Our Journeys

Douro Valley Discovery

River Cruise
15 Days
$13,490 CAD
All inclusive from, per guest, double occ.
Chartered Ship
Current Date Selected

October 17 to 31, 2025

River Cruise
15 Days
$13,490 CAD
All inclusive from, per guest, double occ.
Chartered Ship
Current Date Selected

October 17 to 31, 2025

Journey Highlights

Sail through the stunning Douro Valley, surrounded by terraced vineyards and picturesque landscapes. This serene river cruise offers a unique perspective on Portugal’s wine country, with stops at historic towns and exclusive tastings. Combine the beauty of the Douro with enriching cultural experiences and luxurious comfort for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Iberia.
Based on popular guest feedback for this Journey, we’ve added additional time in Lisbon and Porto for 2025.

Image: Rows of vines in a vineyard in Portugal along the Duoro River

Douro Valley Cruise

Douro Valley Cruise

Set sail through the stunning Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards and golden autumn landscapes unfold around every bend. Relax aboard a luxurious vessel as you glide past charming villages and historic wine estates, savoring the tranquility and rich heritage of this UNESCO-listed region.

Lisbon & Sintra

Lisbon & Sintra

Venture through the stunning capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, with its charismatic charm and vibrant streets. Just a short distance away, discover the gorgeous resort town of Sintra and revel in the beauty of its sweeping mountains, lush forests and colourful storybook castles.

Porto

Porto

Immerse yourself in the dazzling coastal city of Porto. Famed for its production of Port that is stored along the banks of the Douro River, visit the stoic Cheese Castle, and famous Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellar.

Chartered Ship

Chartered Ship

Enjoy a home on the river exclusively with Journeys by Van Dyke guests aboard the beloved MV Spirit of Chartwell – the royal barge for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Experience royal elegance and unmatched comfort as you sail through the breathtaking Douro Valley.

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Journey Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1

Depart for Lisbon, Portugal

Enjoy your private car home pick up service. Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board you flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Your Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details throughout the journey, enabling you to focus the creating memories and the experience.

Overnight: Flight
Meals:  —
Day 2

Lisbon

Upon arrival in Lisbon, a warm welcome awaits from our local guide. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before settling into your hotel, with the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. Both our guide and your Journey Manager are available to assist those interested in discovering more of the area. In the evening, join us for a relaxing welcome dinner and the chance to meet your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Hotel Porto Bay Marquês, Lisbon
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3

Lisbon & Sintra

This morning, all of Lisbon awaits our discovery – key landmarks like Rossio Square, Liberty Avenue, and the historic Belém area, with photo stops at St. Jerome Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Continue to Queluz to visit the stunning 18th-century palace, often called the “Portuguese Versailles.” After a lunch of traditional fare in Sintra, enjoy a scenic coastal drive through Cascais and the Estoril Coast. In the evening, unwind with a Fado Folklore Show and dinner.

 

Overnight: Hotel Porto Bay Marquês, Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4

Evora

This morning, we journey south to Évora, often called Portugal’s “museum city” for its rich Roman and medieval history. Crossing the 17-kilometer Vasco da Gama Bridge, we reach this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Cathedral of Évora, standing proudly atop the city’s highest point, and for the bold, the eerie Chapel of Bones awaits. After a local lunch, take time to explore the city’s hidden gems at your leisure. On our return, we cross the striking 25th of April Bridge, reminiscent of the Golden Gate.

Overnight: Hotel Porto Bay Marquês, Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5

Óbidos, Nazaré & Batalha

Today, we begin our journey with a scenic drive to Óbidos, the “Flowered Town of Portugal.” Our first stop is at a Frutobidos factory, where you can taste the famous Ginginha, a delightful sour cherry liquor, along with scrumptious sour cherry cookies and jam. After savoring these treats, you will have free time to wander the medieval streets of this beautifully preserved town.

Next, we continue to the charming fishing village of Nazaré, where a lovely seaside restaurant awaits us for lunch, allowing you to soak in the coastal views.

Our adventure then leads us to Batalha, where we will explore the magnificent Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery, an exquisite example of Portuguese Gothic architecture. Finally, we arrive in Fátima, one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Here, you can enjoy some free time to visit the Sanctuary, do a bit of shopping, or unwind with a refreshing swim in the hotel’s indoor pool before dinner.

Overnight: D. Gonçalo Hotel & Spa, Fátima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6

Coimbra, Aveiro & Porto

Coimbra, set along the banks of the Mondego River, is Europe’s oldest university town. A visit to the University’s 18th-century library, considered one of the first copyright libraries in the world, is a must. Enjoy some free time to take photos of the dramatic views from the top of the town hill before lunch where we indulge in the traditional roasted sirloin pig and local ‘champagne.’

Following lunch, we set off for a delightful canal cruise in Aveiro, often referred to as the Portuguese Venice. As we glide along the picturesque canals aboard a traditional Molicero boat—historically, used for seaweed collection to enrich the fields—you will have the chance to savor Ovos Moles, the local sweet delicacy, paired with a glass of wine. Relax and soak in the beautiful scenery before we depart for Porto.

Overnight: NH Porto Jardim, Porto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7

Porto

Wake up in Porto, one of Portugal’s most picturesque cities, nestled along the hillsides by the Douro River. With a rich history spanning 2,000 years, Porto has witnessed weddings, invasions, and the thriving trade of its iconic Port wine, a demarcated area since 1775.

Today, we will explore the main avenues, including the Church of São Francisco, a stunning Gothic church adorned with 240 kilograms of pure gold, and the impressive Stock Exchange Palace from the 19th century. We will also visit a wine cellar to taste the famous Port wine, a tradition rooted in Vila Nova de Gaia since the 18th century. The afternoon is yours to explore this fascinating city at your leisure.

Overnight: NH Porto Jardim, Porto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8

Villa Nova de Gaia

Today marks our final day of exploring Portugal by land before embarking on our cruise along the Douro River. After breakfast, guests will have free time for personal discoveries—a leisurely stroll down St. Catherine Street for some shopping or a visit to the stunning Lello Library, which inspired J.K. Rowling during her time in Porto.

Enjoy lunch in the city before we gather for our transfer to the pier, where the Spirit of Chartwell awaits our arrival.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9

Amarante

After your first night onboard the  Spirit of Chartwell, we will journey by coach to the picturesque riverside town of Amarante, a true gem of Northern Portugal. As we stroll through its charming streets, you will admire the rows of 17th-century mansions adorned with brightly painted wooden balconies.

Our guide will lead us on a walking tour, highlighting the famous Roman Bridge and visiting the stunning Church and Monastery of São Gonçalo. You will have free time to explore this lovely village, sample some renowned sweets and pastries, or wander through the local market, held every Saturday.

We will then return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River. After dinner, join us for a Vintage Port Wine Celebration, where you can indulge in the region’s exquisite flavors.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TheThe wooden balconies over the river in Amarante
Day 10

Lamego & Our Lady of Remedies

Lamego, an old and historical town, is picturesque, warm, and very charming. It houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the country, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. This remarkable place has witnessed pilgrimages since the 14th century and showcases a small chapel dedicated to Saint Estevão. In the 16th century a new church was built over the old chapel, as it was almost in ruins. Today’s chapel took 200 years to build and is a  good example of the Portuguese baroque style.

At the top of the hill, an impressive staircase of 686 steps is decorated with enormous panels of blue and white tiles. Visit the town’s museum and have free time to wander the narrow winding streets. Lamego also lays claim to some impressive cuisine, such as the ‘bola e Lamego,’ a bread filled with smoked ham, roasted kid, regional cakes and a tasty sparkling wine called ‘Raposeira.’ Returning to the Spirit of Chartwell, enjoy a culinary demonstration on board. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local wine Quinta.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo

This morning, we cruise a scenic section of the Douro on our way to Barca d’Alva. On board, relax with a lecture on the History of Portugal. After lunch, we venture ashore for a tour of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village with 13th-century walls. This is one of the 12 historical Parishes of Portugal and offers narrow medieval streets with 16th-century façades and Manuelino style windows. The Romans were the first to build a fortress here, and in 1209, Alfonso IX built the walls surrounding it. Jews, Arabs and Christians have peacefully co-existed here throughout the centuries and comprise the town’s social fabric.

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is known as the white village because of the almond trees found around it. Monks began producing wine here in the 12th century, and today it has become a successful wine cooperative with a gold medal wine in 1991, the white Quinta do Cardo. Storks have flocked to this city for centuries and have become the town’s symbol. This evening, we enjoy the Captain’s Dinner and a Portuguese Folk music show.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12

Salamanca (Spain)

Our journey takes us to explore Salamanca, situated in the centre of the ‘Castillo e León’ region, it has been a seat of learning since the early 13th century. Founded by Celtic Iberian tribes on the banks of the river Tormes, it has been occupied by the Romans, Arabs and Christians.

In the 13th century, the oldest university of the Iberian Peninsula was created, and over the centuries, the city was enriched by visiting kings, princes, bishops and artists. As a result, many call this beautiful and historic city a living museum of the Middle Ages. Visit the University, House of Shells and the beautiful ‘Plaza Mayor,’ formally a site of bullfighting and now a popular gathering point for locals and visitors alike. A capital of culture since 2002, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Salamanca showcases one of the finest mixtures of Renaissance and Plataresque architecture in Spain. Our lunch is in a lovely restaurant, so you can experience local fare and a traditional, lively Flamenco Show. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue on board.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13

The Palace & Gardens of Mateus

This afternoon, we travel to the land held by the last Count of Vila Real. In the Gardens of Mateus Palace, we discover the connection between Mateus Rose Wine and this beautiful 18th century house. Still owned by the Count of Vila Real, the palace has served as a Cultural Foundation, ‘Casa de Mateus,’ (The House of Mateus) since the 1970s. Its main aim is the preservation of the villa, study of its archives and the promotion of cultural, scientific and educational activities. Wander at leisure in the gardens, believed by many to be Portugal’s most beautiful.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14

Villa Nova de Gaia

On our final full day, we visit the beautiful Casa da Quintã, a historic farm and vineyard. Stroll through the elegant French gardens with centuries-old boxwoods, orange, and lemon trees, and enjoy a delicious lunch while learning about Vinho Verde—a unique wine produced exclusively in the Minho province.

Vinho Verde can be white, rosé, or red, though the red variety is rarely found outside of Portugal. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell cocktail and dinner to celebrate the journey.

Overnight: Spirit of Chartwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15

Home

Today, we bid ‘despedida’ to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Guests arriving at the Toronto airport are greeted and assisted to their private car home.

Overnight: Home
Meals: Breakfast
Private car ride to and from the airport to begin your Journey
Private car ride to and from the airport to begin your Journey
Private car ride to and from the airport to begin your Journey

Signature Inclusions on This Journey

THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCE

In addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:

24/7 Professional Journey Manager
  • Will travel with you and handle every detail
  • In addition to knowledgeable local guides

 

Memorable Private Excursions
  • Private excursions crafted by our team
  • All sightseeing & entrance fees included

 

Private Car Pick-up Service
  • Within a 200-kilometre radius of the airport, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort
    or
  • Hotel overnight near Toronto Pearson International Airport

 

Generous Tips & Gratuities
  • For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf

 

Our essentials included with your Journey:

  • 7 nights aboard the chartered ship, Spirit of Chartwell
  • 6 nights in outstanding hotels
  • Most meals included (13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners)
  • Wine & Beer included with lunch and dinner
  • All taxes as well as port & service charges
  • Round-trip airfare from Toronto
  • Other gateways & travel classes available
  • “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
  • Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
  • Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
  • Branded overnight carry-on or backpack

Discover the Spirit of Chartwell

The Spirit of Chartwell was chosen, out of hundreds of applicants, by the British Royal Family to be the Royal barge during the celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
The ship’s rich interiors, reminiscent of the fabled Orient Express, and it’s unique and distinctive design, testify to why it was selected for this highest occasion.
The Spirit of Chartwell feels more like a private club, where guests can enjoy one another’s company in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. Every detail of the ship was thought of to enhance this elegant and comfortable setting, where guests can both feel at home, as well as in a royal social club.

Journey Hotels

Day 2-4

Hotel Porto Bay Marquês, Lisbon

Located just steps from Avenida da Liberdade, this hotel is a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Its inviting terrace features an outdoor pool with jets, a solarium, gym, sauna, and Turkish steam bath, creating a serene retreat in the heart of Lisbon. With the city’s main attractions a pleasant walk away, it offers an ideal base for exploring and unwinding.

Day 5-6

D. Gonçalo Hotel & Spa, Fátima

Conveniently located in the center of Portugal, close to three World Heritage Monuments and 10 min walk from the Sanctuary of Fatima, you’ll find this boutique hotel the perfect stay for relaxation. You will find personal touches in every detail: freshly cut flowers, beautiful gardens, extensive buffet breakfast, cozy fireplace corner, library, Wellness Spa with inviting facilities including heated pool and fitness room free for guests. Rooms offer free wi-fi access, pillows menu, safe, central heating and air conditioning.

Day 6-8

NH Porto Jardim, Porto

NH Porto Jardim is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Porto, just steps from iconic attractions like Bolhão Market, Aliados Avenue, and the historic Ribeira district. The hotel offers a tranquil escape with rooms featuring views of the lush garden or the vibrant city. Guests can relax at the top-floor pool, which boasts stunning panoramas of the Dom Luís Bridge, Douro River, and Port Wine Cellars, creating an ideal setting to unwind after a day of exploration.

October 17 to 31, 2025

Fares & Staterooms

Deck Plan

State Cabin –
Main Deck

129 sqft

These outward facing, luxury twin cabins, have rich hardwood finishes, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, HD satellite television, trouser press, en suite facilities featuring a power shower a safety deposit box, double wardrobe, writing desk and hair dryer.

Luxury Royal Suite

194 sqft

The spacious luxury suite features rich hardwood finishes, complete with double bed, comfortable seating area, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, HD satellite television, trouser press and en suite facilities, featuring a power shower. Other amenities include a safety deposit box, double wardrobe, writing desk and hair dryer.

Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included.

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