Our tip
There are a number of port producers that offer tours and tastings, and we can highly recommend Graham’s.
From Porto to Madrid
Iberian Capitals: Lisbon, Madrid & the Douro - Eastbound
From Porto to Madrid
Iberian Capitals: Lisbon, Madrid & the Douro - Eastbound
Voyage Itinerary
10 June
Setting sail from Porto
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal's second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance. Porto is best known as the home of the country's most famous export, port wine, but there's a lot more to this characterful city than getting sloshed; the crumbling historic centre, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a fascinating district to wander around. Porto also serves as the gateway to the spectacular Douro valley, a landscape of verdant vineyards where the city's famous wine is produced.
11 June
Portugal: Lisbon
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.
12 June to 13 June
Portugal: Porto
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
14 June to 15 June
Portugal: Régua
Peso da Régua (Régua for short) is the main river port for the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley, and is the perfect base for exploring the port-wine region. Nearby attractions include the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus, with its intricate furnishings and beautiful gardens, and the important pilgrimage site of Lamego.
16 June
Portugal: Pinhão
The pretty little town of Pinhão, situated on a bend in the Douro, is all about one thing: wine. The surrounding hills are covered in vineyards, and you’ll have ample opportunity to sample a variety of tipples, including the region’s most famous product, port.
17 June
Portugal: Pocinho
Pocinho is a tiny village with few tourist attractions, but is perhaps most well-known for being the end of the historic Linha do Douro railway line, arguably one of Europe's most scenic railways, winding alongside the Douro for 160km from Porto. Day trips from Pocinho allow you explore Portugal's Douro Valley in depth, from hiking scenic trails to visiting local quintas for tastings.
18 June
Portugal: Barca d’Alva
The sleepy riverside village of Barca d'Alva is perhaps most well known as the gateway to the medieval Castelo Rodrigo and the university town of Spain's Salamanca with its stunning Golden Age architecture and UNESCO-listed old town; for those with more time the Almirante Sarmento Rodrigues Bridge offers stunning sunset views of the terraced vineyards, while active travellers can hike scenic trails in the Douro International Natural Park, and there are plenty of rustic riverside taverns to sample local fare and inexpensive wine.
19 June to 21 June
Arriving in Madrid
Madrid is a dynamic and exciting capital filled with grandiose Habsburg architecture, cultural treasures and enough quirky little bars to spend a lifetime grazing on tapas. The city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts; the Prado houses some of the world's most important paintings, while the more contemporary-focused Reina Sofia is home to Picasso's nightmarish masterpiece, 'Guernica'.
The ship
ms Saudade
- Capacity:
- 84 Guests
- Crew:
- 43 Staff
- Style:
- Active days followed by sophisticated evenings.
Specifically designed to sail Portugal's Douro River, ms Saudade will join the fleet in 2027, expanding Tauck's Douro offering to two vessels.
What we love
Expect bright, spacious surrounds on this new river vessel, specifically designed to sail the Douro River. Most staterooms feature a French balcony to take in the changing views of this beautiful region, and an expansive Sun Deck features relaxed seating, a bar, and a swimmng pool.
inclusions
- All meals in all venues
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soft drinks, speciality coffees and teas
- Sightseeing and excursions
- Bicycles to use ashore
- Complimentary WiFi
- Gratuities
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Porto
In the heart of the city the excellent InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas overlooks the Avenida dos Aliados and is a short walk from Bolhão Market, Ribeira District and the Clérigos Church.
See more of Portugal
For a taste of wild Portugal, set forth to Peneda Geres National Park.
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Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
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Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
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Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
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