Itinerary:
Friday
Arrive in Porto and transfer to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Invicta (also known as the Douro Princess) is docked. Free time to relax on board or to explore the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. A welcome cocktail and dinner will be taken on board the Invicta. The ship overnights in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Saturday
In the morning there is a chance to enjoy an optional sightseeing tour of Porto before departing to Bitetos. Lunch is taken on board. The 14th century former monastery of Alpendurada is the venue for this evening’s dinner. The ship overnights in Bitetos.
Sunday
Spend the morning sailing through the lovely river valley, stopping at Regua, the heart of the Port Wine production region. In the afternoon there is an optional tour to Vila Real for a visit to the 18th century Casa de Mateus palace gardens, one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. This spectacular house is a delight to visit, as are its romantic grounds that feature a unique long cedar tunnel and formal gardens. The tour rejoins the ship at Pinhão. Dinner is taken on board. In the evening guests can enjoy a traditional Portuguese show. The ship overnights in Pinhao.
Monday
After a morning at leisure guests can enjoy a wine tasting at the Hotel Vintage House. After the tasting, the Invicta will sail to Vega de Terron in Spain. Lunch and dinner will be taken on board. In the evening guests can enjoy a Flamenco show. The ship overnights in Vega de Terron.
Tuesday
Today, there is the chance to take an optional full tour to Salamanca (a traditional Spanish lunch and show are included). Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is famous for its 13th century university and its unusual twin-towered Cathedral. The tour rejoins the ship for dinner. The ship overnights in Barca d’Alva.
Wednesday
Today, there is an optional tour to the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. After the tour, the morning is spent cruising along the spectacular Douro to Pinhao. Lunch is taken on board. Dinner will be taken at the Hotel Vintage House, a Relais and Chateaux property situated on the banks of the River Douro in Pinhão. The ship overnights in Pinhão.
Thursday
Sail to Régua. On arrival in Régua, there is the chance to leave the ship and to take an optional excursion to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. Visit the famous baroque church, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, located high above the city. You are free to shop in this delightful city or to visit the local museum. Lunch is taken on board. The afternoon is spent sailing down the Douro to Porto. The ship overnights in Porto.
Friday
Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast.
Tour Information:
Price: River cruise (8-days – Friday) £983 per person. This price is based on 2-sharing a standard cabin on full board basis, and inclusive of flights with TAP Portugal to Porto and transfers.
Services included:
- All meals during the cruise, from dinner the first night dinner to breakfast on last day.
- Price also includes two dinners ashore (Hotel Vintage House and Alpendurada Monastery)
- Shows on board
- Port taxes
Not Included:
- Drinks
- Excursion Package (Optional): Vila Real, Salamanca, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Lamego and Porto – Supplement of £148 per person
Invictia (Also known as the Douro Princess)
| Capacity |
Length |
Width |
Speed |
Engine |
| 40 double cabin |
68 m |
8,65 m |
12 knots |
2 x 600 hp |
Amenities / Leisure:40 air-conditioned twin cabins including 24 deluxe cabins, all with shower, WC and TV. The deluxe cabins have a large picture window and the twin beds can be joined to form a double bed if requested.
Decks description:
3 Passengers Decks:
1) Douro deck – Restaurant, Bar, Lounge and Reception
2) Upper deck - Cabins with 10 sq meters and gifts shop
3) Main deck – All cabins with 11.2 sq meters
On Board Facilities:
Sundeck, Panoramic Lounge Bar, Restaurant and gift shop
Safety:
The Invicta is equipped with an electronic navigation system, several communication bands, life jackets for adults and children, life rafts, floaters, and fire detection and extinction devices (inset and portable), among other safety equipment, and a complete onboard pharmacy for all first-aid situations.
Each member of the crew is a qualified first-aid assistant and trained in fire-fighting, survival and personal safety techniques. Regular emergency exercises are carried out under the supervision of a safety officer in order to provide on-going training to the crew and prepare them for all possible emergency situations.
