Douro Delights with Madrid and Lisbon

Once you've arrived in Madrid, you'll be taken to your hotel to settle in. Our welcome reception this evening is the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers. Stay Three Nights: Madrid, Petsana Plaza Mayor

Today you'll enjoy the chance to tour Spain's vibrant capital, including visits to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor.

This evening, savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

• Maybe you'd like to learn all about the traditional flavours of delectable Spanish cuisine on a culinary tour. Or you can take a look at the displays of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, including works from Italian and Flemish artists such as Velazquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Of course, if you're more of a sports fan, you might prefer a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home to the Real Madrid Football Club.

Hit the road and travel to the ancient city of Salamanca for a tour. You'll see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron. Board your river ship and settle in with a welcome dinner. Stay Seven Nights: the MS Estrela (B/L/D)

On a tour of the town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, you'll stop for to visit the castle ruins. Return to your ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Pinhao, where your ship will dock overnight. (B/L/D)

Visit the Pinhao Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. You'll then visit a local quinta.

Later your ship will sail to Regua. (B/L/D)

• On a tour of Lamego, you'll visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample a local speciality, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, you might like to take a trip to Palacio de Mateus, located near the city of Vila Real. Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni played a pivotal role in the palace's construction in the 18th century. The palace is also well known for featuring on the bottle labels of Mateus Rose wine.

• Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over the Douro River and Regua.

• Explore Guimaraes, where the evolution of medieval settlement is on show during a tour. Alternatively, visit Quinta da Avelada, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s. Explore their gardens, and tie off the day with a sampling of wine and cheese.

• Tonight you'll head to the Palacio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

• Visit a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration or set off on foot on an active walking tour through the medieval streets and the old harbour quarter of Ribeira.

Travel through Portugal's countryside then discover the medieval city of Coimbra, home to the country's oldest and most famous university. Continue to Lisbon and check in to your hotel. Stay Three Nights: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz (B)

Set off to see the sites of Lisbon by riding the city's iconic tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama's voyage to India.

Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a farewell dinner. (B/D)

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from each direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II's ingenious Park and National Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it's your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner. (B)

Be transferred to the airport. (B)