Known for its award-winning Port Wine and the stunning Douro River, Oporto is considered one of the most attractive European destinations. This enchanting city will captivate you with its open-air museums, charming narrow streets, and numerous sites that have been classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. One of the highlights of visiting Oporto is the unique experience of spending the night in a giant wine barrel, nestled amidst a breathtaking vineyard. Imagine the tranquility of the vineyard, with the aroma of grapes in the air and a serene view that stretches as far as the eye can see. This is not just a stay; it's an unforgettable adventure that combines luxury, nature, and the rich history of wine-making.
Note: This program is limited to a maximum of 16 guests and includes a walking tour of the historic center of the city. At the winery the group will be divided into two smaller groups for comfort. It is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair, walker or cane.
DAY 1 – July 9, 2026
Disembark in Lisbon, meet your guide and depart for Douro Valley with a stop in Coimbra for lunch.
Following lunch, you will proceed inland and upriver into the Douro Valley wine region, a beautifully terraced landscape that produces some of Portugal’s finest port wine. Upon arriving at the Quinta da Pacheco winery hotel, you will check into one of the most unusual suites that you could ever imagine.
Your accommodation will be one of 10 giant wooden wine barrels overlooking the vineyards. Each wooden barrel is named after a wine grape and features a skylight and an oversized round glass door that opens onto a private terrace and bathes the interior with natural light. Considering their setting in a wine estate, the barrels couldn’t be more a fitting or entertaining place to stay.
Enjoy a tour and wine tasting along with dinner at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the valley’s oldest and most esteemed wineries.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The wine barrel rooms are glamping-type units and include a sink, toilet, shower, rounded double bed, small desk and are 98-feet in size. They are outfitted with air-conditioning and wi-fi and there is even a skylight so you can gaze at the stars that look over the beautiful vineyard. Guests will be taken to their rooms by golf cart. There is a spa, pool, restaurant and gift shop on site. We encourage you to review them on-line prior to booking to ensure this is the right program for you – search Quinta da Pacheco wine barrel rooms for photos and videos. For the adventurous wine lovers who don’t mind unique settings without all the luxuries of a 5-star hotel, this is a fun program for you! The whole experience is quite authentic.
DAY 2 – July 10, 2026
After breakfast, check out and leave the scenic Douro Valley behind and travel to Oporto, Portugal's second largest city.
Oporto or “Porto” is situated on a steep escarpment running down to the glorious River Douro. On a walking tour, your guide leads you through the vibrant Ribeira District, Porto’s old town, located on the north bank.
Lose yourself in this authentic neighborhood, admiring the colorful facades of the buildings as you stroll along its winding streets.
Visit the Cais da Ribeira, the quayside of this characterful district, and some of the city's most beautiful monuments including the opulent 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace and the St Francis Church.
Enjoy lunch in town and later re-board the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark and meet your guide, depart for Coimbra
11:30pm Arrive in Coimbra for lunch
1:00pm Depart for the Douro Valley
3:00pm Arrive at Quinta da Pacheca, settle in
5:00pm Wine tasting and tour
7:30pm Dinner at Quint da Pacheca
Overnight at the Quinta da Pacheca Hotel
DAY 2
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart the Douro Valley
10:00pm Arrive in Porto for a walking tour
12:00pm Lunch
2:30pm Reboard the ship in Oporto
Expected Weather:
In Oporto, the climate is temperate oceanic, with mild, rainy winters and pleasantly warm, sunny summers.
In July, the average daily high is 75°F/ 24.0 °C and the average low is 59°F / 15°C
What to Bring:
Comfortable shoes and a jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures. Casual smart dress for dinners. An umbrella in case of rain, camera, hat, sunscreen.
Local Currency:
EURO
USD are not accepted however all major credit cards will be accepted
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend guests bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Portugal
Hotel address:
Quinta da Pacheca
Rua do Relógio do Sol 261 Cambres, 5100-424 Lamego Douro Valley - Portugal
Phone: +351 254 331 229
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 x night at the Quinta da Pacheca hotel – Wine Barrel Rooms
•Hotel porterage
•Breakfast
•Private transport by luxury coach (24 -seater or similar) as indicated in the itinerary
•Complimentary bottled water on the coach
•English-speaking local guide for city touring as indicated in the itinerary.
•Winery tour and tasting
•Lunches as indicated in the itinerary - 2-course menu – main course + dessert, + 1 glass of wine per person soft drink, mineral water, tea/coffee
•Dinner as indicated in the itinerary, 3-course menu – starter + main course + dessert + ½ bottle of wine per person, soft drink, mineral water, tea/coffee
•Entrance fees where required
•Driver and guide gratuities
•Whisper audio system for the duration of the tour
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals not included in the itinerary
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Price: $1,899 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
