The tour begins with two days of free time in Lisbon – Portugal’s hilly coastal capital. One of Europe’s most charismatic and vibrant cities with its pastel-colored buildings and colorful castles. Here you have two days of free time where bed and breakfast is included.

Then we depart for Porto. It is often said: “Discover the beauty of the Douro and you look directly into the soul of Portugal!”

With a river cruise on the Douro, we explore this beautiful region of Portugal, from its medieval cities to its centuries-old vineyards. Go taste some delicious port wines, dine at a traditional quinta, explore streets full of old-world charm, or venture out to discover the historical and culinary delights.

Someone writes: “A cruise on the Douro River may not be quite like other famous European rivers, but its stunning scenery of sloping vineyard terraces gives it an edge. One of the best things about a Douro River cruise is the unspoiled scenery and fascinating towns, monasteries and gardens. The Douro is considerably less commercial than, say, the Danube, the Seine, the Rhone or the Rhine. In fact, when I think about my Douro River cruise, I think of forests and vineyards and rocks and birds. Although we encountered a few other riverboats, it mostly felt like we had the river to ourselves. And the Portuguese are some of the warmest and friendliest people I have encountered in Europe. They laugh easily, are quick with a joke, proud of their country and want to make sure you appreciate and enjoy everything as much as they do.”

We start in Porto, home to Port wine, street art and "francesinhas" (a Portuguese sandwich with bread, ham, steak, linguica sausage and melted cheese on top). Porto has a unique atmosphere with elegant neighborhoods and grand villas in narrow cobblestone streets. Porto is just the perfect size to explore on foot and wander its alleys full of history and nostalgia. Enjoy an evening stroll along the Douro River, visit the traditional Mercado do Bolhão or taste its famous Port wines.