River Cruise
21 day Spain, Portugal and a Douro River Cruise
Heritage of Spain and Portugal, Palaces and Patios, and a Douro River Cruise
Attend the vibrant Cordoba Patio Festival, whose street festival atmosphere welcomes us to admire private, colourful courtyards. Visit the celebrated Moorish gardens and palaces of Spain, including the Generalife Gardens and the Royal Alcázar of Seville. These formal spaces comprise serene, tiled courtyards, embellished with water features, lush greenery, and ornate geometry. Discover Portugal’s Fronteira Palace, Pena Palace, and Madeira Botanical Garden. Absorb the stirring passion of a flamenco performance and witness the craftsmanship on display at the Royal Tapestry Factory. Stay three nights on the garden island, Madeira. And join a seven-night cruise of the Douro River, sampling wines of the region while visiting its parks and palaces.
This journey departs:
30 April 2027
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Madeira’s Vibrant Gardens
The capital, Funchal, is a subtropical haven, with its Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
The Royal Alcázar, Seville
Admire the exquisite grounds and architecture of Europe’s oldest royal palace still in use.
The Passion of the Flamenco
Delight in a traditional Flamenco performance and dinner in Madrid.
Architectural Marvels of Sintra
Look upon the elaborate facades of Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio de Seteais and Pena Palace.
Cruise the Douro River
Sample the wines and waterways of Portugal’s enchanting, sun-drenched region.
Portugal’s Fronteira Palace
Admire the extensive display of azulejo tiles and boxwood hedges within the palace’s extraordinary grounds.
Palheiro Gardens
See a diversity of plants occupying the gardens’ delightful hillside setting on the island of Madeira.
Cruise Aboard MS Estrela
Cruise Portugal’s Douro River aboard the elegant and recently launched MS Estrela.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Travel with a small group of up to 28 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide and local English-speaking Tour Director
Includes a seven-night Douro River Cruise aboard MS Estrela and thirteen nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 37 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing, internal flights as indicated, and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Discover Spain’s garden heritage, from the Moorish Alhambra and Generalife gardens to Seville’s Royal Alcázar. While a contrast of subtropical gardens awaits on the Portuguese island of Madeira
Attend the Cordoba Patio Festival, where the whitewashed walls of the city’s residences are adorned with the vibrant colours of potted plants during the annual spectacle
Spend seven nights aboard MS Estrela, discovering landscapes of the Douro Valley and its many towns
Lose yourself in the passion of a flamenco performance and appreciate the intricate tilework known as azulejos, which adorn the landmarks and palaces of both Portugal and Spain
Itinerary
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
The Douro River Cruise is in partnership with our sister company APT.
Fitness rating: Medium
Group Size: Up to 28 Botanica guests
To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet