Cruise & Tour: Discover Portugal & Spain (2027)
From the awe-inspiring collections of Madrid’s Prado Museum to the beautiful National Palace of Queluz in Portugal, your land tour of Iberia will leave its mark. When your journey by land concludes, it’s time to board your cruise of the Douro River Valley.From the awe-inspiring collections of Madrid’s Prado Museum to the beautiful National Palace of Queluz in Portugal, your land tour of Iberia will leave its mark. Savor the region’s culinary delights with curated experiences, from Michelin-starred dining and market tastings to a hands-on cooking class, blending tradition with modern flair. In Granada, explore the Alhambra Palace's water gardens with a local expert. Wander through Seville’s whitewashed alleys, then enjoy a private flamenco performance in an 18th-century mansion. When your journey by land concludes, it’s time to board your cruise of the Douro River Valley. Sail past the steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages, and acres of ripe vineyards that make up the UNESCO-designated landscape, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them.
Featured Excursion:
- Madrid Sightseeing Tour
Explore the iconic sites of Madrid with a Local Expert. Admire the statue of Madrid’s own author Cervantes watching over the plaza before viewing the Cibeles Fountain.
Other Excursions:
The Prado Museum houses the world's richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings by artists such as Bosch, Titian, and El Greco.
With your Travel Concierge by your side to point out all the most fascinating sites, wander the maze-like streets of historic Madrid to admire centuries of mingling architectural styles.
Featured Excursion:
- Barcelona City Tour with Sagrada Familia
With a Local Expert, embark on a stroll through the whimsical streets of Barcelona. You’ll arrive at the amazing Sagrada Família. Once inside, look up at the detailed wonders of his famous architectural masterpiece.
Featured Excursion:
- Barcelona Park Güell Visit
Uncover more of Barcelona’s whimsical sites on a stroll through Park Güell on Carmel Hill with a Local Expert. Walk along its leafy paths, down the dramatic Dragon Stairway, and through Gaudí’s Greek Theater designed for open-air shows.
Featured Excursions:
- Valencia Orientation
See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
- Michelin-Starred Lunch at L'Antic Moli
Indulge at the Michelin-starred L'Antic Moli. Savor a lunch that embraces contemporary, gourmet cuisine and follows the rhythms of the seasons from locally sourced ingredients. Vicent Guimerà was awarded a Michelin Green Star for his commitment to zero-mile ingredients and sustainability.
Featured Excursion:
- Alhambra Palace Visit
First admire the hilltop fortress that has watched over Granada before stepping inside its elegant grounds. As you stroll through the ornate buildings decorated with intricate Islamic designs and tilework, exotic gardens, tranquil pools, and statue- and fountain-filled patios, imagine the royal life of the Kings of Granada.
Featured Excursions:
- See the Roman Bridge in Córdoba
See the 2,000-year-old Roman Bridge with your Local Expert and you'll have time to spend exploring the labyrinthine old Jewish Quarter.
- Córdoba Mezquita Visit
Explore the amazing Mezquita, walking through its forest of horseshoe-shaped arches and pillars to the Christian cathedral within, led by your Local Expert.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Discover Flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation
Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a TreadRight Foundation grant recipient dedicated to preserving the art of flamenco. Meet the students, learn a few traditional steps, then witness their passion come to life in an intimate, emotive performance that celebrates Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Other Excursions:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Marvel at the intricate details with a Local Expert and see the tomb of Columbus.
Visit the Fine Arts Museum exhibiting masterpieces of Sevillian Baroque and Spanish artists such as Murillo or Velásquez.
Featured Excursion:
- Seville Cooking Class with Lunch
Discover the varied flavors of Andalusia during a market tour and Spanish cooking experience. Learn the culinary secrets to some of Spain's most popular dishes and enjoy your own creations for lunch.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Serpa Lunch with Private Singing Performance
Enjoy lunch accompanied by a private singing performance of Cante Alentejano. This traditional polyphonic singing style has been recognized as intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Featured Excursions:
- Évora Wine Tasting
Explore a local winery to learn about their processes and enjoy a delicious tasting of wines that are well-known to the Portuguese but largely undiscovered further afield.
- Évora City Tour
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Expert. Discover the fascinating Chapel of Bones constructed by Franciscan monks in 16th century.
- Visit to the National Palace of Queluz
Enjoy entry to the National Palace of Queluz, which served as the official royal residence during the 18th century. Marvel at the Baroque palace’s intricate architectural details as you discover the rich history of kings and queens past.
- Visit Lisbon’s Coach Museum
Step into a world of regal splendor at the Lisbon Coach Museum, home to one of the most extraordinary collections of royal carriages in the world. Marvel at exquisitely preserved horse-drawn vehicles, each a masterpiece of artistry, power, and prestige. Set within a striking modern building, this unrivaled collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of Portugal’s aristocratic past.
- Lisbon Belém Quarter Visit
With your Local Expert, visit the Belém Quarter, see the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower.
Other Excursions:
Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Take in the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, seeing its famous Moorish Revival-style Arab Room, during your panoramic tour. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously profoundly urban and moodily romantic. Colorful multistory townhouses sheathe the hills that climb precipitously from the Douro estuary, medieval alleys snake through UNESCO-designated neighborhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls—which were erected on Roman foundations—and baroque church towers crown the hilltops. The river itself cuts through the city on its way to the ocean, marked by a series of iconic bridges along the way. It meets its final destination at Foz do Douro, a district whose name translates to "Mouth of the Douro." Our tour will take us all the way here, where you can admire the passeio alegre with its promenade inspired by French architecture, see the Castelo do Queijo that juts out over the Atlantic, and drive down Boavista Avenue.
Depart by coach for Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where we will begin our long walk around town. Cross the upper level of the Ponte Dom Luis, Porto's eye-catching bridge, and arrive at the Cathedral "Sé." From there, we'll walk to the São Bento Station to see its famous azulejos murals, which portray the city's rich history. After that, head up the hill to Santa Catarina Street, a bustling shopping region full of beautiful cafes, shops, and historical landmarks.
To fuel our jaunt around Porto, we'll stop at the Bolhão Market for a taste of an important local treat and one of the city's biggest industries: canned fish. Finally, we'll make our way to the Clérigos Quarter on the way back to the ship through Ribeira.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
- Douro Museum
The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Why? What makes Port the wine it is? Learn about the region’s unique geology and winemaking history—Romans planted vines in this region 2,000 years ago—at the Douro Museum. Exhibits laid out in buildings that were once home to Port winemaker Real Companhia Velha let you see how the process of making Port evolved over the centuries: You’ll find the tools of the trade and even a rabelo (a boat that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto) on display. An interactive map shows where the quintas are and how the region developed; and by sniffing vials of concentrated fragrance, you can learn to identify the many aromas that a good Port exhibits. It’s fun and informative—plus you can sample some regional Douro wine.
- Lamego Walking Tour with Tasting
Lamego is known for a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of “Remédios," planted on top of one of the city hills and reachable by a gorgeous staircase with 686 steps. During this experience, you’ll discover the importance of Lamego’s heritage to the valley. This is a very important area for the production of delicious sparkling wines and cold cuts, which you’ll be able to taste in the cozy and regionally typical atmosphere of a place called Presunteca, or the “Ham Library”.
- Nights Out: Dinner at a Local Quinta
Travel up winding roads with spectacular views—and breath-stealing drop-offs—for a traditional dinner bursting with regional flavors. Your hosts: the owners of a local quinta, a Portuguese analogue for the French "chateau" or English "estate."
Other Excursions:
Ride through wonderfully scenic countryside—the region is noted for its honey, which derives its flavor from the fields of wild lavender and the almond groves you’ll pass—to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both a castle and the village it shelters. The castle ruins stand high atop Marofa Mountain, telling the tale of border strife and Portugal’s struggle for independence in a single structure. Construction on the citadel began in 1209 under the auspices of the king of Leon, but it became part of Portugal within a century—though its local lords sided with Spanish rulers from time to time over the next four centuries. That’s why the palace adjoining the castle lies in ruins: Outraged citizens destroyed it after its lord sided with Castile. Take in the amazing view from the ancient stone walls, then step down through the tiny cobbled lanes of the village, passing the old pillory, the Manueline church, and the town’s market square. It’s not all history, of course. You’ll also get to sample delicious local treats, such as honey, almonds, olive oil and cheeses, and a newly restored tea-house invites you to relax over a cup of tea or a cool drink.
Ready for an expedition worthy of Indiana Jones? Today’s your chance. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Côa River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer and aurochs that span eons. The oldest images etched into the schist walls around the river date to approximately 22,000 to 20,000 BC, with younger carvings ranging from the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages to the 17th century—images that represent human interaction with the natural world for more than 30,000 years. Learn about this amazing area and see the original rock art for yourself when you visit the Côa Valley with your knowledgeable guide. It will be an illuminating adventure. Note: Exploring these sites will require sturdy hiking footwear and considerable physical fitness: You’ll take a four-wheel drive down dirt roads and hike into rocky and hard-to-access locations.
Featured Excursion:
- Salamanca - The Golden City and Spain's Oldest University
Called the “Golden City” for its tawny sandstone buildings, Salamanca boasts a dozen beautiful and historic churches, including two cathedrals: the new one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and can only be entered from the New Cathedral. Walk with your guide through Plaza Mayor, lined with wonderful baroque buildings, to the university, which was founded by Alfonso IX in 1218. The ornate plateresque façade is stunning, and the interior rooms you see are equally beautiful. You'll have time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor or enjoy a bite to eat on your own before we drive back to the ship. Your guide can recommend some excellent places to dine, whether you're looking for a typical tapas lunch or want to stroll the stalls of Salamanca's food hall (one of Spain's best).
Other Excursions:
As you journey through the hills to a local quinta, a prestigious Port wine estate and the oldest in the Douro River Valley, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. The stone terraces curving around the steep slopes hold soil that is largely the creation of human intervention: People have laboriously broken up the native silver schist stone over the centuries and turned it into usable sandy earth; it’s called “anthroposoil.” The process of producing Port wine is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity; the steepness of the slopes requires that grape vines be tended almost entirely by hand, but the wine itself is made using the most modern techniques. You’ll tour the estate to see its stainless steel and oak vats, Boutique Winery, and the historic wine presses, before proceeding to the terrace for a Port tasting with a view over the river.
Although many Port wine estates are owned by international corporations nowadays, the tradition of the family-owned estate remains strong. Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are tended and grapes harvested. Although some 80 varieties of grapes are approved for the creation of Port, six grape varieties dominate. Discover which ones are grown here and learn why.
Featured Excursion:
- Guimarães City Tour
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
| Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tue, 04 May 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 11 May 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 25 May 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 08 Jun 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 22 Jun 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,059.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 20 Jul 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$20,609.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 17 Aug 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,059.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 31 Aug 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,779.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 14 Sep 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 21 Sep 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 28 Sep 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 05 Oct 2027
(Madrid to Porto) |
$21,959.00 |
S.S. São Gabriel |
Select this date | |
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
- Prices exclude additional port charges of $260 per person
Dining
- All meals during your cruise, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- Daily breakfast during your land tour, with additional meals included on select days and at least one acclaimed dining experience
- 19 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinners
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions during your cruise
- Unlimited beverages during your cruise including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
Excursions
- 17 days of included experiences
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system
- Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks during your cruise
Accommodations
- 2-night stay in Madrid at the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá (or similar)
- 2-night stay in Barcelona at the Hotel Ohla Barcelona (or similar)
- 1-night stay in Valencia at the Hospes Palau de la Mar (or similar)
- 1-night stay in Granada at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos (or similar)
- 3-night stay in Seville at the Hotel Colón Gran Meliá (or similar)
- 1-night stay in Évora at the Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa (or similar)
- 2-night stay in Lisbon at the Pousada de Lisboa (or similar)
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the S.S. São Gabriel
- Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites on the cruise ship have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, custom cotton sateen sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
- Free Wi-Fi during the cruise, at hotels, and on select coaches
Experiences
- 2 countries: Portugal & Spain
- 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager during the cruise
- Services of a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge during the land tour. From securing exclusive reservations to expertly guiding you through each destination, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your trip is tailored to your tastes and preferences
- Unparalleled comfort aboard “Business Class” coaches for your land tour. Custom fitted with fewer seats per vehicle, these coaches afford ample legroom, reclining seats, and panoramic windows for enjoying the impressive views
- In-room porterage included at all hotels
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise Manager) are included during the cruise
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences
- Captivating onboard local entertainment and enrichment opportunities
