the Atlantic coast in the fishing village of Nazaré. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in the historic city of Coimbra, a center of science and the arts, where you’ll listen to a traditional student fado performance. (FMA)
Day 5: Coimbra and Aveiro
You’ll explore Coimbra’s historic old town with its imposing cathedral, narrow streets, and romantic squares, and visit the impressive university with its magnificent Baroque library, before discovering the charming town of Aveiro with its colorfully painted fishing boats. In the afternoon, your floating hotel for the coming days—the comfortable Spirit of Chartwell—awaits you in the port of Porto. (B)
Day 6: Porto – Entre-os-Rios
Early in the morning, your ship will set course up the Douro River, which flows gently beneath Porto’s historic railway bridges. You’ll arrive in Entre-os-Rios in time for lunch. Here, you’ll visit a winery where Vinho Verde—a popular Portuguese wine—is produced, and of course, you’ll have the chance to taste it. (FMA)
Day 7: Entre-os-Rios – Peso da Régua – Pinhão
Enjoy the morning aboard the Spirit of Chartwell! After lunch—an event in itself—visit Portugal’s most significant Baroque building, the luxurious Casa de Mateus Palace near the town of Vila Real. Its elegant decorations and charming gardens reflect the tastes of the nobility and the spirit of the 18th century. (FMA)
Day 8: Pinhão – Barca d’Alva
Take a cruise aboard the Spirit of Chartwell through the gently rolling hills of the Douro Valley to Barca d’Alva. You’ll visit the village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Its narrow streets are lined with numerous historic buildings featuring the famous Manueline style. In the evening, you’re invited to the Captain’s Dinner. (FMA)
Day 9: Trip to Salamanca
Today is all about the Spanish city of Salamanca (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). In this hub for artists and dignitaries, you’ll feel the medieval history at every turn. Experience Spanish culture at a flamenco performance. (FMA)
Day 10: Barca d’Alva – Peso da Régua
As the beautiful landscape passes by, you can relax on the sun deck. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the picturesque episcopal city of Lamego, with its breathtaking viewpoints and the majestic pilgrimage church towering high above the city. The surrounding area is characterized by viticulture—the grapes grown here are used to produce port wine, including the rare and exceptionally high-quality Vintage Port. (FMA)
Day 11: Peso da Régua – Porto
In the early afternoon, the Spirit of Chartwell arrives in Porto (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). As you explore this Mediterranean city, you’ll discover a unique scene featuring nostalgic shops, medieval alleyways, and friendly locals throughout the colorful harbor district. Look forward to a tasting of fine port wines! (FMA)
Day 12: Goodbye!
Later today, you will be transferred to the airport, from where you will fly to Frankfurt. (B)
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Scheduled Dates for 2028:
April 28, 28 – May 9, 28 / September 29, 28 – October 10, 28
We'd be happy to put you on the list for these dates. Please contact us!
Please select your preferred date:
April 26, 2027 – May 7, 2027
from €6,480 per person
12 days/11 nights
Price per person for a Superior Cabin, excluding airfare
April 26, 2027 – May 7, 2027
Starting at €6,980 per person
12 days/11 nights
Price per person for a deluxe cabin, excluding airfare
April 26, 2027 – May 7, 2027
Starting at €7,480 per person
12 days/11 nights
Price per person for a suite, excluding flights
September 27, 2027 – October 8, 2027
from €6,480 per person
12 days/11 nights
Price per person for a Superior Cabin, excluding airfare
September 27, 2027 – October 8, 2027
Starting at €6,980 per person
12 days/11 nights
Price per person for a deluxe cabin, excluding airfare
September 27, 2027 – October 8, 2027
Starting at €7,480 per person
12 days/11 nights
Price per person for a suite, excluding flights
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Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
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adults
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Traveler 1
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By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
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Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
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adults
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
personal data
Traveler 1
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General
Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
adults
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
personal data
Traveler 1
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General
Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Thank you very much
We have received your request and will contact you as soon as possible.
Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
appointment
options
adults
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
personal data
Traveler 1
I understand that by clicking "Request now," I am submitting the General
Travel Conditions and Data protection provisions read and accepted.
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
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Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
Information
Included services:
- Flights from Frankfurt to Lisbon and from Porto to Frankfurt in Economy Class
- River cruise on the Spirit of Chartwell with 7 nights' accommodation in the booked cabin category
- 4 nights in comfortable hotels in Lisbon and Coimbra
- Full-time German-speaking tour guide from Lisbon to Porto
- Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- Transfers and shore excursions in comfortable, locally styled coaches
- Excursions and sightseeing tours as listed in the itinerary, including admission fees
- Luggage service at airports, ports, and hotels
- Learning idea information package with travel literature
Not included in the price:
- tips
- Desired excursions
Travel documents:
- Identity card or passport required.
- Required vaccinations: Information before booking.
The Spirit of Chartwell in the Port of Porto
The Spirit of Chartwell in the Port of Porto
Belém Tower (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Lisbon
Belém Tower (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Lisbon
The Spirit of Chartwell
The Spirit of Chartwell
This is what Portugal sounds like
This is what Portugal sounds like
Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal
Pena National Palace in Sintra, Portugal
Vineyards in the Douro Valley
Vineyards in the Douro Valley
Delicacies cooked in a traditional cataplana
Delicacies cooked in a traditional cataplana
The Spirit of Chartwell
The Spirit of Chartwell
Portugal - University in the historic old town of Coimbra
Portugal - University in the historic old town of Coimbra
Your ship, the Spirit of Chartwell – Portugal's Douro Valley
Your ship, the Spirit of Chartwell – Portugal's Douro Valley
Winemakers in Portugal
Winemakers in Portugal
Portuguese Delicacies
Portuguese Delicacies
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