tauck river cruise in portugal

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Cruise Review: Tauck’s exploring The Douro River plus Lisbon and Madrid

Katie wood joins a luxury river cruise which explores this stunning corner of europe..

Words by Katie Wood

Tauck, an American tour operator you may never have heard of, but you should. I generally hate organised group travel of any sort, but with Tauck , I’ll always make the exception as they are simply great at what they do.

Now in its third generation of family ownership, Arthur Tauck Jnr heads up a company that offers land tours and cruises in over 70 countries – and everything is included in the up-front price. This company doesn’t advertise; it doesn’t need to as once you’ve been on one of their trips, you’ll tell your friends and so it goes on. Their repeat business rate is phenomenal.

One of the main joys of going Tauck is that you will get so many ‘surprises’ that the average traveller can never achieve. Whether it’s getting into Monet’s gardens at Givenchy before they open and the crowds pour in, or it’s a dinner in a private castle not normally open to the public, it makes the whole experience truly special.

I recently took one of their river cruises – along the Douro River in Portugal. Starting in Lisbon and ending after a bit of overlanding in Salamanca and Madrid, it was a wonderful experience, in a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

The leisurely pace of exploring this beautiful area of Europe on a vessel carrying only 85 guests makes it way more relaxing and far more intimate than a large cruise ship – in fact, there’s no comparison. We had under 70 guests on our beautiful boat – the MS Andorhina, and the staff were superb. After a few days everyone had met each other, and friendships were being formed.

Obviously, as an American company, most travellers come from the US, with a smattering from Canada and the odd Brit. The type of traveller you find on a Tauck river cruise are seasoned travellers in their later years.

I travelled on my own but could not recommend it highly enough for a single’s holiday – way better than any ocean-going cruise I’ve been on as a solo.

A river cruise ship docks right in the heart of a city, so there aren’t any long transfers to reach the different attractions along your route. You just stroll off the ship and you’re there. There are so many advantages to river cruising, you’ll never want a big ship experience again.

With a small swimming pool on the sun deck, a spacious restaurant, a bistro restaurant, a panoramic lounge and bar and a good variety of staterooms for different budgets, it’s a great base for a week. This vessel was designed specifically for cruising the Douro. It is only two years old and easily the nicest boat on offer to tour this region.

The beds are super-comfortable, the showers hot and the food is especially good. Regional flights are included in the overall price – as are all meals and drinks, including alcohol and quality wines.

Why did I choose the Douro itinerary over others? Because it’s a hugely picturesque river valley with dramatic cliffs, lush hillsides, medieval walled villages and beautiful vineyards.

Lisbon is the starting point for this trip, and we were billeted for two nights in the Inter Continental Hotel. I really like this city – it has a shabby chic vibe and plenty of top sightseeing opportunities and great food. Sitting atop seven hills over centuries, the city is home to cobbled lanes, castles and maritime monuments that pay lasting tribute to Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama who changed the world.

Stop one was beautiful Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval capital for more than a century. A walking tour along the tiered cobbled lanes (flat shoes essential!) of this hilltop city brings you to its esteemed university, founded here in 1537, where its caped students evoke images of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School. Its majestic buildings line squares steeped in history and cloistered arcades lead to architectural showpieces, which are beautiful to behold.

From there the itinerary takes you to another favourite of mine – Porto.

Porto’s pleasures are diverse and one of Tauck’s little ‘surprises’ was to ride a historic tram from the Foz Quarter to the medieval riverfront district. A tasting tour followed, in a refreshingly small group size.

In addition to having an experienced cruise director on the boat, you have two Portuguese guides with you from the minute you arrive until your flight home. And on top of that you get local guides in pretty much all the destinations. It’s this degree of service that makes Tauck stand out. I was recovering from major back surgery and was slightly nervous about the trip, but, honestly, I couldn’t have been better looked after.

There are various visits to wine-making estates or quintas, but this is not a cruise one would take to see big sight after big sight. It’s great to just chill though.

The idyllic village of Pinhão, situated at a scenic bend of Portugal’s Douro River, is considered the gateway to the quintas and large wine estates of the Douro River Valley, one of Europe’s oldest and revered wine making regions. Of course, it’s all about the port in this part of the world, from white to heavy tawny.

A choice of shore excursions included a walk in pretty Pinhão, nestled in the heart of port wine country, with a visit to its historic tile-covered train station, a vision of blue and white Azulejo tiles – or a vigorous hike through the area’s lush, sloping terraced vineyards with striking views of the town and river.

20,000 years ago, prehistoric man called the Coa Valley home, leaving evidence of their residence on rocks in the Coa Valley. Here, we visited the Museum of Art and Archaeology of the Côa Valley – amazing exhibits of rock art from the valley’s Paleolithic era, discovered in the 1990s when excavations began for a Côa River dam.

Madrid was a good end to the 12-day trip, and the overall experience was, decidedly first class.

Once you’ve been on a Tauck trip, I very much doubt it’ll be your last.

For further details of the featured cruise visit tauck.co.uk

Douro River Valley Cruise

• River Cruise
• Porto to Amarante to Gaia
• Multiple departures

From $8,890* per solo occupancy

• enquiry online
• 1300 748 748

Discover the bohemian heart of the city that gave Port-wine its name... sail deep into the mountain landscapes of Portuguese wine country to find wine estates, lush vineyards, idyllic riverside villages, baroque castles, hilltop medieval ruins, and rock art from the valley's earliest inhabitants

Departures April - November 2025

* Advertised price based on 4 July 2025 departure*

Why we choose Tauck 

Traveling solo doesn't mean traveling alone – with Tauck, it means camaraderie, traveling with like-minded travelers who share similar interests, enjoying the spirit of travel that makes exploring the world a necessary part of life – and sharing the special experiences found on Tauck's guided land trips and cruises that create lifetime memories.

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna featuring a gala dinner and Viennese performers

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A private tour of Prague's Baroque libraries, Strahov Monastery

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

•   All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
• All private Tauck shore excursions – AUD $5,209 Value
• Two nights each in Prague and Budapest at centrally located hotels in the heart of the cities
• Choice in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg
• Included/escorted bicycle rides
• Choice of a full day in Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov
• Evenings of local performing artists and classical music aboard the riverboat
• Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks.
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• 30 meals, select meals in local restaurants; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Arrive Porto

Tour begins 5:00 PM.  A transfer is included from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) or Porto Campanhã station to your riverboat, ms  Andorinha , on the Douro River. Settle in, then join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner and onboard entertainment.

Day 2 - Porto and The Douro Valley

Situated in northwest Portugal where the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean, Porto has been known around the globe as the city from which authentic Port wine has been shipped throughout the world for nearly three centuries. Rising on staggered hills along the river, this colorful city beckons you to its labyrinthine streets and stairways, medieval alleys, Baroque churches, fountains, and bell towers, Beaux-Arts buildings, and bohemian neighborhoods whose narrow cobblestoned lanes wind their way past centuries-old former merchants' homes and trendy cafés. You have a sightseeing choice today. Discover Porto by land, river and air – starting from the historic riverfront Ribeira district, walking to Vila Nova de Gaia and riding a cable car for panoramic views. Alternatively, join a local guide for a walking tour that begins in the riverside Riberia district, walking uphill to the Cathedral, crossing the top of the Luis I bridge and concluding in Vila Nova de Gaia with a view overlooking Porto. Return to ms  Andorinha  late morning and begin sailing to the Douro River Valley, bound for the historic port of Peso da Régua. All along the winding river, rugged conical mountains and shale hills carved by concentric vineyard terraces tell of a winemaking history that's thousands of years old. Inhospitable to most other kinds of farming, the terroir is perfect for Portugal's indigenous wine grapes, whose hardy roots can go down 30 feet or more in search of water. And since the latter half of the 17th century, when Portuguese vintners succeeded in creating a sweet fortified wine – now famous around the world as Port, named for the city of Porto – that could make the long sea voyage to Britain and other destinations without spoiling, the Douro Valley has been the only supplier of true Port, the oldest demarcated wine region on Earth.

Day 3 - Peso da Régua and Pinhão

Dock in the historic town of Peso da Régua, once a busy hub where wooden boats called  rabelos , laden with barrels of Port, sailed downriver to Vila Nova de Gaia. Visit the Douro Museum, set within the restored Casa da Companhia Velha building, once part of Real Companhia Velha (Royal Oporto Wine Company), chartered in 1756. On your guided visit to the museum, you'll explore its exhibits chronicling the history, culture and traditions of the Douro River Valley region, from the cultivation of grapes on the vines to the processes involved in the production of Port wine and its distribution around the world. This afternoon, sail through one of the largest locks on the Douro to the idyllic, tranquil village of Pinhão, nestled at a dramatic bend in the river; Pinhão is known as the gateway to the valley's  quintas  (vineyards) and large wine estates. From here it's a short drive to Quinta do Portal, a family-run estate in the Cima Corgo region where renowned Port and non-fortified wines are made. Your visit includes an introduction to the vineyards and a private dinner with wine pairings.

Day 4 - Along the Douro to Vega de Terron

The Douro River Valley and its unique landscapes of terraced mountains, villages, and wine estates unfolds today on a full day's sail to the small Spanish port town of Vega de Terron, where the Douro forms the border between Spain and Portugal. The landscape, at a confluence of rivers, is tranquil, beautiful and unspoiled, at the edge of Douro International Natural Park.

Day 5 - Castle ruins and Paleolithic art

At the town of Pocinho you have a choice of shore excursions. Your first option visits a local town on the border between Spain and Portugal for a look at the town and region's historical landmarks including its many defensive strongholds. Alternatively, travel to the Museum of Art and Archaeology of the Côa Valley for stunning exhibits of rock art from the valley's Paleolithic era, discovered in the 1990s when excavations began for a Côa River dam; unlike cave art found in other parts of Europe, the thousands of petroglyphs in the Côa region were created in the open air by the valley's earliest inhabitants, and the museum explores their mystery through state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits. Return to the riverboat for lunch and sail back to Pinhão, arriving this evening.

Day 6 - Pinhão and Mateus Palace

Your choice of excursions this morning includes an opportunity to explore Pinhão and its early-20th century train station, adorned with blue-painted tiles ( azulejos ); or a vigorous hike in the hilltop vineyards with striking views of the town and river. Sail to Régua, where you'll have two choices; visit 18th-century Mateus Palace, a lavish Baroque residence designed by Nicolau Nasoni that is now a museum with period furnishings and artwork, a heraldic hall, formal gardens, a winery, and a chapel with tombs and reliquaries. Alternatively, join a local guide for a visit to a local wine-making estate called a  quinta , rewarding with a port cocktail making class. Begin the return trip to Porto, and dock overnight in this verdant wine country, where some traditional farms grow vines on pergolas and fences so high the grapes must be harvested with ladders.

Day 7 - Guimarães or Amarante to Gaia

Today, you have a choice of full day excursions; one option provides an opportunity to explore the medieval town of Guimarães, known as the "Cradle City; the kingdom of Portugal was born here after a famous battle in 1128. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a wealth of architectural treasures, including the ruined Castle of Guimãraes, with its tempestuous history and sweeping views, the opulent Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, lush with 17th-century furnishings and tapestries, and the 13th-century Church of São Miguel do Castelo. Alternatively, take a bicycle ride (for experienced cyclists in good physical condition) through the Vinho Verde region before arriving in the pastoral town of Amarante, famed as being the hometown of São Gonçalo, Portugal's St. Valentine. Enjoy lunch before your late afternoon arrival into Porto where you'll cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner aboard the ship.

Day 8 - Homeward bound

Tour ends:  8:00 AM Porto. Disembark and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your riverboat to Porto Airport or Porto Campanhã station. Allow at least 3 hours for flight check-in.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

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A Week In... Portugal

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• Small Group

Year, Departure Type

Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Classic
• 2024 Small Group
• 2025 Classic
• 2025 Small Group

Accommodations

• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Wine tasting tour and lunch in Porto

Visits to Portugal's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic centers of Porto, Évora and Sintra & the University of Coimbra

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Two nights at the Hotel Infante Sagres, the charming city of Porto's first five-star hotel

Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Discover the seafaring charms of the coast, the lush river valley vineyards, the hilltop castles and villages in its alpine interior and monuments to grandiose man-made achievements... Portugal may be small... but it's big on vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty that invites intimate exploration.

Portugal's rabelo boats, only on the douro… the romance of the rabelo.

With a name that translates to "little tail" (for the long piece of timber extending from its stern that's used to steer it), the traditional wooden Rabelo boat carried passengers and cargo along Portugal's Douro River for centuries. Found nowhere else in the world, this flat-bottomed, shallow-draught sailboat became the fastest and most efficient way to transport casks of prized Port wine between Douro Valley vineyards and the city of Porto at the river's mouth. Although no longer used commercially, these iconic workhorses can still be seen plying the waters of the Douro today.

Tauck Exclusive – Private evening at Palacio de Queluz

Get the royal treatment at lisbon's palacio de queluz.

Often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles," the Palácio de Queluz (Palace of Queluz) was one of Europe's last significant Rococo structures. It served as the royal residence of Portugal's King Pedro III and Queen Maria I (a.k.a. Maria the Pious or Maria the Mad, due to the mental illness she suffered later in life) in the late 18th- and early 19th-centuries. Today, the magnificent estate and its gorgeous formal gardens are a National Monument of Portugal… and the setting for your Tauck Exclusive private tour and dinner.

Hotel Infante Sagres

Nights 1 and 2

Enjoy the rebirth of a Porto legend... Hotel Infante Sagres

Named for Porto's native son, 15th-century Prince Henry the Navigator (also known as the Prince, or Infante, of Sagres), the Infante Sagres first opened in 1951 and served as the city's most prestigious luxury hotel for more than 60 years. In 2018, this legendary grande dame of Portuguese hotels reopened its doors after a meticulous renovation in which a team of leading designers and master craftsmen transformed its graceful heritage interior, elevating it to an unprecedented level of refinement.

It was wonderful to discover the abundance of treasures (art, history, literature) in this tiny, scenic outpost of Europe!

Kathleen Pappas

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

Tour Planner

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Overnight Accommodations

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Porto, Portugal

Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort

Óbidos, Portugal

Convento do Espinheiro

Évora, Portugal

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

Lisbon, Portugal

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Portugal.

You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Portugal to determine what travel documentation is required.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $449  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Portugal. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Portugal to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

The tour is moderately paced. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Portugal is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, many dating from ancient or medieval times. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture may present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. We conduct walking tours in most of the cities visited.

Many of the hotels do not provide for disabled access. Although all the hotels on this itinerary have elevators, many of the sites visited do not. Airports and train stations provide limited access to elevators. Many of the museums will have elevators; however, they are not always conveniently located for your use. Further, ramps are not commonly found in public venues.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate of Portugal is among the warmest of any country in Europe. In spring and summer temperatures are extremely high, often reaching 85ºF (30ºC) and above, and most days are sunny. Evenings and nights cool down considerably. Throughout this region rainfall is minimal or non-existent during the summer months and light in late spring and early fall.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Portugal is generally warm and dry from April through September. From October through November, the country experiences more rain, particularly in the North. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not usually available, so guests may have to give their garment to the hotel to be ironed for a fee. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Portugal:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Distinctively Inclusive

Discover the all-inclusive value of the Tauck River Cruising experience... with one upfront price and virtually every river cruise expense included

You Get What You Pay For... And Then Some...

When Arthur Tauck Sr. founded our travel company in 1925, he made a promise to our guests: to include virtually every vacation expense in one upfront price so that everyone could have a great time without any worries – a revolutionary idea at the time. Today you'll find other river cruises that are all-inclusive, but as our guests have discovered, it's the quality of Tauck's experiences that make all the difference.

If it means a better river cruising experience, we include it – aboard and ashore. Exclusive cultural experiences. All shore excursions. Superb accommodations. All gratuities. Entertainment, admissions, tastings, on-tour transportation, transfers upon arrival and departure, the services of our professional Tauck Directors – are all covered in one upfront price. And no options are sold, ever.

Our riverboats are custom-crafted to our uncompromising high standards for comfort, spaciousness and elegance, and you can count on impeccable personal service from ship to shore, with every detail seamlessly taken care of for you. Meals are freshly prepared and regionally driven, both on the riverboat and at local restaurants. Complimentary beverages – from specialty coffee, tea, soft drinks and bottled water to house wine, beer and premium spirits – are included on the riverboats, all day, every day.

Cruising with Tauck, you'll go beyond the ordinary to discover what's extraordinary about the places you'll explore. We believe you should experience Europe as it was meant to be enjoyed – steeped in local culture, seasoned with regional traditions and flavored with fun.

No Option Sold. Ever.

• All shore excursions are included along with virtually every river cruise expense in one upfront price
• Shipboard accommodations and meals, and cultural entertainment onboard and ashore – all included
• Onboard entertainment includes local dancers, singers, and musicians who share regional traditions
• Gala evenings ashore delight with command performances and dinners in extraordinary venues
• Land stays in accommodations at some of Europe's – and the world's – finest hotels
• All gratuities to Tauck Directors & Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides and luggage handling included
• Enjoy superior value and quality onboard and ashore for peace of mind travel at its best
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By land journey, aboard a small ship cruise, or sailing the Douro River on our new riverboat, the ms Andorinha, our Portugal tours transport you to a land where the Iberian sun shines bright, port flows freely, and the soulful culture comes to life all around you… experiences you'll never forget.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to Portugal

With more sunshine per year than any other European country, rich cultural legacies, and delectable cuisine filled with traditions and memories – Portugal welcomes you.

Cruise the douro river in a traditional rabelo boat, in porto, cruise the douro river in a traditional, rabelo boat, used for centuries to transport port wine.

Before the age of the railroads, the rabelo – a traditional, flat-bottomed Portuguese wooden cargo boat – was the fastest and best means of transporting port wine and other goods between the Douro Valley and the city of Porto, from which the precious Port is exported around the world. The rabelo (or "little tail," for the long timber piece on the back that's used to steer the boat), native to the Douro River region, can't be found anywhere else on Earth… and you'll take a cruise aboard one on the River Douro during your visit.

Explore Pinhão by a town walkabout or a terraced vineyard hike

Hiking from provesende through terraced vineyards to pinhão.

The idyllic village of Pinhão, situated at a scenic bend of Portugal's Douro River, is considered the gateway to the quintas and large wine estates of the Douro River Valley, one of Europe's oldest and revered wine making regions. Enjoy a hike through some of the area's lush terraced vineyards on your visit to Pinhão and its stunningly beautiful landscapes.

Lisbon, Portugal

From exquisite azulejos to a tauck exclusive at the "portuguese versailles" in portugal's historic capital, lisbon.

A vision of carefully planned, elegant streets, Lisbon's historic city center greets you with an 18th-century ambiance attesting to its days of glory during the Age of Discovery. Tauck welcomes you to Portugal's capital with experiences including a visit to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, built in the 16th century with "pepper money" profits from the spice trade; tours of the Maritime Museum, chronicling the history of Portugal's pioneering role in sea exploration, and the National Tile Museum, dedicated to the art and history of azulejos, those exquisite glazed ceramic tiles found throughout Portugal; and a Tauck Exclusive private tour and dinner in the Throne Room of the Palacio Nacional de Queluz (Palace of Queluz), a Rococo gem often called the "Portuguese Versailles."

Guimarães, the "Cradle City"

Discovering guimarães, portugal's "cradle city".

The Portuguese call the city of Guimarães, in the northern region of Braga, Cidade Berço (the "Cradle City") for the key role it played in the birth of the Kingdom of Portugal following the 12th-century Battle of São Mamede… and because it's believed that the country's first king was born there. You'll hear these and other tidbits of Portuguese history on a tour of the city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its architectural treasures include the ruined Castle of Guimaraes, and the medieval Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

Cruising the Douro River

Explore the douro river valley aboard ms andorinha.

Portugal's Douro River Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world – especially famous for its Port wine – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And there's no better way to explore this beautiful corner of Europe… from its Atlantic port city of Porto at the mouth of the river, to the ancient villages, vineyards and quintas dotting its banks… than aboard Tauck's newest riverboat, ms Andorinha, expressly designed for cruising the golden Douro.

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Guest Favorites in Portugal

"What a fabulous travel adventure we had with so many unique experiences. Many of the activities and sites could not have been secured independently! A Week in Portugal provided a wonderful overview from beginning to end. We left knowing that we had seen the highlights of this delightful country."   Glenda O., Memphis, TN

A week in... portugal, villages and vintages: cruising the douro river valley, douro discovery: a family river cruise in portugal, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

One Upfront Price

Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

Travel In Good Company

Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Group Bookings
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Protection
• Travel Updates

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