Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid - Westbound

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel. A transfer is included upon arrival from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport or Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes and Madrid Chamartin to The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Your elegant hotel, built in 1912, still with its stained-glass dome above its reception, is in the center of this cosmopolitan city, steps away from green parks and the world-class Prado Museum. Meet your fellow travelers this evening at a welcome reception and dinner.

Your first day in Madrid introduces you to the 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. 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.

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. Or, uncover the charms of Madrid – explore daily life on a market tour or learn firsthand the passion and musicality behind flamenco dancing. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore. 

After breakfast at your hotel, journey to Salamanca for a walking tour of its UNESCO-designated Old City, viewing landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor and the New and Old Cathedrals – an impressive blend of late Gothic, Plateresque, and Baroque architectural styles. Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, the city's legacy of learning comes to life during a visit to the University of Salamanca, often called the "Oxford of Spain" for its historical significance as the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. Following your visit, cross the border back into Portugal and continue to the Douro River, where your riverboat awaits. Settle into your cabin, then meet the captain and cruise staff at a welcome reception, followed by dinner in the Compass Rose.

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. The rest of the day is at your leisure on the ship.

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. 

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.

Travel into the lush countryside of northern Portugal for a visit to a traditional quinta in the Vinho Verde region. Learn how the region's cool climate and Atlantic influences shape its light, refreshing wines, then enjoy a guided tasting that highlights the character and freshness for which Vinho Verde is known.

Today, visit 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. Enjoy the remainder of your day cruising through the Golden Douro.

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.

Tour ends: 8:00 AM, Porto. Disembark by 9:00 AM.  A transfer is included from the riverboat to the Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport or Porto train station. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.