Spain, Portugal & The Douro River Valley – 32-Day Escorted Tour (2018)

 

From Hong Kong to Lisbon and the Douro River – Hosted by Stephen Jennings

 

In July 2018, I escorted a wonderful group of travellers from Hawke’s Bay on a 32-day cruise and tour through Spain, Portugal, and the Douro River Valley - a journey that still stands out as one of the most colourful and diverse tours I’ve ever led.

 

We began with a stopover in Hong Kong, exploring the markets, temples, and skyline views from Victoria Peak before heading on to Barcelona, where the energy, architecture, and food immediately drew everyone in. From there, we travelled north through Zaragoza, Pamplona, and San Sebastian, before crossing the Basque region and winding south through Soria, Madrid, and Seville - uncovering centuries of art, culture, and cuisine along the way.

 

The second half of our trip took us to Portugal, where we boarded Uniworld’s luxurious Queen Isabel for a seven-night cruise along the Douro River. It was a perfect way to slow down - sailing past terraced vineyards, sampling local port wine, and visiting riverside towns steeped in history. We finished in Lisbon, exploring its grand plazas, tram-lined streets, and coastal villages before returning home with full hearts and plenty of stories.

 

 

Highlights from the Journey

 

  • Exploring the street markets and skyline views of Hong Kong

  • Visiting Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter

  • Touring historic Zaragoza, Pamplona, and San Sebastian in northern Spain

  • Wine tasting at Marqués de Riscal winery in Eltziego

  • Exploring Madrid, the Prado Museum, and the UNESCO-listed city of Toledo

  • Cruising the Douro River aboard Uniworld’s Queen Isabel, visiting Porto, Guimarães, and Castelo Rodrigo

  • Enjoying authentic Portuguese cuisine in Lisbon and Évora, plus a cork factory visit in Corticarte

  • Ending the journey in Seville and Barcelona, surrounded by music, art, and sunshine

 

 

About the Tour

 

  • Duration: 32 days

  • Departure: 14 July 2018 from Napier

  • Return: 14 August 2018

  • Operated by: Uniworld River Cruises & YOU Travel Napier

  • Group Size: Minimum 16 guests

  • Inclusions:

     

    • Return airfares from Napier with Air New Zealand & Cathay Pacific

    • 7-night luxury river cruise aboard Uniworld’s Queen Isabel (Cat 4 or 5 cabin)

    • Twin-share hotel accommodation throughout Spain and Portugal

    • All meals as per itinerary, including wine, beer, and soft drinks onboard

    • Local English-speaking guides and sightseeing tours

    • Airport transfers, porterage, and entry to listed attractions

    • Fully escorted and hosted by Stephen Jennings, YOU Travel Napier

 

 

A Few Words from Stephen

 

“Spain and Portugal are packed with warmth - the people, the food, and the way life just happens in the streets. Cruising the Douro with our group, watching the hills roll by with a glass of port in hand, felt like the perfect way to end such a vibrant journey.”

 

 

Looking Ahead

 

Southern Europe has a way of drawing travellers back.

If you’ve always dreamed of exploring Spain, Portugal, or a European river cruise, keep an eye on our Stephen’s Guided Tours Hub for upcoming escorted journeys departing directly from Napier.

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