Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.