Spirit of Chartwell: Luxury Douro River Cruise 2026

Luxury Douro Cruise: 4-Night Itinerary to Spain Border

Overview

Embark on an exclusive trip through the Douro aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, a luxurious hotel ship internationally recognized for having transported Queen Elizabeth II on the River Thames. Enjoy unique and authentic moments while sailing through the serene waters of the Douro, immersing yourself in the different traditions and regional culture. As leaders in river cruises in Portugal, we guarantee excellent personalized service to the ship’s 30 passengers, offering moments of pure relaxation and authentic gastronomic experiences, in addition to stunning landscapes and the rich history of the Douro.

Get ready to explore this unique destination in a truly exclusive and unforgettable way aboard the Spirit of Chartwell. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the luxury, comfort and beauty that come together to offer an incomparable experience when discovering the charm of the Douro.

Itinerary

DAY 1

PORTO

Monday, Boarding in Vila Nova de Gaia

Location: Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)
Activities:
- 6:00 PM: Embarkation begins at the Vila Nova de Gaia quay.
- Ship departs for a short cruise to the Ribeira do Porto area (or remains docked depending on river conditions).
- Welcome Cocktail served on board.
- Dinner: Served on board.
- Overnight: Docked at Ribeira do Porto or Gaia, offering iconic views of the city lights.

DAY 2

PINHAO / RéGUA

Tuesday, Navigation to Régua

Route: Porto → Régua → Pinhão
Activities:
- Morning: Ship sails upstream towards Régua. Enjoy breakfast with scenic river views.
- Event: "Culinary Delight" cooking demonstration by the onboard chef.
- Lunch: Served on board.
- Afternoon: Arrival in Régua. Disembark for a visit to the (Casa de Mateus), a stunning Baroque palace with magnificent gardens.
- Ship continues sailing to Pinhão, located in the heart of the UNESCO-designated wine region.
- Evening: Dinner is served at a local wine estate (Quinta), featuring traditional cuisine and Douro wines.
- Overnight: Docked in Pinhão.

DAY 3

Wednesday, The Spanish Border & Vintage Traditions

- Route: Pinhão → Barca d'Alva
- Activities:
  - Morning: Breakfast on board as the ship sails through some of the quietest and most dramatic sections of the Douro towards the Spanish border.
  - Lunch: Served on board.
  - Afternoon: Arrival in Barca d'Alva. Excursion to the historic medieval village of , including a tasting of local products (almonds, cheese, honey).
  - Evening: Portuguese-themed dinner on board.
  - Ceremony: Vintage Port Wine bottle opening ceremony (often using hot tongs, a traditional method).
  - Overnight: Docked in Barca d'Alva (near the Spanish border).

DAY 4

RéGUA

Thursday, History and Folklore

- Route: Barca d'Alva → Régua
- Activities:
  - Morning: Ship begins the return journey downstream towards Régua. Breakfast on board.
  - Lunch: Served on board.
  - Afternoon: Arrival in Régua. Tour of the city of Lamego, famous for its sanctuary (Nossa Senhora dos Remédios) with a baroque staircase of 686 steps. Includes a tasting of local specialties (like "Bola de Lamego").
  - Evening: Captain's Dinner on board.
  - Entertainment: Live Portuguese folk music show.
  - Overnight: Docked in Régua.

DAY 5

PORTO

Friday, Return to Porto

Route: Régua → Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)
Activities:
- Morning: Sailing from Régua back to the Atlantic coast.
- Meal: Brunch/Lunch served on board.
- Afternoon: Arrival at Vila Nova de Gaia quay.
- Check-out: Disembarkation usually takes place around 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Book This Tour

Luxury Douro Cruise: 4-Night Itinerary to Spain Border

Standard Twin Cabin

Royal Suite

Departure Date	(Single Room) Single Rate	Double Rate (Per Person)
April 6, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
April 20, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
July 6, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
July 13, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
July 27, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
August 3, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
August 10, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
August 17, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
August 24, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)
October 30, 2026	EUR 1,000.00 (Approximate US$ 1,179.25)	EUR 740.00 (Approximate US$ 872.64)
November 2, 2026	EUR 1,250.00 (Approximate US$ 1,474.06)	EUR 990.00 (Approximate US$ 1,167.45)

Departure Date	(Single Room) Single Rate	Double Rate (Per Person)
April 6, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
April 20, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
July 6, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
July 13, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
July 27, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
August 3, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
August 10, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
August 17, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
August 24, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)
November 2, 2026	EUR 1,450.00 (Approximate US$ 1,709.91)	EUR 1,190.00 (Approximate US$ 1,403.30)