A two-night prelude in Porto eases you into a week-long journey along the Douro River. From the Atlantic coast, where the river meets the sea, to the Spanish border, travel across Portugal past rolling vineyards, sunlit terraces, and hillside quintas that have defined this valley for centuries.Begin in Porto, where Portugal's maritime and winemaking heritage comes into focus, then continue east through the Douro Valley aboard your riverboat. Along the way, visit towns shaped by centuries of trade and cultivation, explore the region's history at the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua, and gain insight into early human expression at the Côa Museum, which interprets Paleolithic rock art found in the surrounding valley. As you travel through the eastern Douro, learn how ongoing rewilding efforts are restoring native landscapes and wildlife in this remote stretch of the river, before returning to Porto – bringing into full view the river that has shaped northern Portugal for generations.

1. Day 1
   Porto, Portugal

   Wed, Oct 13, 2027

   Tour begins: 6:30 PM, InterContinental Porto Palácio das Cardosas. A transfer is included from Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to the InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas, a former 18th-century palace elegantly reimagined as a five-star hotel in the city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, join us for a Tauck Exclusive dinner featuring entertainment at Palácio da Bolsa, an opulent neoclassical landmark.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Porto, Portugal

   Thu, Oct 14, 2027

   Today is all about exploring the character and charm of Porto, the city that lent its name to Portugal and introduced Port wine to the world. Set where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, Porto has long been a crossroads of trade and tradition. Learn about its maritime roots and winemaking legacy during a morning walking tour with a local guide. Break for lunch on your own, then the choice is yours this afternoon: visit a historic Port house to discover how the region's signature wine is made – and enjoy a tasting – or explore Porto's roots in the fishing industry, still alive today, at one of the oldest canneries in the world, where sardines are still hand-packed. This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore the city's lively cafés, restaurants, and riverfront promenade.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
3. Day 3
   Porto, Portugal

   Fri, Oct 15, 2027

   The choice is yours this morning. Travel south to the coastal town of Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" for its picturesque canals and brightly painted boats, or head to Barcelos before venturing into the verdant countryside to discover the Vinho Verde region, famous for its crisp, youthful wines. In Aveiro, discover traditional salt pans and learn about Portugal's salt production. Alternatively, visit Barcelos – a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art known for its traditional roosters, pottery, and embroidery – and a stop along the Camino de Santiago. In the Vinho Verde region, learn how Portugal's unique "green wine" is crafted from young grapes grown in cool, coastal conditions. This afternoon, rejoin your group to embark your riverboat, settle into your cabin, and meet your cruise staff for a welcome toast and dinner.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
4. Day 4
   Peso da Régua Portugal

   Sat, Oct 16, 2027

   After a morning of scenic cruising through vine-terraced hillsides and graceful river bends, your ship arrives in Peso da Régua, the heart of Port wine country. Visit the Museu do Douro, where expert guides reveal the story of this UNESCO-listed region's winemaking heritage.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
5. Day 5
   Pinhão Portugal

   Sun, Oct 17, 2027

   Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, the village of Pinhão captures the soul of the region, with vineyards spilling down steep slopes to the water's edge. Choose your experience today: join a local guide for a vineyard hike from the hilltop village of Provesende down towards Pinhão – a scenic but active journey through terraced vines and dirt paths – or stay in town to explore Pinhão and discover its azulejo tiled train station and other charms in this quaint village. Tonight, enjoy a memorable dinner at a traditional quinta, where you'll dine among picturesque vineyards and taste wines produced on site, paired with a delicious Portuguese barbecue meal.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
6. Day 6
   Amarante, Portugal

   Mon, Oct 18, 2027

   Today, relax into the rhythm of the river as you enjoy a full day of cruising eastward along the eastern Douro's most dramatic bend. The landscape slowly transforms as terraced vineyards fade into rugged, sculpted valleys, where sheer hillsides cradle olive trees and almond groves. The Douro curves and narrows here, revealing sweeping vistas and quiet moments of grandeur as your ship traces one of the river's most striking passages. Take in the ever-changing scenery from the top deck, unwind in the Panorama Lounge, or simply let time drift by.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
7. Day 7
   Porto, Portugal

   Tue, Oct 19, 2027

   The landscapes grow wilder as you reach the upper part of the Douro, known as the Douro Superior. Defined by steep canyons and dramatic vistas, this remote region has recently welcomed a new wave of innovative wineries and rewilding projects. Today, you may wish to learn more about initiatives to restore the area's abundant wildlife and ecosystems on an active guided hike with a naturalist. Some of the animals you'll learn about are direct relatives of those etched in Paleolithic carvings – more than 20,000 years old – found in this region. Or, you might choose a guided visit to Castelo Rodrigo, a walled medieval fortress village with castle ruins, a 13th-century church, and a pillory.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
8. Day 8
   Pocinho Portugal

   Wed, Oct 20, 2027

   Dock this morning near Pocinho, gateway to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, thousands of Paleolithic carvings – some more than 20,000 years old – adorn open-air rock faces along the riverbanks. These extraordinary engravings reshaped our understanding of early human expression, showing that prehistoric art flourished not only in caves, but also in the open air. Choose between a guided visit to the Côa Museum or a visit to a family-run estate for a tour and tasting. Later this afternoon, return to the ship for leisurely cruising through the golden hills of the Douro.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
9. Day 9
   Porto, Portugal

   Thu, Oct 21, 2027

   As your river journey winds back toward Porto, enjoy one final morning immersed in the beauty of the Douro. Dock once more in Peso da Régua, the largest city on the Douro, for a choice of excursions that bring you closer to the region's heritage. Back aboard ship, share a farewell toast and dinner with new friends, celebrating the flavors, scenery, and stories created along your journey.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
10. Day 10
    Porto, Portugal

    Fri, Oct 22, 2027

    Tour ends: Porto. Disembark ship by 9:00 AM. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your ship to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport or Porto train station. Please allow three hours for international flight check-in.

    
    Meals: Breakfast