Golden hillsides, world-renowned wines and a journey filled with authentic charm. Set sail with APT Travelmarvel on a relaxed yet enriching 8-day cruise through one of Europe’s most captivating river valleys. Sail through the historic soul of Porto to the vineyard covered slopes of the Douro Valley, and the treasures of Salamanca.
Over the next few days, your cruise glides through the heart of the Douro Valley, a region known for its terraced vineyards, medieval villages and warm hospitality. Discover Régua and Lamego, where you’ll visit an ornate baroque cathedral and sample traditional Bola de Lamego, a local delicacy. In Pinhão, enjoy a memorable Insider Experience – a traditional dinner at a local quinta, a Portuguese wine estate nestled among the vines.
In Barca d’Alva, you’ll visit the beautifully preserved Mateus Palace and Gardens, still owned by the Count of Vila Real and famously linked to Mateus Rosé wine. This living museum offers a window into Portugal’s aristocratic past.
Along the river, stop in Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views over Portugal and Spain. Explore ancient ruins, cobbled lanes, and the striking statue of Santiago Matamoros.
You’ll also visit Régua, a key stop on the port wine trail, and enjoy time in Entre-os-Rios, where you can explore independently or simply relax in this peaceful riverside town.
One of the highlights of your journey takes you across the border into Spain, where the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca awaits.
Known for its golden sandstone buildings and lively university town atmosphere, it’s a feast for the senses. Enjoy a delicious Spanish lunch and an unforgettable flamenco performance.
Back in Porto, enjoy a guided city tour, where you’ll take in the skyline of terracotta roofs, historic bridges, and bustling markets. Visit a local port wine lodge to learn more about the drink, with a tasting included. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Bolhão Market, browse boutiques, or join an optional excursion to the nearby World Heritage city of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal.
Round off the cruise with a Farewell Dinner onboard.
This thirteen night journey brings together the buzz of Japan’s cities and time by the coast in central Vietnam. You move from neon streets and high speed rail to lantern lit evenings and relaxed days near the beach, with a strong balance of food, culture and downtime. Private transfers, well located hotels and key rail and flight connections are all arranged, so each stage runs smoothly while still giving you the freedom to explore on your own.
Travel through southern Italy and Sicily on this 15 night guided journey from Naples to Palermo, following the opening stretch of the new series of Race Across the World, which begins in Sicily before heading through Calabria on its way towards the final destination in India. This route puts you right into the same part of the world seen in the first episode, from coastal towns and hilltop villages to Mount Etna and the Valley of the Temples, but with the time to actually enjoy each stop along the way.
This ten night family holiday in the Algarve is designed for families who want space, easy days and everything close at hand. Staying in a one bedroom residence at Domes Lake Algarve gives you room to settle in properly, with private transfers, direct flights from Dublin and a dolphin watching trip included. It is a straightforward, well planned summer break that balances time at the resort with simple days out along the coast.
