*Dates available: September 15, 2023 - Lisbon to Madrid, September 22, 2023 - Madrid to Lisbon

Uncover the magic of the Douro River Valley, one of the world’s most famous wine regions. On this special wine-themed departure, you’ll get a true taste for the specialties of Portugal and Spain as you enjoy wine tastings in several historic cities, explore local wineries, and learn about the region’s long and celebrated history of wine-making.

You’ll enjoy a number of Harvest-exclusive features such as:

• A wine tasting at Aveleda Winery, one of the best wine-producing estates in the Vinho Verde region
• A special onboard demonstration of the correct method for opening and decanting a fine bottle of vintage port
• A full-day harvest celebration at Quinta da Avessada, a century-old winery known for its innovation in viniculture and tourism experiences. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and local entertainment on the grounds before experiencing the process firsthand as you try your hand at grape stomping!

You'll also visit some of the most celebrated towns and cities of the Douro region, including:

Porto: In the 17th century, two wine merchants discovered that adding grape spirit to a wine helped to preserve its sweetness as it made the long journey from Portugal to England. The wine merchants named this fortification process after the town they were shipping from, Porto, and port wine was born. Today, port wine is a proud staple of the Douro wine region. You’ll experience this tradition firsthand as you attend a tasting at a port wine cellar. A pioneer in the process of modern port wine-making, this local winery is the perfect introduction to this rich, sweet beverage.

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo: This medieval town features some fascinating architectural accents, including 16th-century facades and Manuelino-style windows. After taking some time to explore, you’ll enjoy a small sample of cheese, jam, breads, and other local products in addition to a local wine tasting.

Lamego: Enjoy views of beautiful terraced vineyards during a visit to Lamego, a town known for its wine production and the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios shrine. This elaborate structure is a regular stop for Catholic pilgrims, who climb its nearly 700 steps in order to ask the Virgin Mary to rid them of their afflictions.

Pinhão: Take in magnificent views of the gorgeous Douro Valley as you enjoy a special port wine tasting and food sampling at a local quinta.

Régua: Delve into the identity of this region’s wine production and traditions as we tour the Museu do Douro. Once headquarters of the General Company of Agriculture of the High Douro wines, this museum is the perfect place to gain understanding of the cultural landscape of the Douro Valley region.

Sip your way through Portugal with a variety of wine-themed experiences, including:

Harvest Departures: Join us on a special Harvest-themed itinerary of this remarkable voyage and enjoy enhanced tastings, grape-picking traditions, learn how to correctly open and decant a fine bottle of vintage port, and much more.

Porto: In the 17th century, two wine merchants discovered that adding grape spirit to a wine helped to preserve its sweetness, as it made the long journey from Portugal to England. The two wine merchants named this fortification process after the town they were shipping from, Porto, and port wine was born. Today, port wine is a proud staple of the Douro wine region. You’ll experience this tradition firsthand as you attend a tasting at a port wine cellar. A pioneer in the process of modern port wine-making, this local winery is the perfect introduction to this rich, sweet beverage.

Mateus Manor House & Garden: See the magnificent palace depicted on Mateus rosé wine bottles come to life on an excursion to the 18th-century Mateus Manor House & Garden. You’ll have a chance to admire the baroque architecture and elaborately manicured gardens at this stately property. (Not available on Harvest departures.)

Quinta da Avessada: Enjoy a local lunch at the Quinta da Avessada, located in the heart of the Douro wine region, where you’ll have a chance to taste the exquisite wine made on the grounds.

Régua: Take in magnificent views of the gorgeous Douro Valley region as you enjoy a special port wine tasting and food sampling at a local quinta.

Lamego: Enjoy views of beautiful terraced vineyards during a visit to Lamego, a town known for its wine production and the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios shrine. This elaborate structure is a regular stop for Catholic pilgrims, who climb its nearly 700 steps in order to ask the Virgin Mary to rid them of their afflictions.

Discover the traditions and history behind some of the most classic dishes of Portugal and Spain. From seafood to tapas, wine to tea, enjoy a gamut of experiences and flavors both onboard and on shore. Visit local markets, enjoy meals in local restaurants and quintas, and even learn to make the famed Pastéis de Belém, Portugal’s favorite treat.

• Savor a culinary tasting of local cheese, jam, breads, and wines during your tour of the small medieval village of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
• Enjoy a special regional lunch at Quinta da Avessada, complete with a sampling of the region’s most cherished wines (except on Harvest departures, where you’ll attend a full-day Harvest Festival instead)
• Sample — then learn how to make — pastéis de nata
• Enjoy a presentation on Portuguese tea, followed by a teatime with local tea samples
• Visit Madrid’s Mercado Central with tapas tasting

A cathedral is religion and history and art all rolled into one; the incredible architecture, the gorgeous stained-glass windows and statues decorating the interior, the comfort and hope it brings people. From bustling modern cities to charming fairytale-like towns, you’ll explore several churches that hold both historical and religious importance to locals and visitors alike.

• Visit the stunning examples of baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic-style architecture during city tours
• View the exterior of the 500-year old Jeronimos Monastery, a beautiful example of Gothic Manueline-style architecture, during your tour of Lisbon
• Visit the Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja) in Salamanca

Lively music performances during the course of your cruise will enhance the rich heritage of the Douro Valley region in a whole new way. These engaging acts aim to give depth to the cultural connections you create during your travels, highlight celebrated regional traditions, and (of course) entertain!

• Enjoy an energetic performance from a tuna band, a tradition that started as a group of locals who performed popular songs as a way to travel and meet new people 
• Let music carry you back through time as you enjoy an onboard band playing music from the '60s, '70s, and '80s
• Honor the rich tradition of Portuguese fado music with an onboard performance

Gain unique insight into the culture of Portugal and Spain through cuisine, through grand architecture and art, through lively performances, and through engaging with locals in exciting ways. Each day brings new, fascinating cultural connections. Here’s how:

• Experience the Iberian Peninsula’s rich culture with a tuna band performance, fado music, and language lessons
• Enjoy lectures by local experts during your cruise and on shore excursions
• Visit the 18th-century Mateus Manor House, a historic estate with an impressive baroque exterior and stunning grounds (not available on Harvest departures)
• Marvel at the impressive spread of urban architectural styles, from Gothic to contemporary, during an illuminating walking tour of Lisbon, and then contrast the styles with the various architecture you'll see in cities including Salamanca, Porto, and Obidos
• Sample Porto's signature world-famous wine during a port-wine cellar visit

Sometimes the most fascinating history comes from the most unexpected sources. On this cruise, you will delve into the storied past of Portugal’s Douro Valley and Spain, learning nuggets of history through everything, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to lectures, and even an insightful teatime.

Portugal's Alto Douro Wine Region: Enjoy scenic sailing through the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region, a cultural landscape of outstanding beauty that reflects its technological, social and economic evolution.

Lisbon: An enchanting combination of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins, and modern marvels, the city of Lisbon is full of historic gems. Embark on a panoramic tour of this storied city, including the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Óbidos: Wander through the maze-like streets, colorful squares, and abundance of historic churches of medieval Óbidos. This well-preserved walled town was nicknamed the “Wedding Present Town” after King Dinis gifted it to his bride, Queen Isabel, in 1282.

Salamanca: Experience the rare urban beauty of Salamanca, an ancient Spanish city with a history dating back to the Celtic era. We’ll explore the cathedral, university, main square, and other remarkable monuments that earned the historic center of this city UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Porto: Explore the bustling historic center of this lavish city, a 2,000-year-old area so rich in history, architecture, and culture it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One can’t visit Porto without enjoying its signature wine, of course, so you’ll also stop by a port-wine cellar for a sampling of this world-famous drink.

Madrid: Fall in love with the energy of vibrant Madrid, a sprawling city renowned for its artistic pedigree and architectural history and truly one of the world’s great capitals. Your included tour will take you on a panoramic drive through the city, including the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Cibeles Fountain, and more.

Plus, get an insider’s look at the viniculture of this vibrant region as you attend several illuminating onboard lectures and Cultural Connections including:

• “A Look Inside Portugal”
• “Portuguese Filigree”
• Portuguese tea experience
• Enjoy a talk on Portugal’s cork industry aboard your ship

Have your camera ready at all times in Portugal and Spain, two lively countries chock-full of picturesque architecture, art, history, and unique shops. While you’ll want to capture it all, here are a few photographic highlights to look out for:

• The cultural capitals of Lisbon and Madrid offer photographic opportunities at every corner. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore and follow your own artistic pursuits
• Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo — this medieval town surrounded by a fortified wall is known for its castle, situated high on a hill, offering outstanding views of the Portuguese countryside
• The town of Porto might’ve birthed port wine, but this colorful little gem on the waterfront offers spectacular scenery, including colorful homes, cobbled streets, hillsides, bridges, and much more

Stay active on your journey down the Douro! In addition to morning onboard stretching and yoga offerings (features vary by departure), you’ll enjoy a bevy of active endeavors. Here are but a few:

• A number of active city walking tours. Portugal is especially hilly, so pack your sneakers!
• Embark on a hike through the Seven Hills of Lisbon
• Keep up with your daily exercise regimen by taking advantage of your ship’s gym and pool
• Enjoy opportunities for more active walks in several destinations

Your solo-friendly river cruise has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• Complimentary biking options — take a spin alongside your Destination Manager, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

Prior to your expedition cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. We are one of the only companies to offer this level of service! Call 8-888-888-8888 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.