Thinking about a cruise along Portugal’s Douro River, with its terraced landscapes, history, wines, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites? If so, you’re one of many who do. Tauck’s Douro River cruises are a perfect way to explore northern Portugal’s special place in the world. Many Tauck’s Douro River cruise itineraries include additional destinations. For example, my husband and I enjoyed visits to several cities in Spain and Portugal in addition to our cruise. The Douro River is famed for its beautiful river banks and towns, quintas (Portuguese wine estates), and breathtaking views. Add on Tauck’s high commitment to service, education, and traveler experiences. That’s why a Tauck Douro River cruise is a journey that will most likely become a travel highlight.
Why Cruise the Douro River?
The Douro River has shaped the culture of northern Portugal for over two thousand years. The Romans first planted vines along its steep banks. Later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, British merchants helped the region give birth to Port wines, still very popular today.
Grapes were grown on the terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley and shipped to Porto on flat-bottomed boats called rabelos. There, they were aged and blended in Porto’s cellars. The area was the first controlled wine region in the world, and holds UNESCO World Heritage status for it.
For travelers, that layered history is exactly what makes the Douro so compelling now. River ships have replaced the rabelos of yesteryear, of course. What captures travelers’ interests today is the chance to explore the Douro’s beautiful landscape, towns, landmarks, and wine tastings. These river cruises are a unique way to view and experience history without stepping foot in a museum.
The cruise itself – as well as the additional sites in Portugal and Spain – include many interesting UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visiting such sites, in any country, are a wonderful way to understand our world’s histories, cultures, and advancements.
Tauck’s Douro River Cruise Itineraries & Dates
Tauck offers a variety of Douro River cruises from March through November. Shorter cruises focus directly on the Douro River and usually run eight days. Longer cruises span up to 12 days and include key destinations in Portugal and Spain before and after the cruise. These longer itineraries include visits to key Spanish and Portugeuse cities before and after the cruise itself. In addition, there’s a Douro River cruise experience for Tauck’s multi-generational Bridges Family Travel trips.
Tauck’s Douro River Ships & Onboard Experiences
Douro river ships are smaller by design than those that travel along other European rivers. This is due, in part, to the narrowness and depth of the Douro River. In addition, the ships need to fit through the narrow openings in the five locks along the river.
Tauck began Douro River cruises with the ms Andorinha, which began service in 2021. A sister ship, the ms Saudade, will be added to Tauck’s fleet in 2027.
Ship Size
The ships are 38 feet/11.45 meters wide and 263 feet/80 meters long. The maximum capacity is 84 guests with around 40 crew members. The ships are well designed with passenger comfort in mind.
Cabin Options
There are 42 guest cabins onboard with the following sizes:
- 12 – 300 square foot Tauck suites
- 20 – 225 square foot cabins
- 6 – 200 square foot cabins
- 4- 150 square foot cabins
All guest rooms have a TV with movies, internet, minibar, and private bathrooms with robes, and hair dryers. Most have fully functioning French balconies (with sliding glass doors that open to the outside). Housekeeping tends to your cabin during the day (while you’re out on excursions) and again in the evening (while you’re at dinner).
Life Onboard a Tauck Douro River Ship
Aside from the cabins, there are several spaces for relaxing and/or visiting with fellow passengers.
- The main indoor common spaces are the guest services/reception area, the Panorama Lounge with bar. This area is partially open to the Compass Rose restaurant below where most meals are offered.
- The Sun Deck has a pool, sunbeds, chaise lounges, an al fresco dining area, as well as a bar and casual eatery named Arthur’s. This is the perfect place to relax during the day while soaking in the magnificent views on either side of the ship.
- Meals are included and are often centered on Portugeuse cuisine (though other options are offered). Wine is free flowing which makes sense considering the ship navigates water surrounded by an extensive wine region. In fact, all alcoholic beverages are included in the cruise cost.
- An elevator runs between the middle decks but not up to the Sun Deck.
- Evenings tend to be low-key. Most guests come to the Panorama Lounge for a pre-dinner drink, to hear the cruise director explain what’s in store for the next day, and then go downstairs to the Compass Rose restaurant for dinner. Dining times are flexible and there’s open seating. After dinner, guests may return to the Panorama Lounge for a nightcap (perhaps a glass of Port?!) and maybe a dance to the tunes played by a pianist or a playlist, and then head off to bed to get some shuteye before the next day. Most evenings there were lots of interaction between the guests in the evenings, recalling and commenting on their days and new experiences.
- Snacks are available in the Panorama Lounge from 10:00 am to Midnight.
Ship’s Crew
The crew is a collection of individuals, from two different companies, who work seamlessly together to provide a first-rate experience. From the first day to the last, Tauck’s tour directors oversee every aspect of the guest experience, with that oversight extending across both the land and cruise portions of the tour.
The ship’s cruise director oversees guests’ onboard experiences and excursions while on the ship, handling the logistics of the tours in each port of call. Tauck partners with Scylla, the company that built the ships and who supplies the ship’s staff from the captain to dining services to housekeeping.
My husband and I found the ship’s crew to be attentive and helpful. They were positive, fun-loving, and so accommodating. In fact, of our cruising experiences, this one topped them all in regards to the absolute pleasure it was to spend time and interact with the crew.
Tipping
The tour price includes airport transfers, transportation between sites, excursions and sightseeing, luggage handling, local guides, internet, entertainment, most meals, and all alcoholic beverages. Gratuities for the tour directors, cruise director, coach drivers, and everyone onboard are included.
Guests often provide extra tips staff members for excellent service. (I pack a few thank you cards and use them to write a note of appreciation and cash in Euros for those I feel have made the experience extra special.)
Tauck’s Douro River Itinerary (Madrid – Douro River – Lisbon)
On our “Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid,” we began our trip in Madrid, headed west along the Douro River ship, and ended in LIsbon.
Highlights of the Tauck “Exploring the Douro” Cruise
Spain
- Madrid, Spain’s capital. The tour began in the evening with a welcome dinner. Excursions include a city walking tour, the Royal Palace, and a guided tour of the Prado Musuem.
- Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City, which we visited on the drive to the embarkation spot for the cruise. Take a guided walking tour of the city with a Romanesque Cathedral and 800-year-old university. Enjoy free time to explore its shops and eateries (many in the Plaza Mayor).
Douro River Cruise
- 8 days along the Douro River heading to Porto that includes stops along the way to enjoy:
- Pinhão (in the heart of Port wine country) – and on our trip, a dinner at DOC, a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant along the river.
- Peso da Régua for a museum visit, guided tour of Lamego (a town dating to the Middle Ages), or a quinta visit.
- Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is considered the birthplace of Portugal.
- A Vinho Verde vineyard (producing green wine) tour and tasting.
- Arouca Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that includes a walk along a 1,693 foot long suspension pedestrian bridge over a gorge.
Portugal
- Porto, whose most famous export is Porto wine and whose historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We remained on the ship while visiting Porto. There are several excursion options, including a walking tour of the old town and Port wine tastings.
- Coimbra, once Portugal’s medieval capital and home to Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We stopped here for several hours on our way from Porto to Lisbon. Our visit included a guided tour of Coimbra University’s esteemed old library built in the 1700s, a Fado music performance, and free time in town.
- Lisbon, one of the oldest European cities, and a vibrant city today, with medieval-era neighborhoods, grand plazas and parks, and a lively culinary scene. We spent two nights in Lisbon. Excursions included two guided sightseeing options, as well as a day trip to Sintra and Cascais (below).
- Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guided visit to the Sintra National Palace dating to the 1500s, plus free time to explore the town.
- Cascais, a seaside town, with a guided town walk and free time for lunch and shopping.
- Exclusive dinner at the Queluz National Palace in Lisbon after enjoying the palace’s landscaped grounds.
Travel Tips on a Tauck Douro River Cruise
Pack Layers
Temperature and weather conditions can change throughout the day and night, so plan on packing layers you can shed when temperatures rise during the day and others to don for evenings spent outside.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Because of the often uneven terrain on centuries-old town sidewalks, plan on wearing comfortable shoes that you’ve broken in at home. Plan accordingly if you plan to join a guided hike or bike ride.
Bring a Small Tote or Day Bag
Pack a small tote or bag for daily excursions to carry your water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other essentials.
Talk with the Tour Director
Don’t hesitate to talk with the tour director about any concerns or questions you have. This could include tips on how to spend free time, mobility concerns, or other issues.
Keep Updated on Daily Activities
Tauck is excellent at communication. Read the information they provide! On land-based travel days, there’s typically a sheet with pertinent information; aboard the ship, there’s an app detailing daily excursions, onboard activities, and other details.
Add Comfort to Your Stateroom (and Hotel Rooms)
Bring along things that make time in your rooms comfortable and relaxing. For example, besides a sleep mask to wear if room curtains don’t block all the light at night, consider a portable sound machine to block hallway noise. (I pack a sound machine whenever I travel, and I really appreciated it onboard the ship, as it blocked our people’s conversations in the hallway.)
Learn Some Basic Phrases
Wherever you travel, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language. Although many ship staff and folks in tourist destinations speak English, learn some basic Spanish and Portuguese greetings and phrases to show respect for their language and culture.
Learn About the Local Customs and Culture
Doing a little reading or research about the places you’ll visit can enhance your travel experience. It can also provide you with more background and ideas about how you might want to spend your downtime on the trip – or in the days you might add to the front or back end of your trip. For example, even knowing the later hours that locals eat their meals could be helpful in planning your meals in local restaurants. (Rest assured, though, that even though locals may eat at different hours than you may be used to, you’ll always find eateries that accommodate guests at earlier hours!)
Arrive Early and/or Stay Later
It’s always a good idea to arrive at your destination a day or two before the tour begins to get acclimated to the time difference. Arriving early and spending a day or two at the tour’s end allows you to experience those cities on your own – doing what interests you most.
If you plan to add days, speak with your Tauck representative or travel advisor to see whether Tauck can provide guest rooms at those hotels at a good price.
Consider Tipping Those Who Make Your Trip Special
Tipping is included for tour directors, the ship’s crew, local guides, and bus drivers on the Douro River cruises. However, it’s often nice to provide an extra tip for those who made the experience extraordinary. I always bring along several small note cards to write a quick message of thanks with my cash tip (in Euros).
Be Aware of Transfer Schedules
Whenever the tour moves from one hotel to another (city to city/ship), you’ll need to have your luggage ready in your room for pickup and transfer to your next destination. Our experience is that luggage pickup begins early (in our case, 7:00 am), perhaps 60-90 minutes before the tour leaves a destination. This gives Tauck ample time to collect all the luggage and transfer it. It will be placed in your room aboard the ship or the next hotel.
Consider Tour Destination and Direction Options
Several Tauck itineraries include a Douro River cruise. Compare the destinations and choose an itinerary with excursions that interest you most. Another consideration is the direction the cruise travels: westward or eastward.
Although either direction is fine, my husband and I found that traveling westward (towards Porto) was ideal as the daily experiences were richer. This makes sense when you consider that the western part of the Douro River (the portion in Portugal) is more rural, with small towns. As the ship neared the more populated, commercial, and industrial Porto, the excursions offered more variety and, in our minds, interest.
FAQs About the Tauck Douro River Cruise
How long is the Tauck Douro River cruise?
There are several itineraries from 8 to 12 days. The shorter itineraries focus on the Douro River itself, while the longer ones include visits to key cities in Spain and Portugal before and after the cruise.
What is included in the Tauck Douro River cruise package?
Hotel stays, all meals aboard the ship, most excursions, transportation between cities, and a Tauck Director are included. Special experiences such as dinner at a palace or at DOC, a famous restaurant along the Douro River coast, are included.
Is the Tauck Douro River cruise good for first-time river cruisers?
Absolutely. The Douro River ships are small with no more than 84 passengers; the tour directors take care of all the details and logistics, so guests can relax and enjoy specially curated experiences. The ship has several common areas to relax, and the staterooms are comfortably equipped. On our cruise, my husband and I were very impressed with the onboard crew who doted on the passengers (without being intrusive).
How much walking is involved on the Douro River cruise?
It varies, but expect one to three miles of walking most days. Walking is often over cobblestones and stairs, with some standing for periods during guided tours. Besides guided walking tours of towns, there are more strenuous outings like guided hikes and bike rides.
What are the Tauck Douro River ships?
Tauck began Douro River cruises with the ms Andorinha, which began service in 2021. A sister ship, the ms Saudade, is added to Tauck’s fleet in 2027. Each ship accommodates 84 guests, with over 40 crew. The ships include a few different stateroom categories, a main restaurant, bar, and lounge. The sundeck features a pool, sunbeds, a casual eating spot, along with a dining area.
What is the onboard experience like on a Tauck Douro River ship?
The vibe aboard the ship is relaxing comfort. During the day, enjoy some downtime on the Sun Deck when not on excursions or enjoy some quiet time in the Panorama Lounge. In the evening, gather with fellow guests in the Panorama Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and to hear the cruise director explain the activities for the following day. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal in the Compass Rose (the main restaurant), and return to the Panorama Lounge for an after-dinner drink, dance to the tunes the pianist plays, and/or chat with other guests about your day’s experiences.
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Final Thoughts
My husband and I had been thinking of a Douro River cruise for a few years, and we finally booked it. What a great decision. Tauck is known for providing first-class experiences for guests, and this trip was no exception. In addition to the landmarks, history, and excursions, Tauck’s tour directors and the ship’s staff provided such a comfortable, enjoyable, and meaningful travel experience. We were especially appreciative of the staff’s attentive service. On our cruise, almost 50% of the crew were Portuguese, which made interactions especially meaningful for us.
Comments
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