Essence of the Douro

Tour begins 5:00 PM, Porto. A transfer is included from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) or Porto Campanhã train station to your riverboat docked on the Douro River. Settle in, then meet your fellow travelers and cruise staff for a welcome reception to toast your journey, followed by dinner in the Compass Rose.

Situated in northwest Portugal, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Porto has long been known as the city from which authentic Port wine has been shipped around the world for nearly three centuries. Rising on staggered hills along the river, this colorful city invites you to explore its labyrinthine streets and stairways, medieval alleys, Baroque churches, fountains and bell towers, Beaux-Arts buildings, and bohemian neighborhoods. Today you have a choice of sightseeing. Discover Porto by land and air – starting from the historic riverfront Ribeira district, crossing to Vila Nova de Gaia, and riding a cable car to the top of Luís I Bridge for aerial views over the Douro. Or, join a local guide for a walking tour that begins in the riverside Ribeira district, walking uphill to the Cathedral, crossing the top of the Luís I Bridge, and ending in Vila Nova de Gaia with a view overlooking Porto. Return to your riverboat this afternoon for lunch and an afternoon of cruising before an evening of dining at Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula's DOC, a fine-dining restaurant that adds contemporary and international touches to regional flavors.

A morning choice of excursions includes the Museu do Douro, housed in a renovated 18th-century mansion, with multimedia exhibits that trace the history and culture of the valley, with a special focus on viticulture and winemaking. In the afternoon, visit one of the Douro's most celebrated quintas, among the first to bottle wine under its own label. Explore its rustic charm, 18th-century architecture, and surrounding vineyards before trying your luck at mixology – crafting Port-based cocktails with expert guidance during a hands-on workshop. Back onboard, savor dinner in the Compass Rose.

Today, the choice is yours. You may wish to drive to medieval Guimarães, known as the "Cradle City," on a full day's excursion. The kingdom of Portugal was born here after the famous Battle of São Mamede in 1128. You can choose a walking tour of the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose treasures include the partially restored Castle of Guimarães – remnants of a 9th-century tower – the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the 13th-century Church of São Miguel do Castelo. Or choose an active bicycle excursion through the picturesque Vinho Verde wine region, cycling among mountains and vineyards on the Ecopista do Tâmega path. Rejoin the riverboat and join us for a chef's signature dinner aboard your ship this evening.

Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Douro River, Vinho Verde is Portugal's largest wine-growing region, known for its cool, rainy climate. Celebrated for its light, youthful wines, the region's name literally translates to "green wine" – a reference to both the fresh, acidic taste profiles and the green landscape that remains vibrant even in winter. Today, travel to Aveleda for a guided tour and tasting of these distinctive wines at a local vineyard. This afternoon, rejoin the riverboat for a leisurely sailing, with onboard activities before your final dinner onboard.

Tour ends: 8:00 AM, Porto. Please disembark by 9:00 AM; a transfer is included from your riverboat to Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport or Porto Campanhã train station. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.