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.
An Antarctic expedition cruise is designed to take you beyond simply seeing the continent from a ship. Small inflatable Zodiac boats are used to explore bays, reach remote landing sites and get closer to the ice, wildlife and landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
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