Deckplan
The Douro is not the longest, grandest or most historic of Europe’s rivers, but it certainly is one of the most untouched and beautiful. From its meagre beginnings in the hills north of Madrid it makes its way through Northern Portugal in a meandering flourish to the ocean and the endlessly fascinating city of Oporto. Our cruise aboard the 132-passenger MS Gil Eanes offers the opportunity to sail this delightful river and experience some of the local flavour. Where vessels once laden with barrels of port drifted to Oporto, we will cruise along this lovely river, relaxing on board whilst admiring the beautiful passing scenery and stopping each day for fascinating excursions.
Our navigation of the Douro will take us from Oporto on a wonderfully scenic path, past sleepy villages and a tranquil countryside of almond and citrus trees to just before the Spanish border. From here we will visit Spain’s ancient seat of learning, Salamanca with its grand buildings in rich copper hues and the country’s most magnificent square, Plaza Mayor. Along the way we will visit the world renowned port wine region, restored palaces, places of pilgrimage and cultural centres. Small towns and settlements perched on the sloping hillsides of the region have retained an aura of Medieval simplicity, its many tiny communities, largely agricultural, clustering round historic churches, monasteries and castles.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Gil Eanes
Launched in 2015, the MS Gil Eanes has a modern feel and offers a tranquil atmosphere on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque panoramas of the region. Cabins are located over three decks, and have a bright airy feel. Public areas include the restaurant, the lounge bar with floor to ceiling windows, and the Sun Deck with comfortable loungers, and some tables and chairs under a shaded area. There is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Oporto, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the MS Gil Eanes and embark. This evening meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner.
Day 2 Oporto.
This morning there will be a guided tour of Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city and a World Heritage Site. This attractive city was originally a Celtic-Iberian settlement and became a prosperous Roman village thanks to its natural harbour. During our tour we will drive through its narrow streets to find 16th century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and chapels, as well as the city’s iconic 19th century iron bridge, built by the school of Gustav Eiffel. We continue along the coastal road of the Atlantic to the mouth of the Douro River to view this wealthy neighbourhood with its fashionable villas and manor houses. Our final visit will be to the city’s cathedral, located on the top of the Penaventosa Hill. Inside are beautiful examples of golden carved altarpieces and paintings from the Nasoni period, whilst outside we will enjoy the amazing view over the river. The tour will conclude with a visit to a port wine lodge where we will see the old casks full of port and enjoy a sample of this delicious world famous wine. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board.
Day 3 Regua.
From our mooring at Regua we will visit the unique 18th century Mateus Manor House and its gardens. This fine looking palace and gardens is still owned by the Count of Vila Real and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal. On our guided tour of the Palace we will see the “rare books” library, as well as vestments and religious icons and view the remarkable chestnut wood crafting on the ceilings, as well as some beautiful paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Stroll around the romantic gardens which feature a unique 100 foot long cedar tunnel and formal garden and visit the villa’s pretty chapel. Return to the vessel which will have sailed to Tavora to meet us. Enjoy lunch on board and continue cruising towards the Spanish border.
Day 4 Salamanca, Spain.
Today we will enjoy a full day tour to Salamanca, a Spanish city rich in culture and tradition. Salamanca has been famous as a seat of learning since the early 13th century and has an impressive history, with many fine monuments and architecture. The city attracts around 40,000 international students each year, giving it a cosmopolitan and modern feel. Our guided tour will include the University, House of Shells and the classic Plaza Mayor, formally a bullfighting site. We will also visit the Gothic “New Cathedral” which was actually constructed in the 16th century, replacing the original 12th century Salamanca Cathedral. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy some free time to explore independently. Maybe visit the Casa Lis (the Museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco), or simply stroll through the plazas and side streets of this delightful city. Return later to the vessel for dinner.
Day 5 Almeida or Coa Valley, Portugal.
There will be a choice of excursions today, maybe drive to Almeida, one of the finest examples of a ramparted fortification still standing in Portugal. The fortress was built in the 17th century to surround a Medieval castle and, when seen from above, has the appearance of a 12 pointed star. Strategically located on a plateau just 12 kilometres from the Spanish border, it featured in many historic battles during the Wars of Restoration as well as the French invasions of the 19th century. We can explore the narrow streets that preserve the historic atmosphere inside the town as well as walking the fortress walls. Alternatively, we will make our way to the Coa Museum which celebrates the prehistoric art of the Coa Valley. The Coa is a tributary of the Douro where thousands of examples of ancient rock art have been discovered from the Upper Paleolithic, Neolithic and Iron Age and the region has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6 Pinhao, Douro Valley.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we cruise to Pinhao, located in the heart of the Douro Valley. The region is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world with a microclimate perfect for grape cultivation. An afternoon drive takes us through steep terraced vineyards that stretch up the riverbanks and which boast breathtaking views. Visiting one of the local Quinta we will learn about the production methods, and will have the chance to sample some of the local wines.
Day 7 Lamego.
Sail early this morning towards Folgosa where we will disembark and enjoy a half day excursion to the historical and charming town of Lamego. This city houses one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal - the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Built in the second half of the 18th century over the remains of a 14th century chapel, it is an excellent example of Portuguese Baroque style. It is wonderfully decorated with enormous panels of blue and white tiles, with an impressive staircase of nearly 700 steps. During lunch on board we sail back to Oporto crossing the Crestuma-Lever dam. On our final evening we will be entertained by a Portuguese folklore show on board.
Day 8 Oporto to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 1 to 8 June 2023 • 13 to 20 September 2023 • 20 to 27 September 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| E Main /Middle Deck Double/Twin Cabin | £2895 | £2695 |
| D Middle Deck Double/Twin cabin | £3095 | £2895 |
| C Upper Deck Double/Twin Cabin | £3295 | £3095 |
| B Middle Deck Suite | £3695 | £3495 |
| A Upper Deck Suite | £4595 | £4395 |
| E Main /Middle Deck Cabin for sole use | £3495 | £3295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCDOURO23
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the MS Gil Eanes on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm (please note that premium brands & sparkling wines are not included) • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port Taxes • Airport Taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Gil Eanes
Launched in 2015, the MS Gil Eanes has a modern feel and offers a tranquil atmosphere on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque panoramas of the region. Cabins are located over three decks, and have a bright airy feel. Public areas include the restaurant, the lounge bar with floor to ceiling windows, and the Sun Deck with comfortable loungers, and some tables and chairs under a shaded area. There is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
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Ship Directory
Ship directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted that you have chosen the MS Gil Eanes for your cruise along the Douro.
We have chartered the MS Gil Eanes from our associates at Croisi Europe. Built in 2014/2015, she is a delightful vessel and ideal for our exploration of the Douro. She accommodates a maximum of 132 guests and the atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Built: 2014/2015
Length: 80 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Number of cabins: 66
Capacity: 132 passengers
Draft: 1.75AIR CONDITIONING
All cabins have individually controlled heating and air conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of emergency.
ALL ABOARD
Your times for embarkation and disembarkation will be provided by your Cruise Director.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During your time on board, various announcements will be made by the ship’s crew and our Cruise Director. Please listen out for these announcements as they will be of importance or interest.
BAR/BEVERAGES
All-inclusive drinks are provided on board (excluding premium brands and sparkling wine) between the hours of 10am and 11pm.
CABINS
All cabins have bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV, hair dryer, safe, and closet and twin cabins can have a twin or double bed configuration. Cabins 214, 216 and 220 measure 12 square metres. Suites 201 and 202 measure 15.5 square metres. Suites 301 and 302 measure 19 square metres. All other cabins measure 13.3 square metres.
CRUISE DIRECTOR
A Noble Caledonia Cruise Director will accompany you on your voyage, along with a Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, and a Noble Caledonia Guest Speaker.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is the Euro. While Visa and MasterCard are accepted, personal cheques and debit cards are not. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Each evening the next day’s programme will be delivered to your cabin.
DRESS CODE
Comfortable and practical attire is recommended during the day for excursions and something dressier for the evening. More formal dress is required only for Welcome and Captain’s dinner (black tie is not necessary).
ELECTRICITY
Electricity onboard is 220v with 2-pin power outlets. We recommend you take an adaptor with you.
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION
Embarkation and Disembarkation times will be provided by your Cruise Director.
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. Please note there is no Doctor on board the vessel.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
A number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of emergency.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price, however if you feel that certain individuals deserve special award, you are of course free to remunerate as you please.
GIFT SHOP
There is a small gift shop selling various practical and souvenir items.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
KEYS TO CABIN
Each cabin will receive their own cabin key. Before leaving the ship we kindly ask all passengers to swap the cabin key with a shore pass which will be provided to you by the ship’s reception desk. After your return to the ship, we would please ask for you to return your shore pass back to reception in exchange for your cabin key.
LAUNDRY
Please note there are no laundry facilities on board.
LIFT
There is a lift on board which serves the Main, Middle and Upper Decks.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave items onboard the ship we are only able to return them to you at your own cost.
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served on board. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style with hot and cold items, and dinners are a served set menu with a choice of either two main courses or a vegetarian option. Please note that due to galley restrictions, Croisi Europe is unable to offer a choice at each course. Certain dietary requests can be catered for (on request). Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. On occasion other river cruise vessels may be required to dock alongside our ship. This may result in restricted cabin views and may also entail us being required to embark and disembark the ship through another vessel’s public area and/or for the other ship’s passengers to do the same.
NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers are not available on board.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Despite our planning efforts, there may be times when changes must be made to the daily programme due to circumstances beyond our control such as heavy river traffic or fluctuating water levels. The ship’s Captain and crew will do their utmost to find the best and safest solution. Any changes to the day’s schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
POST
The vessel’s gift shop may sell postcards and stamps for you to purchase (subject to availability) and, items can be posted on your behalf by the ship’s crew (although as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself). Please note that neither the ship nor Noble Caledonia can be held responsible for items of post that are not successfully delivered on your behalf.
QUESTIONNAIRES
A questionnaire will be provided to all passengers towards the end of their sailing. We would be grateful for you to complete and return this.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed throughout the day and then between 10pm and 7am a night watchman will be on duty.
ROOM SERVICE
Room service is not available.
SAFE
All cabins are fitted with a safe and we recommend you place your valuables inside the safe whenever you are away from your room. Please remember to remove all items from your safe prior to you departing the vessel at the end of the cruise.
SAFETY
Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Master and crew of the vessel. Full safety instructions will be provided to you on board.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. There may be times whereby it is necessary to close the Sun Deck. Please listen carefully to the Captain and Crew for instruction. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
TELEPHONE
A telephone is available in your cabin for internal calls only.
VISITORS
Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel. The ship’s operators reserve the right to deny boarding to any persons.
WATER
Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner. A bottle of water will be provided in your cabin upon embarkation and this will be replenished upon request. WIFI Wireless internet connection is available without charge. There may be times when internet connection is slow or not available.
WI-FI
Wireless internet connection is available without charge but please be advised that it is not possible to download large data files. There may also be times when internet connection is slow or not available.PLEASE NOTE:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the vessel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the vessel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
V.2 October 2018
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Travelling with You
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Michael Howard
Michael is an independent scholar, writer, painter and curator. He is married to the artist Ghislaine Howard with whom he shares a passion for art and the joy and creative release that it can bring to people’s lives. He is currently working on an exciting five-year project for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce with Ghislaine. He has curated numerous exhibitions and examples of his own work may be found in Manchester Art Gallery and many private collections both in the U.K. and abroad.
He is President of the Arts Society Bolton and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and for many years he taught academic and studio-based students at History of Art Department at the Manchester School of Art [MMU]. Over the years he has given many talks for Christies, Sothebys and ACE study tours and has lectured at universities and art galleries both in the UK, USA and Europe.
Michael has been a lecturer with the Arts Society for over 30 years and is the author of many books including 'The Impressionists by Themselves', 'Techniques of the Masters', (Goya and Whistler); 'L.S. Lowry A Visionary Artist'; 'The Human Touch: Ghislaine Howard, Paintings, Drawings and Prints'; ‘Monet' in association with the Musée Marmottan and ‘Gauguin' in association with the Gauguin Museum in Tahiti.
He is currently working on a two-volume publication, ‘Walking on Fire' relating to the life and work of perhaps the last forgotten master of British twentieth century art, the extraordinary Theodore Major (1908-1999): and a novel centred on Albrecht Dürer and his quest to find a unicorn. He has also written the libretto for an opera and number of short plays inspired by the ghost stories of Mary Elizabeth Braddon and William Hope Hodgson.
Michael Howard will be on the following tour dates: 1 to 8 June 2023 -
Ghislaine Howard
Ghislaine Howard is internationally recognised as a painter of powerful and expressive means, whose art charts and interprets shared human experience. Named as a Woman of the Year 2008 for her contribution to art and society, she has published and exhibited widely and has work in many public and private collections, including Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth Art Gallery and the Royal Collection.
Exhibitions of her work have taken place at numerous prestigious venues including Manchester Art Gallery, Canterbury Cathedral, Imperial War Museum North and the British Museum.
She is an experienced and popular lecturer bringing to her chosen subjects her own passion for painting and a lived understanding of what it is to be an artist. She has lectured to a wide variety of audiences and as a registered Arts Society lecturer has travelled widely giving lecture tours in Australia, New Zealand and Spain as well as throughout the UK.
She is currently working with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce on a permanent but changing exhibition of her work at their headquarters on Deansgate in Manchester.
Ghislaine Howard will be on the following tour dates: 1 to 8 June 2023 -
Ernest Rea
Ernest Rea is a celebrated British broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular national radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Programme on British Radio.
He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 to 2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all religious television and radio programmes nationally and locally. During this period, he spent much time in the United States, brokering co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales.
He is in wide demand as a speaker at international inter faith conferences, literary festivals and academic symposia. In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council of Christians and Jews for his contribution to Inter Faith Understanding. He has First Class Honours Degrees in Theology and in History and Politics which helped to fuel his passion for the study of world religions and the way in which they impact on the ancient and modern worlds.
Ernest Rea will be on the following tour dates: 13 to 20 September 2023 -
Sir Stephen Wall
Stephen was for 35 years a British diplomat. He lived and worked in Ethiopia, France, the United States, Portugal and Belgium, as well as doing lengthy stints in London where he worked for Prime Ministers Jim Callaghan, John Major and Tony Blair and other British politicians.
As Britain’s Ambassador to Portugal in the 1990s, his job included helping the sizeable British community in the country, promoting British exports and literally and figuratively “flying the flag” for the UK to promote warm relations with Britain’s oldest ally. He did a similar job as the UK’s Ambassador to the European Union from 1995-2000 in what was a stimulating, if sometimes, tense, environment.
Since then, Stephen has worked in the not for profit sector, mainly in education and human rights. He has published four books charting the UK’s relations with her former EU partners.
Sir Stephen Wall will be on the following tour dates: 20 to 27 September 2023
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some more time in Portugal we are offering a five night extension with the chance to tour Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, Tomar, Guimaraes, and Braga.
Lisbon
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Lisbon, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel in Lisbon for a two night stay. Meet later tonight for our welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Lisbon & Sintra.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquis de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praca do Comercio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping areas with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides. During our panoramic tour we will see the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower and visit the famous Jeronimos Monastery. This afternoon we will drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra where we will visit Sintra National Palace, famous for its magnificent painted ceilings. The palace is the only survivor of the country’s Royal Halls, dating from the Middle Ages. Later enjoy some free time to explore the town which still retains much of its Medieval layout before driving back to Lisbon. (B)
Day 3 Lisbon to Coimbra.
Check out this morning and drive to the city of Tomar where we will visit the Convento de Cristo. Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, and headquarters of the legendary Knights Templar, this extraordinary monument is a rambling concoction of Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture. After lunch we will continue our journey to Coimbra and check in to our hotel for a two night stay. Meet for dinner and a Fado performance this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Coimbra.
Spend the day in charming Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years and the site of the country’s greatest university for the past five centuries. Visit the stunning 16th to 18th century buildings, including the Paco das Escolas (Royal Palace). We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a free afternoon for individual exploration. (B, L)
Day 5 Guimaraes.
After breakfast in the hotel we will drive to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first independent King of Portugal. Guimaraes has beautifully preserved its illustrious past; its Medieval centre is a warren of lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th century edifices and on an adjacent hill stands the 1,000 year old castle and the palace built by the first duke of Braganca in the 15th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to our hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L)
Day 6 Guimaraes to Oporto.
Spend the morning in Braga, an elegant town laced with ancient narrow lanes, plazas and Baroque churches. After lunch we will transfer to the MS Gil Eanes moored in Oporto. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
27 May to 1 June 2023 • 8 to 13 September 2023 • 15 to 20 September 2023 Category Price Twin £1145 Single £1595 Price Includes: Five nights hotel accommodation as described, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000