Exploring The Douro, Plus Lisbon & Madrid with Tauck

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This 12-day journey between Lisbon and Madrid includes a culturally rich 7-night riverboat cruise along the Douro, Portugal’s enchanting river of gold, through one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Iberian Charms: Capital Cities & Riverside Gems Lisbon – Two nights in the seaside capital of Portugal invite discoveries of then and now in a delightfully paced parade of monumental  sites, palaces aplenty and azulejos chronicling life here from Moorish times to present day. Madrid – Discover the masterpieces of Madrid – museums royally inspired, culinary creations that make small bites an art and bevy of baroque and belle epoque architecture built to impress – on a two-night stay. Porto – Embark ship in the UNESCO World Heritage City, where the Douro kisses the Atlantic & timeless Port traditions and treasures steal your heart. Douro Valley – White-painted quinta estates lined with terraced vineyards are a big part of the draw in this historic UNESCO World Heritage region, thanks to its multicultural heritage, unique grape varieties and fantastic climate. Visit museums, monasteries, castles, picture-perfect villages like Pinhao, and wine making estates in riverside landscapes that beg exploring. Salamanca – Disembark and drive to the sandstone city of Salamanca en route to Madrid for a tour that includes its 13th-century university and Plaza Mayor. Wine Rooted In Ancient Civilizations To taste the wines of the Douro, from fortified Ports to full- bodied reds and light white wines, is to drink in centuries of wine-growing history that date back to the Bronze Age and continue in the wineries you will visit on this river cruise. About Your Brand New Tauck Riverboat: Purpose built for cruising to historic quintas and villages along the golden Douro River from coastal Porto to the Spanish border, our newly built riverboat offers spacious accommodations for just 84 guests, with 12 200-sq-ft. Tauck Suites plus more 225 s-ft. cabins, to maximize the onboard experience in every way. Add a mall pool atop the Sun Deck, lounge and dining venues, plus built-in amenities designed to delight, and experience the advantages of a riverboat truly inspired by the destination. Browse Tauck River cruises 2020.
Must See Sites Along the Douro River

To understand how river cruising compares to ocean cruising and expedition travel, see our guide to Cruises vs. Expeditions: A Travel Advisor’s Guide. And for a complete overview of river cruise inclusions, read What’s Included on a River Cruise.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.