You are invited to join us on a unique holiday to the stunning Douro Valley Port wine area of northern Portugal, the world’s first demarcated wine region, and to the historic city of Porto (Oporto) itself. Following the Douro upstream we discover a world of neat terraced vineyards producing fine wines and ports. The only way to see this beautiful region is by rail and river (there are few roads in the valley itself). The narrow gauge railways up the Tamega, Corgo and Tua valleys are also vital to a visit to this region. Maximum participants 40.
 

Wednesday (D) Our TAP Air Portugal flight leaves Gatwick at 13.50. Direct flights also available from Heathrow, Stansted and Liverpool* and overland travel from St Pancras via the Eurostar. We will be met at Porto airport by our guides and luxury coach which will take us direct to the 4-star Estalagem Porto Antigo for our overnight stay. This is on the banks of the Douro at Mosteiro (75 minutes from airport) set in a scene reminiscent of an Alpine lake. You also have the option to make the journey by rail while our coach takes our luggage on to the hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome meal (included) in the hotel restaurant when we will give a full introduction to the days ahead and you will have an opportunity to meet your tour managers.

Thursday (B) This morning we take the train the short distance to the lovely country station of Livracao. Here we transfer to the metre gauge Tamega line for a journey up the Tamega river. Our destination is the pretty riverside town of Amarante, one of the gems of northern Portugal. Here rows of 17th-century mansions with their brightly painted balconies line the narrow streets. There will be time to visit the Monastery and other sites during our guided walk around the town. We then join our coach for the short journey to the vineyards at Quinta da Aveleda, one of the region’s top Vinho Verde estates with its fine gardens. Our coach will drop us back at Penafiel station for our rail journey back to Mosteiro, arriving early evening. (11.15 - 18.45)

Friday (B, D) Today’s special train is on the wonderful "Corgo" narrow gauge line. It winds its way up the Corgo river valley from Regua to the provincial capital of Vila Real, including a famous horseshoe bend where the railway doubles back on itself. Definitely one of the great railway journeys of the world. We have our own special vintage train. Barring any fire-risk this should be hauled by Mallet steam loco E214 which has now returned to service. At the end of this breathtaking journey we shall be taken the short distance by road to the Casa de Mateus for a visit to the splendid manor house and gardens. Returning to Vila Real we have a break in the town to visit the shops. A pleasant 10-minute stroll takes us back to the station where our vintage train waits to take us back down the valley to Regua. In the evening we visit the wonderful Quinta da Casa Amarela vineyard for a guided tour and meal. We stay at the 4 star Regua Douro Hotel on the banks of the river. (09.00 - 16.30)
 

Saturday (B) Morning is free. In the afternoon we join another steam hauled vintage train. This restored vintage train is formed of 2-8-4T locomotive 0186 built in 1925 and five wooden bodied carriages of a similar age. We travel up the river through breathtaking scenery of terrace vineyards and olive trees, to the riverside station at Tua (about a 90 minute run). En-route we stop for water at the picturesque riverside town of Pinhao. Many of the most famous names in port production have quintas close to the railway station which is decorated with dazzling tile panels depicting scenes from bygone days of port production. On board we are treated to traditional singing and served local delicacies and port wine. After a break we return on the steam hauled special to Regua. (14.30 - 18.00)

Sunday (B,L) This morning we join our river cruiser at the dock by our hotel. Travelling up river we pass through three of the dams built in the 1970's to tame this once wild river. One of the locks we pass through is 32 metres deep and an unforgettable experience. This is a stunning valley of steep terraced vineyards and dramatic rock cliffs. A full three course lunch with wine is served on board and included in your tour price. At Pocinho we leave the boat and return to Regua by train. (08.30 - 17.15)

Monday (B) We depart from Regua and journey back up the Douro to Tua. Here we join our train on the metre gauge "Tua Valley" line. This is the most spectacular line in Portugal as our train hugs the side of the rocky ravine and climbs for over an hour and a half through a wild and unspoilt area of tiny isolated villages. We eventually arrive at the important town of Mirandela, with its restored Roman bridge. We have a break here with time for your own exploration and lunch. Early afternoon we return to Regua by coach. Late afternoon and evening are free. (09.20 - 15.30)

Tuesday (B,L) Late morning we join our river cruiser and cruise down river through the picturesque port wine area of steep terraced vineyards which stretch right down to the waters edge. A full 3-course lunch is served on board before we pass through the famous Carrapatelo dam. At 35 metres deep this is one of the deepest navigable dams in the world; an experience not to be missed. We continue down river and pass through the smaller Crestuma Dam. We are now in an area of woodlands, small vineyards and river beaches. Late afternoon we arrive in the fine city of Porto and get to see this ancient city from the river with its fine collection of bridges, two of which were built by Eiffel. Overnight in Porto. (12.00 - 18.30)

Wednesday (B) Leaving the hotel at 10am we have a leisurely walk down through the fascinating medieval quarter of the city to the Ribeira district where we join our vintage tram for a trip along the remaining route along the waterfront to the tramway museum. After time for lunch we visit Taylor’s port lodge complete with port tasting. For those on the full 11-night holiday the afternoon is free for exploration of the city. Those on the 7-night option will be taken by taxi/coach to the airport for your flights home. Alternatively you may take this as a free day for your own exploration. (10.00 - 14.00)

Thursday (B) Today is free for your own exploration of Porto. Alternatively join our rail trip to visit the important city of Viana do Castelo in the Minho region with plenty of time to explore this unspoilt city, lined with Manueline, Renaissance and Baroque mansions and to enjoy lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants here. (12.00 - 20.00)

Friday (B) Our first stop this morning is Lousado where we have a visit to the narrow gauge railway museum before we continue on the Linha de Guimarães. We have a pleasant 45-minute journey along the Vizela river. At Guimarães we have time to explore this well preserved medieval town famed as the birthplace of the nation. We also visit the superbly preserved 10th-century castle and the palace of Paço dos Duques. (09.00 - 17.00)

Saturday (B,D) Our rail journey today takes us to the religious and commercial centre of Braga. Our first stop is at Portugal's most spectacular religious sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, complete with a funicular railway dating back to 1882. Finally our coach drops us in the city centre where we have time for a walking tour including the cathedral. We return to Porto by rail late afternoon. (11.00 - 18.00). In the evening we all meet up for a farewell meal.

• All trains and excursions as listed in the itinerary

• 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast each morning

• Services of our tour guides in Portugal (holiday is fully escorted

• Any other meals listed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)