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Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid
Eastbound
Tour Description:
Enhanced by a three-night land stay in Madrid, our new 7-day cruise along Portugal's "river of gold" entices with guided exploration in Porto, the historical city of wine; captivates with cultural discoveries in picturesque riverside hamlets along the Douro; visits family-owned wine estates and vineyards, centuries in the making; and indulges with artful royal pleasures in the capital city of Madrid.
Setting sail along the Douro River is an immersion into beauty, culture, and timeless tradition, thousands of years in the making. Venture by riverboat into the Douro Valley, the birthplace of port wine, a land where time slows and every sip carries centuries of devotion. Cruise past terraced vineyards carved into golden hillsides, where wine has been perfected for centuries. Visit historic quintas, taste vintages born of passion, and let the river's gentle bends reveal a landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Beyond the valley and back on land, your adventure extends to Spain where you can wander the storied streets of Toledo, rich with medieval charm, and feel the pulse of Madrid, a capital city alive with art, flavor, and elegance. From vineyard sunsets to vibrant city nights, this new riverboat voyage blends romance, history, and unforgettable indulgence for a travel experience as timeless as the region itself.
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Dates & Pricing
| Friday 07 May 27 — Monday 17 May 27 | Starting at $9,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 18 Jun 27 — Monday 28 Jun 27 | Starting at $9,390 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 16 Jul 27 — Monday 26 Jul 27 | Starting at $7,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 30 Jul 27 — Monday 09 Aug 27 | Starting at $7,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 13 Aug 27 — Monday 23 Aug 27 | Starting at $7,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 10 Sep 27 — Monday 20 Sep 27 | Starting at $9,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 22 Oct 27 — Monday 01 Nov 27 | Starting at $9,390 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing
Enhanced by a three-night land stay in Madrid, our new 7-day cruise along Portugal's "river of gold" entices with guided exploration in Porto, the historical city of wine; captivates with cultural discoveries in picturesque riverside hamlets along the Douro; visits family-owned wine estates and vineyards, centuries in the making; and indulges with artful royal pleasures in the capital city of Madrid.
Setting sail along the Douro River is an immersion into beauty, culture, and timeless tradition, thousands of years in the making. Venture by riverboat into the Douro Valley, the birthplace of port wine, a land where time slows and every sip carries centuries of devotion. Cruise past terraced vineyards carved into golden hillsides, where wine has been perfected for centuries. Visit historic quintas, taste vintages born of passion, and let the river's gentle bends reveal a landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Beyond the valley and back on land, your adventure extends to Spain where you can wander the storied streets of Toledo, rich with medieval charm, and feel the pulse of Madrid, a capital city alive with art, flavor, and elegance. From vineyard sunsets to vibrant city nights, this new riverboat voyage blends romance, history, and unforgettable indulgence for a travel experience as timeless as the region itself.
Highlights
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner at DOC, Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula's celebrated restaurant on the Douro
All private Tauck shore excursions and distinctive inclusions – $4,045 Value
Spend three nights in Madrid, with an optional drive to the Gothic city of Toledo, a visit to the Prado or Reina Sofia Museum, and a locally guided tour of landmark city sites
Venture into the Vinho Verde region of central Portugal where crisp green wines reflect the lush landscapes where it is produced for a tour and tasting at a local vineyard
Discover a taste of life in the Douro Valley, with opportunities to bike or hike through the vineyards and savor wine and port tastings
Beyond the valley and back on land, your adventure extends to Spain where you can wander the storied streets of Toledo, rich with medieval charm, and feel the pulse of Madrid, a capital city alive with art, flavor, and elegance. From vineyard sunsets to vibrant city nights, this new riverboat voyage blends romance, history, and unforgettable indulgence for a travel experience as timeless as the region itself.
Highlights
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner at DOC, Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula's celebrated restaurant on the Douro
All private Tauck shore excursions and distinctive inclusions – $4,045 Value
Spend three nights in Madrid, with an optional drive to the Gothic city of Toledo, a visit to the Prado or Reina Sofia Museum, and a locally guided tour of landmark city sites
Venture into the Vinho Verde region of central Portugal where crisp green wines reflect the lush landscapes where it is produced for a tour and tasting at a local vineyard
Discover a taste of life in the Douro Valley, with opportunities to bike or hike through the vineyards and savor wine and port tastings
ITINERARY
ITINERARYArrive Porto
Tour starts: 4:00 PM, Porto. A transfer is included upon arrival from Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport or Porto train station directly to your riverboat docked in Vila Nova de Gaia, not far from where the Douro River kisses the Atlantic Ocean. Embark ship at 4:00 PM today. Your Tauck Directors and ship crew will be on hand to show you to your cabin, followed by a safety briefing. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner onboard ship tonight.
Porto from all perspectives
Steeped in old-world charm, inviting with stunning river views, and enticing with food and wine that are regionally produced and internationally acclaimed, Porto is a delight to explore. Today, the choice is yours to discover this city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may wish to see Porto from all perspectives – river, land, and air. Or, for a deeper look at Porto's wine heritage, learn about its rich history as the birthplace of Port wine during a cellar visit and tasting. The afternoon is yours to explore Porto as you like before dinner onboard.
Braga & the world's longest suspension bridge
This morning, set out on one of two excursions. One choice brings you to Braga, Portugal's third-largest city, known for its medieval roots, lively town center, and notable architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte with its iconic staircase and the historic Sé de Braga. Following your visit, journey to a quinta for lunch and a tasting at a vineyard in the Vinho Verde region. Or, those who crave adventure may wish to visit Arouca Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Here, for some of the best views in Portugal, hike the 516 Arouca Bridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world – measuring 516 meters in length and rising 574 feet above the banks of the Paiva River. Your afternoon is spent enjoying the scenic views of the Golden Douro.
Biking or the Douro River Museum
Peso da Régua was once the bustling heart of the Port wine trade. From here, barrels of the region's treasured wine began their journey aboard traditional rabelos, gliding downstream where they would mature in centuries-old lodges. Today, the town invites you to trace that legacy at the Douro Museum, a gateway into the valley's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. For the adventurous, trails beckon on a bike ride through breathtaking landscapes.
Pretty Pinhão and fine fare in Folgosa
Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, Pinhão is surrounded by sun-drenched quintas – wine estates – where terraced vineyards climb the hillsides in a patchwork of green. Today, choose between a stroll through the village, including its historic train station, famed for its exquisite blue-and-white tile panels that tell the story of winemaking, or alternatively, a vineyard hike above Pinhão for a steep walk through vineyards and spectacular views of the sprawling valley. Your day culminates with an unforgettable dinner at DOC, where Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula transforms regional flavors into contemporary masterpieces in a riverfront setting
Côa Valley discoveries & cultural tastings
Your riverboat glides through what was once the wildest part of the river, regarded as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Côa Valley, where history is etched into stone. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Côa Valley is home to the largest known collection of open-air Paleolithic art in the world, and a visit to the Côa Museum tells the story of the rock art found here. Thousands of figures – horses, wild aurochs (extinct wild cattle), and agile deer – are etched into rock faces found in this area, whispering across millennia about the lives and dreams of those who first roamed this land. Alternatively, visit a quinta for a tasting.
Torre de Moncorvo or a scenic hike
Today, a choice of cultural and active exploration awaits. One option includes a walking tour of Torre de Moncorvo, a quiet town that dates back to the 12th century, where narrow streets, historic churches, and a relaxed pace of life offer a glimpse into daily rhythms shaped by centuries of tradition. Or, set out on a scenic hike for a closer look at the sweeping landscapes of olive groves, rocky hillsides, and vineyard paths you've admired from your riverboat, experiencing the Douro's rugged beauty up close.
Disembark / Salamanca & drive to Madrid
Disembark your riverboat after breakfast this morning and turn your clock ahead one hour on a road trip journey to the capital city of Spain, Madrid, your home for the next three nights. Stop en route for a locally guided walking tour of Salamanca's historic Old City, viewing sites such as the Plaza Mayor and the New and Old Cathedrals. Visit the University of Salamanca, known as the "Oxford of Spain" for its historical significance as the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. Continue to Madrid for an evening at leisure.
Gothic Toledo or daily life in Madrid
Today, you might wish to step back in time with a full-day excursion to medieval Toledo, a dazzling hilltop city that has guarded more than 2,000 years of history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is famously known as the "City of the Three Cultures," reflecting centuries in which Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived side by side – its architecture a mosaic of this history. Wander winding cobblestone streets lined with magnificent medieval architecture, marvel at the soaring Gothic cathedral, and discover the lasting influence of El Greco, whose masterpieces still grace the city. Or, uncover the charms of Madrid – explore daily life on a market tour or learn firsthand the passion and musicality behind flamenco dancing. The remainder of the day is yours to explore – whether that means visiting a museum, savoring tapas, or soaking up the vibrant energy of Spain's capital.
Museums of Madrid
Experience landmark sites of the city on one of two guided experiences. Choose a walking tour that connects the history of the Spanish Civil War to modern Madrid, bringing insight into the city's architecture and daily life, before visiting the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso's Guernica and other iconic pieces. Or, witness centuries of history come to life at the Prado Museum on an expertly guided tour featuring masterpieces such as Velázquez's Las Meninas, a painting that feels like looking into a living reflection of its setting. Enjoy free time this afternoon and join us tonight for a farewell dinner featuring traditional cuisine and entertainment.
Journey home
Tour ends: 8:00 AM, The Palace Hotel Madrid. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Tauck's hotel, The Palace Hotel Madrid to Madrid's Barajas Airport or Madrid Atocha Train Station. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
