Leixões Cruises
A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River. Don’t forget to visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the tipple named after the city, Port. On the ground floor of the Museu Romantico is the Port Wine Institute, where port is served with great ceremony.
Oporto sits deep in the gorge of the River Douro and on the riverside – dominated by the two-level Luis I bridge – it’s possible to look up at the narrow old town streets climbing out of the valley.[ReadMoreMob] Pastel-fronted houses with red-tiled roofs line the streets, mixed with neo-classical buildings and wonderful baroque churches. Dominating the centre of the city is the fortress-like Cathedral, which is worth visiting for the views alone.
Top Experiences
Port Wine & Rabelo Boat
On the other bank of the Douro River is Vila Nova de Gaia, home to many reputable port wine cellars. Vila Nova de Gaia can be reached via rabelo boat, the traditional wooden cargo boat that’s been used to transport port wine on the Douro for centuries.
Historic Centre of Oporto
Oporto's historic centre is filled with impressive monuments and public buildings, including the Romanesque Cathedral and the Portuguese Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara. It’s been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1996.
Cruises to Leixões

Spain, Portugal & Madeira
Departs: Southampton • Mon 06 Jan 2020
11 nights • Black Watch • W2001
- While those back home in Britain endure a typically cold, gloomy start to the New Year, you’ll begin 2020 in style visiting charming, attraction-packed cities and beautiful, sun-soaked Atlantic Ocean island on this wonderfully rewarding cruise.
- In Spain, you’ll visit the gorgeous Galician city of La Coruña for famous landmarks and tours to the spectacular Santiago de Compostela cathedral; while in Portugal, you can delve into the maritime heritage of Lisbon and visit Oporto, famed for its fine architecture and port wine, from Leixoes.
- An overnight call in Madeira is sure to be an undoubted highlight of your holiday – you can explore gorgeous botanical gardens and seek out the remarkable Cabo Girão sea cliff while enjoying soothing seasonal sunshine; and even enjoy opulent afternoon tea at Funchal’s world-famous Reid’s Hotel.
From £1,499pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Ancient Sites of Oman, Jordan & the Med
Departs: Dubai • Thu 20 Feb 2020
28 nights • Boudicca • D200405
- Countless iconic and inspirational sights await you on this incredible cruise through Arabia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean aboard Remarkable ‘lost cities’, magnificent ancient wonders and fascinating holy sites are just a few of the highlights on this incredible journey.
- You could explore the beautiful Musandam Fjords, see Muscat’s palaces and mosques, and discover the Lost City of Ubar in Oman; visit ancient Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – in Jordan; and take tours to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Ashdod, Israel.
- In the Mediterranean, you can delve into Crete’s over 5000-year-old history and seek-out Athens’ iconic ancient wonders; delight in the sight of Valletta’s UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour in Malta; and uncover the attractions of three stunning Spanish cities, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena and Malaga.
From £3,949pp
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Islands & Cities of the Mediterranean
Departs: Limassol • Thu 05 Mar 2020
14 nights • Boudicca • D2005
- Sail from Cyprus through the sun-kissed Mediterranean and discover historical, architectural and natural delights in this diverse and beautiful region.
- A weekend in Greece offers the chance to delve into Crete's 5,000-year-old history. Tour to Athens to uncover world-famous ancient sites such as the Acropolis or the mighty Parthenon.
- Delight in the UNESCO-listed Grand Harbour in Valletta. In Spain visit the Roman sites of Cartagena and discover diverse Andalusian attractions from Malaga.
From £1,749pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Four Fred's in Funchal with the Azores
Departs: Liverpool • Thu 26 Mar 2020
14 nights • Black Watch • W2009
- Portugal’s remarkable diversity and beauty is yours to experience, as Black Watch takes you to beautiful islands in the Azores, Madeira – the gorgeous ‘Garden Island’ – and Leixoes, gateway to the culture-rich, attraction-packed second city.
- In the Azores, three of the archipelago’s beautifully unspoilt islands – Terceira, Faial and São Miguel – await, with verdant volcanic scenes of incredible craters, lakes and geo-thermal pools to explore, while on the mainland, you can visit Oporto for world-famous port wines and fine architecture.
- What’s more, in Madeira, you’ll also be part of the very special ‘Four Fred.’s in Funchal’ event. Dock alongside Braemar, Balmoral and Boudicca and experience a memorable day of celebration shared with crew and fellow guests from all four ocean-going ships in the Fred. Olsen fleet.
Adult Only Sailing
From £2,399pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Four Fred's in Funchal with the Canaries
Departs: Newcastle • Sun 29 Mar 2020
16 nights • Balmoral • L2003
- Get set for seasonal sights, scents and sunshine as you welcome the arrival of spring with visits to a string of stunning Macaronesian islands. The diverse landscapes and tempting beaches of four beautiful Canary Islands feature, while your stop at Madeira will be one to remember.
- In the Canaries, highlights include La Palma’s San Antonio Volcanic Park; magnificent Mount Teide in Tenerife; Gran Canaria’s sun-soaked Maspalomas sand dunes; and Lanzarote’s Fire Mountains. Madeira’s gorgeous botanical gardens, which burst into life in the spring, are not-to-be-missed.
- What’s more, in Madeira, you’ll also be part of the very special ‘Four Fred.’s in Funchal’ event. Dock alongside Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch and experience a memorable day of celebration shared with crew and fellow guests from all four ocean-going ships in the Fred. Olsen fleet.
Adult Only Sailing
From £1,899pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Canaries & Portugal with Funchal Flower Parade
Departs: Liverpool • Tue 28 Apr 2020
14 nights • Black Watch • W2012
- Experience the delights of mainland Portugal and floral Madeira, mixed in with the sun, sand and stunning scenery of two gorgeous Canary Islands for good measure, on this springtime escape.
- On the mainland, revel in Lisbon’s rich maritime history; discover enticing beaches and stunning scenery on the rugged Algarve coast; and tour to Oporto, for famous wine cellars and glorious riverscapes.
- In Madeira, you’re in for wonderfully authentic experience: an overnight stay is timed to coincide with Funchal’s annual Flower Festival, a display of fabulous flora, colourful parades and locals dressed in elaborate costume.
From £1,849pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Authentic Flavours of Portugal
Departs: Liverpool • Sun 07 Jun 2020
10 nights • Black Watch • W2016
- Indulge in an authentic taste of Portugal, with chances to sample the country’s famous food and drink, delve into rich maritime history and immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences.
- You’ll enjoy two days in Lisbon, carefully-planned to allow time to seek-out the capital’s maritime monuments, visit the famous Pasteis de Belém, and even enjoy the annual St Anthony’s Day celebrations.
- On the sun-kissed Algarve coast, you’ll enjoy a relaxing day in carefree Portimão; while a visit to Leixoes presents an opportunity to visit nearby Oporto, famed for its historic centre and port wines.
From £1,599pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Azorean Islands & Portuguese Cities
Departs: Liverpool • Sat 12 Sep 2020
13 nights • Black Watch • W2026
- Revel in the sheer remoteness, spectacular natural beauty and remarkable diversity of the Azores, as Black Watch presents you with a triple helping of this breathtaking Atlantic archipelago in less than two weeks.
- Volcanic wonderlands await you on the islands of Terceira, Faial and São Miguel, with towering mountain peaks, vast craters and lakes, verdant emerald green valleys and much more to discover.
- Your smaller cruise ship will also take you to the Portuguese mainland, to explore attraction-packed Lisbon and UNESCO-listed Oporto, with its famous wine cellars and stunning riverscapes.
From £1,899pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Authentic Portugal
Departs: Liverpool • Wed 07 Oct 2020
9 nights • Black Watch • W2028
- Quintessential Portuguese highlights are all yours to uncover, from famous maritime monuments to traditional delicacies and music, as Black Watch guides you to three captivating destinations.
- In Lisbon, you’re in for a sensory feast – see the Jerónimos Monastery & Tower de Belem, taste authentic egg pastries, catch a performance of Fado music and more during your overnight stay.
- On the sun-kissed Algarve coast, you’ll enjoy a relaxing day in carefree Portimão; while a visit to Leixoes presents an opportunity to visit nearby Oporto, famed for its historic centre and port wines.
From £1,149pp
Fares Explained | What's Included
Cultural Highlights of Southern Spain
Departs: Liverpool • Sun 25 Oct 2020
12 nights • Black Watch • W2030
- Visiting a string of stunning cities where architectural treasures, fascinating historical sites and cultural highlights await, you’ll find there’s so much more to southern Spain than sun, sea and sand.
- You can revel in Andalusia’s authentic side with calls at Cádiz and Malaga, where ancient monuments and landmarks, traditional tapas bars and even masterpieces from Pablo Picasso are yours to uncover.
- In the Murcian city of Cartagena, you’ll find an impressive mix of Roman and modernist marvels, while a visit to Melilla – a delight for sightseeing – offers a rare chance to sample a slice of Spanish Morocco.
From £1,499pp
Fares Explained | What's Included