Apr 7 - Apr 17, 2025
Portugal
Discoveries Along the Douro: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secrets
Program No. 23416RJ
Sail the Douro River by riverboat to discover hidden gems in the villages and valleys of Portugal with full access to our experts.
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800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Apr 19 - Apr 29, 2025
Apr 26 - May 6, 2025
May 8 - May 18, 2025
May 20 - May 30, 2025
Sep 25 - Oct 5, 2025
Oct 7 - Oct 17, 2025
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
11 days
10 nights
25 meals
9B 8L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Lecture, Porto
Porto
5
Porto, Road Scholar lecture, Wines of the Douro
Do-Peso de Regua
6
Winery field trip, Cruise Upstream
Do-Vega de Teron
7
Salamanca, Spain.
Do-Barca D'Alva
8
Museum of Foz Côa
Do-Pinhoa
At a Glance
Sail along the winding Douro River to the fairy-tale landscapes of Portugal. Along the way, you’ll have full access to our top-notch instructors as you explore medieval towns and Baroque architecture during an in-depth historical discovery. While floating from lively cities to tranquil villages, get a taste of the local culture with a bountiful selection of some of the region’s most spectacular wines and port wine. Make the most of your learning adventure by uncovering the best-kept secrets of Portugal from the locals who know it best, revealing a side of this country people seldom see.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2.5 - 3 miles at a time during shore excursions. Walking will be on cobbled streets, gravel paths, unpaved lanes, steep slopes, and city streets. Ability to stand for up to 1 hour without sitting and climbing stairs is a must.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore Porto’s historic center during a walking exploration.
- Learn about regional Port wine during a tasting at a local "quinta."
- Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO heritage city of Guimaraes.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Paula Bizarro Moreira
Paula Moreira was born in Portugal and currently lives in Lisbon. She enjoys art, learning about different cultures and cinema. She has taken a variety of different courses ranging from art and image to Judaism and Jewish heritage in Portugal. Paula also speaks four languages. Since 1980, she has been leading groups throughout Europe and has worked as a consultant in tourism product planning, designing and development. Paula studied psychology, tourism and cinema at University in Lisbon, receiving a master’s degree in psychology.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Paula Cristina Afonso Fernandes
View biography
Paula Fernandes graduated in 1990 from the New University of Lisbon with a degree in anthropology. She began working as a group leader in Portugal in 1984 and since then has been an educational travel director all over Europe. Road Scholar participants enjoy Paula's in-depth knowledge of the culture, art and history of the Iberian Peninsula, and her excellent leadership skills. Paula currently divides her time between homes in Spain and Portugal and can speak Portuguese, English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Paula Bizarro Moreira
View biography
Paula Moreira was born in Portugal and currently lives in Lisbon. She enjoys art, learning about different cultures and cinema. She has taken a variety of different courses ranging from art and image to Judaism and Jewish heritage in Portugal. Paula also speaks four languages. Since 1980, she has been leading groups throughout Europe and has worked as a consultant in tourism product planning, designing and development. Paula studied psychology, tourism and cinema at University in Lisbon, receiving a master’s degree in psychology.
Suggested Reading List
(10 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Discoveries Along the Douro: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secrets
Program Number: 23416
Grape Harvest
Miguel Torga's first novel is a tribute to the Douro, its people, and its landscapes. A book for all who love this extraordinary region.
Journey to Portugal, In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
Jose Saramago's richly detailed account of his journey across Portugal in 1979. He combines his vivid impressions of the Portuguese landscape and people with a dose of history, fiction and meditations.
A Traveller's History of Portugal
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country's history and culture.
Portugal Map 733
At a scale of 1:400,000, this fully indexed map also includes insets of Madeira and city maps.
The First Global Village: How Portugal Changed the World
Prince Henry "the Navigator," A Life
A complicated, rewarding portrait, and the first biography of this empire-minded Portuguese prince in more than a hundred years.
Eyewitness Guide Portugal
Featuring hundreds of photographs and drawings, an excellent overview of the culture and history, and good information about where to go and what to do.
Cork Boat, A True Story of the Unlikeliest Boat Ever Built
This endearing tale of family, loss and friendship revolves around a deliciously absurd childhood quest to build a boat of cork and sail it 133 miles on Portugal's Douro River.
The City and the Mountains
Eça de Queirós' novel is a tribute to rural Portugal, and a satirical condemnation of the emptiness of city life and modernity.
Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook
A handy pocket phrasebook for Portuguese basics, covering pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
Year
- 2025
Date
- Apr 07 - Apr 17
- Apr 19 - Apr 29
- Apr 26 - May 06
- May 08 - May 18
- May 20 - May 30
- Sep 25 - Oct 05
- Oct 07 - Oct 17
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Oct 7 - Oct 17, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Program particulars: Program limited to 48 participants, but divided into two smaller groups with their own Group Leader.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Apr 07 - Apr 17
- Apr 19 - Apr 29
- Apr 26 - May 06
- May 08 - May 18
- May 20 - May 30
- Sep 25 - Oct 05
- Oct 07 - Oct 17
Oct 7 - Oct 17, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Program particulars: Program limited to 48 participants, but divided into two smaller groups with their own Group Leader.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
25 meals (
9B, 8L, 8D
)
4 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
The large group will be split into two smaller groups of approximately 25 participants during the field trips. The whole group will be joining back together for lectures, meals and other activities onboard. In order to ensure you will be placed in the same small group as your traveling companions, please make sure to include their names on your Participant Information Form.
Day
2
Arrive Porto, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Porto
Meals:
D
Stay:
HF Tuela Porto
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Official start time of the program is 6:00 p.m. with orientation in hotel meeting room. IMPORTANT: The large group will be split into smaller groups of approximately 25 participants.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation. 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions could affect the progress of the vessel, making it run late and possibly miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line, which may mean free time in port is limited. The cruise line reserves the right change the itinerary without prior notice. When possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times. In addition to our knowledgeable Group Leader who will also serve as Study Leader, we will have the benefit of local experts. Transportation for field trips and other program-related activities will be via private motorcoach unless indicated otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Lecture, Porto
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
HF Tuela Porto
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; city driving, approximately 1/2 hour from site to site with stops. Walking up to 3 miles and standing, up to 3 hours; cobblestone streets and sidewalks, many steps without railings, steep inclines. Sturdy, comfortable footwear essential.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the hotel meeting room for the first lecture of the program. Next, we will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader and ride to the beach front and along the Douro River to the old quarters of the historic district, where we will explore quaint old streets.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we will explore the downtown area of Porto, one of the most beautiful in Europe, that still retains its old-world charm. We will admire the tiles at São Bento station and beautiful Aliados Avenue. Later we will set out on a cruise aboard a traditional Portuguese “rabelo” — a type of cargo boat traditionally used to transport barrels of Porto wine. During the field trip, we’ll have commentary and pass beneath the six beautiful bridges of Porto and Gaia. We will then return to the hotel and from there walk to “Mercado Bom Sucesso” (1949) where we can taste local food such as Portuguese “petiscos” (tapas), appetizers, local pastry, cheeses, handmade ice cream and chocolate. Try to use some Portuguese words there!
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and embarkation tomorrow.
Day
4
Lecture, Aveleda, Guimaraes, Embark Boat
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; under 1 hour from site to site. Walking 2 – 3 miles and standing, around 1 – 3 hours. Cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and many steps without railings. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert for a lecture, then check out of the hotel. We will drive to Quinta da Aveleda for our first visit of the day. This family-owned winery is known for its lush parks and gardens, where rare species of trees flourish, many of which date back over a century. Aveleda is also at the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Wine Region, and we will have an opportunity to taste the white wines produced on site. We’ll then ride to Guimaraes for lunch.
Lunch:
At the historic Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa, a former monastery near the historical center of Guimarães, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader, we will explore historic Guimaraes to learn about the town’s evolution from medieval settlement to modern city. Its rich building typology exemplifies the development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to the 19th centuries through the consistent use of traditional building materials and techniques. After the visit, we will ride for about one hour to the port and board the ship. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to begin becoming familiar with the ship. We will participate with everyone on board in the required safety drill when announced.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will remained docked overnight in Quebrantões, Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day
5
Porto, Road Scholar lecture, Wines of the Douro
Location:
Do-Peso de Regua
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Free time. We will spend the morning aboard ship enjoying our progress from Porto to the Douro Valley and the passage of the lock of Crestuma-lever. This was the last dam to be built on the Douro River. The downstream lock opens and closes like a book.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we head upstream this afternoon, we will gather with our Study Leader for a lecture about the history of vineyards of the Douro and great Porto wines. The remainder of the afternoon is free to see and do what interests each of us most.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will be docked overnight in Peso da Régua
Day
6
Winery field trip, Cruise Upstream
Location:
Do-Vega de Teron
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 50 miles, about 1/2 hour over narrow, winding country roads. Up to 3 miles of walking over very uneven ground, some inclines and steep steps. Additional standing at the Quinta without benches or chairs for sitting.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
As the riverboat continues upstream, we will visit, with our Study Leader, a Quinta where the local wine expert will provide insight into Douro regional wines. We will also have the option to go for a walk in the vineyard. Afterwards, we will return to our boat at the dock of Pinhão.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we continue our journey, we will gather with our Study Leader for a lecture.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will cross the border into Spain and be docked in Vega de Terron.
Day
7
Salamanca, Spain.
Location:
Do-Barca D'Alva
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking and standing; mostly flat ground, cobblestones, uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We will step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and ride to Salamanca where we will spend the morning exploring the city independently. Our Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Lunch:
In Salamanca.
Afternoon:
We will be joined by a local expert for a field trip that will take us to the university, the Plaza Mayor, and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco museum. We’ll learn about the architectural treasures and Roman, Arabic, and Christian influences found here. The Old City of Salamanca is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription, “This ancient university town north-west of Madrid was first conquered by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century B.C. It then became a Roman settlement before being ruled by the Moors until the 11th century. The university, one of the oldest in Europe, reached its high point during Salamanca's golden age. The city's historic centre has important Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. The Plaza Mayor, with its galleries and arcades, is particularly impressive.” The ship will recross the border back into Portugal while we are on our field trip. We’ll then ride back to the ship and reboard.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship be docked at Barca d’ Alva.
Day
8
Museum of Foz Côa
Location:
Do-Pinhoa
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 100 miles, about 4 hours roundtrip over narrow, winding country roads. Up to 3 miles of walking over very uneven ground, some inclines and steep steps. Additional standing at the museum.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We will drive to Vila Nova de Foz Côa and visit the Museum of Prehistoric Rock Art Site in the Côa Valley. With a local expert, we will discover the prehistoric history of the Douro Valley, which has been inhabited continuously since the end of the Paleolithic Age.
Lunch:
At the museum restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then drive back to rejoin the boat in Pinhao.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will be docked at Pinhão.
Day
9
Amarante, cruise downstream
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 62 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time; winding roads. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day, standing up to 1 hour at a time; uneven terrain, cobblestones
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the picturesque town of Amarante, the birthplace of many Portuguese writers and painters. With our Group Leader, we’ll stroll through the town and become familiar with the area. A highlight of our field trip will be the Amadeo De Souza Cardoso Museum, where we will admire the art collection that introduced Modernism in Portugal in the early 20th century. The bridge at Amarante perpetuates the memory of the local population’s heroic resistance against Napoleon’s troops who invaded Portugal in the early 19th century. Amarante is also renowned for its sweets and cakes found in many of the region’s bakeries.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. Enjoy our time on the Douro River as we pass through the two last locks.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will be docked at Quebrantões, Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day
10
Return to Porto, Cork Museum, Free Time
Location:
Porto
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Activity Note
Getting on/off a smaller cargo boat. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Back in Porto we will set out on our last group visit to the Museum of Cork in Vila Nova de Gaia where we will learn the whole history about this material, from the planting of the cork oak, to the treatment of cork and the multiple uses. With an expert, you will learn why this is a clean industry with no waste and you will discover the unique properties of cork.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning. The ship will remain docked at Quebrantões, Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day
11
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program.
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Earliest airport transfers from 3:00 a.m. depending on flight times. Disembarkation concludes at 9:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
25 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
- Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
- Apr 26, 2025 - May 06, 2025
- May 08, 2025 - May 18, 2025
- May 20, 2025 - May 30, 2025
- Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
- Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 19 Reviews
Sort By:
RS tours are always well organized and this one was exceptional, coordinating between the ship schedule and land bus tours. Our guide, Paula, was very friendly to all and attentive to participants that needed extra accommodation.
The Douro river valley was most interesting and transiting the locks amazing.
This tour gets my highest recommendation to others who are looking for something new and different.
Ron...Colorado
— Review left September 20, 2024
I have been very fortunate to have traveled to many places in Europe,Australia,Central America and the USA. The Douro River Cruise exceeded my expectations and was a trip of a lifetime…a dream come true!
— Review left June 5, 2024
What an awesome trip and overall experience! Our Leader, Paula, was awesome!!
— Review left May 27, 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Portugal and Spain with Road Scholar and plan on more trips with them. The scenery along the Douro River was beautiful, the accomodations very comfy, the learning experience awesome with an incredible guide Luisa.
— Review left May 17, 2024
This program was an outstanding travel experience. The CroisiEurope Riverboat cruise is a magnificent way to savor the Douro River Valley of Portugal. All Road Scholar lectures and land excursions offered a stimulating and thoughtful opportunity for enrichment and appreciation of Portuguese history, culture, and cuisine—just the best!
— Review left April 30, 2024
The trip along the Douro River in Portugal was a pure delight. An excellent balance of active excursions and more relaxed time on the river. Our guide was the best. We learned a lot and ate very well on the French cruise line.
— Review left April 26, 2024
This has been one of the best cultural experiences I have been on- exactly as described. A perfect mix of interesting side trips and relaxing cruising on the river
— Review left April 18, 2024
This was our first river boat cruise and we were pleased beyond expectations. Being able to have many meals on the boat with fellow travelers became a highlight of our day.
— Review left October 30, 2023
This was a great tour and we thoroughly enjoyed the locations, accommodations, guides, and fellow travelers.
— Review left October 26, 2023
The Douro River was beautiful. Day excursions for the most part were very interesting and informative. The cruise ship was top notch with amazing meals. The time of year, i.e. late September was ideal for sitting on the sun deck and relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the river valley. RS guides were outstanding!
— Review left October 26, 2023
This was not my first RS trip , but my first river trip.This was a most enjoyable trip , with a good mix of interesting excursions off the boat, the opportunity to see the beautiful Douro River Valley and learn about its history as well as the history of Portugal, and relaxing as we sailed on the Douro. Wonderful guides , a beautiful boat, great food and good company.
— Review left October 16, 2023
Wow! This was our 14th RS trip. Our first river cruise. We loved it!
Everything about the trip was perfectly planned out. Great ship, amazing staff, fabulous food, & wonderful RS guide. This trip is so worth it!!
— Review left October 6, 2023
The Duoro River valley is beautiful and worth a trip. The Road Scholar trip is just about perfect.
— Review left October 6, 2023
This was a wonderful Program - enhanced by the knowledgeable leaders and informative itinerary.
— Review left October 5, 2023
This is a very wonderful experience on a most beautiful river .. well organized , with good information and comfort . Great food, beautifully presented . A trip one should NOT pass up. Memories to remember .
— Review left May 17, 2023
Excellent program with interesting and educational lectures, tours and trips; delicious meals and exciting excursions. Douro is best river cruise we have had, including Danube, Rhine and Seine.
— Review left October 25, 2022
My trip along the Duoro was glorious! I loved the scenery and traveling thru the locks was fascinating. The accommodations on the ship were fine and the food was A+. I especially liked that I didn’t have to worry about bar tabs and tipping. Road Scholar handled COVID related issues well.I might suggest a change in the Porto hotel. I would have preferred a smaller, more local hotel. Sheratons are everywhere and though nice, not very special.
I must comment on the quality of our guide, Paula Bizarro Moriera. She is a gem and I know you must be aware of that. Her knowledge of every aspect of Portugal and general European history and culture is truly impressive. She was always available and willing to help in every way. She attended to every little detail and never lost her smile. She was warm and friendly. Being a tour guide cannot be easy, but Paula was made for the position!!
— Review left May 28, 2022
What a great experience in learning what a beautiful and historical country Portugal is...
— Review left November 4, 2021
This was my first Road Scholar trip and I look forward to the next one. Most of my travel in the past has been independent; so I was apprehensive about feeling part of a herd. But it was not like that at all. The leaders are knowledgeable, the itinerary is excellent and it is all comfortable and delicious. Plan to do this trip in the Fall when the colors are radiant.
— Review left November 23, 2019
