Exploring the Douro with Lisbon & Madrid

On arrival in Lisbon, you will be transferred to the InterContinental Lisbon, your home for the next two nights. Located between Eduardo VII Park, Marques de Pombal Square, and the luxurious Avenida da Liberdade, this is the perfect base from which to explore Portugal’s capital city.

This evening, meet your group to begin your pre-cruise land journey in style, with a private visit and welcome dinner at 18th-century Queluz National Palace. The architecture here is a pleasing blend of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical, while the gardens are French-inspired. 

Stay: InterContinental Lisbon

This morning, you’ll enjoy a choice of thoughtfully curated experiences. Begin with a guided exploration of Lisbon, taking in its most iconic landmarks, from the sweeping lawns of Eduardo VII Park to the grandeur of Trade Square. Continue along the waterfront to the Monument to the Discoveries before arriving at the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, final resting place of Vasco da Gama and generations of Portuguese royalty. For those who prefer a more energetic start to the day, a guided walking tour reveals the city’s atmospheric terraces and hidden viewpoints, offering a more immersive encounter with Lisbon’s character and charm.

Alternatively, venture beyond the capital to the enchanting town of Sintra. Here, you’ll visit the Sintra National Palace, Portugal’s best‑preserved medieval royal residence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After time to wander at your leisure, continue to the chic coastal town of Cascais for a guided stroll and a relaxed lunch by the sea, before returning to Lisbon. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, soaking up the city’s vibrant ambience in your own way.

Stay: InterContinental Lisbon

Spend the morning in the hilltop city of Coimbra, which for more than a century served as Portugal’s medieval capital. Set off on a walking tour, bringing you to the city’s esteemed university, founded in 1537. Learn about student life, past and present, along with longstanding traditions that are still practised today, as you admire its majestic buildings and cloistered arcades.

After some free time to explore, you’ll continue to Porto and the Douro River for embarkation on Tauck’s riverboat, the MS Andorinha. Enjoy some time to settle into your spacious cabin before a welcome reception followed by dinner onboard.

Today, Porto unveils its timeless charm as you choose from a selection of curated experiences. Perhaps begin with a journey that combines land, river and air: glide through the elegant Foz Quarter aboard a historic tram, cross the Douro by water taxi, and ascend by cable car to the summit of the Luiz I Bridge, where sweeping views of the medieval riverfront await.

For those who prefer a more active exploration, join a local guide for a walking tour through Porto’s historic heart. A tram will carry you to the city’s heights, where you’ll set off on a vigorous stroll punctuated by delicious stops to sample authentic culinary delights. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Porto’s most celebrated export – port wine – on a walking tour that culminates in a private tasting within an atmospheric cellar.

As you wind along the Douro, through Portugal’s verdant landscapes, the day offers two exceptional paths. One leads to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage city revered as the birthplace of Portugal. Wander its beautifully preserved medieval streets before continuing to Aveleda for a tasting of distinctive ‘green wines’ during a gourmet lunch at a picturesque vineyard estate.

Alternatively, for those drawn to nature’s grandeur, venture into the UNESCO-listed Arouca Geopark for an exhilarating hike across the world’s longest suspended pedestrian bridge – the awe-inspiring 516 Arouca Bridge, stretching over 500 metres and soaring 175 metres above the valley floor. Return to your riverboat and enjoy a serene evening sail toward Caldas de Aregos.

Arrive in Peso da Régua, the beating heart of port wine production. Here, you may choose to explore the Douro Museum with a local guide or visit a nearby quinta for a hands-on port cocktail masterclass.

Later, unwind onboard as the Douro’s terraced hills drift by, before tonight’s highlight: an unforgettable dining experience at DOC, the acclaimed riverside restaurant of chef Rui Paula. Savour an inspired tasting menu that marries Portuguese tradition with contemporary flair, perfectly paired with the finest Douro wines.

Today brings you to idyllic Pinhão, the gateway to the Douro River Valley’s many quintos and larger wine estates. A choice of excursions gives you the opportunity to continue to get to know this revered wine-making region. The first option is a lovely walking tour in Pinhão, a pretty town nestled in the heart of Portugal’s port wine country. During your tour, visit the historic tile-covered train station and be mesmerised by the display of blue and white Azulejo tiles.

To embrace the outdoors, set off on a hike through lush, terraced vineyards. Your reward for breaking a sweat is the striking view along the way of the surrounding town and river. Dinner is served onboard MS Andorinha this evening.

Spend the morning cruising the Douro, admiring the sight of vineyards and picturesque villages from the comfort of the MS Andorinha’s sun deck. Later, disembark in Pocinho and connect with prehistory with a visit to the Museum of Art and Archaeology of the Côa Valley. 20,000 years ago, prehistoric peoples called the Côa Valley home. Learn about their legacy through stunning exhibits of Paleolithic rock art, only discovered in the 1990s. Back on your riverboat, you’ll spot the ruins of hilltop castles as the ship courses ever nearer to Spain.

Your last day onboard the MS Andorinha includes a choice of excursions. Visit a wine estate in a local village for a tour, presentation and tasting before returning to the ship to spend the afternoon relaxing as you cruise toward Vega Terron.

Alternatively, enjoy a drive to Barca de Alva – a town on the border between Spain and Portugal – for a walking tour. Discover this town’s storied river roots before rejoining the ship as it closes the final distance between Portugal and Spain.

Bid farewell to the Douro and the MS Andorinha as you disembark and drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Here, a guided tour reveals its grand Plaza Mayor and storied university before you continue to Madrid and check into The Westin Palace, an icon of elegance commissioned by King Alfonso XIII. Its location reigns supreme, right in the heart of the city’s art triangle, near famous museums such as El Prado and Reina Sofía.

This evening, enjoy a guided exploration of Madrid’s tantalising tapas culture with an expert guide who knows all the hidden spots to find the best bites of this regional specialty known (and devoured) the world over.

Stay: The Westin Palace, Madrid

Set off on a short drive via coach – or, if you’re feeling active, a guided one-mile walk – to Madrid’s 18th-century Royal Palace. Home to a succession of Spanish kings over the years, the Royal Palace is still the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, though only in name. Travel through history with a local guide as you discover rooms and salons full to the brim with art treasures and antiques.

Next, visit the Museo del Prado, one of the world’s premier art museums boasting over 4,000 masterpieces. Look for works by iconic Spanish masters such as Goya and Velázquez. This evening, a farewell reception and dinner will be held at your hotel, concluding your marvellous journey.

Stay: The Westin Palace, Madrid

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward travels.