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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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River BoatsAdventures Afloat Study Cruise
Length
11 days
Rating (4.89)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,499
Flights start at
1,000

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

11 days
10 nights
25 meals
9B 8L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Porto, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Porto
3
Lecture, Porto
Porto
4
Lecture, Aveleda, Guimaraes, Embark Boat
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
9
Amarante, cruise downstream
Porto
10
Return to Porto, Cork Museum, Free Time
Porto
11
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program.
In Flight
View Full Itinerary

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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Paula Bizarro Moreira
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.
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.
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Program No.
23416
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Porto
Program Concludes
Porto
Activity Level
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.
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.
View Full Itinerary
Featured Expert
Profile Image
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 the program
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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 10 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Start Enrolling
MEALS
25 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian
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
  • 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
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Amalia Rodrigues
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Amalia Rodrigues sails on Portugal’s Douro River. Built in 2019, this four-deck ship accommodates up to 132 guests in 66 spacious cabins. Each cabin features a large panoramic window, individual climate control and an en suite bathroom. The Sun Deck has a pool and is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Amalia Rodrigues
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Amalia Rodrigues sails on Portugal’s Douro River. Built in 2019, this four-deck ship accommodates up to 132 guests in 66 spacious cabins. Each cabin features a large panoramic window, individual climate control and an en suite bathroom. The Sun Deck has a pool and is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Amalia Rodrigues
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Amalia Rodrigues sails on Portugal’s Douro River. Built in 2019, this four-deck ship accommodates up to 132 guests in 66 spacious cabins. Each cabin features a large panoramic window, individual climate control and an en suite bathroom. The Sun Deck has a pool and is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Amalia Rodrigues
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Amalia Rodrigues sails on Portugal’s Douro River. Built in 2019, this four-deck ship accommodates up to 132 guests in 66 spacious cabins. Each cabin features a large panoramic window, individual climate control and an en suite bathroom. The Sun Deck has a pool and is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Amalia Rodrigues
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Amalia Rodrigues sails on Portugal’s Douro River. Built in 2019, this four-deck ship accommodates up to 132 guests in 66 spacious cabins. Each cabin features a large panoramic window, individual climate control and an en suite bathroom. The Sun Deck has a pool and is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Gil Eanes sails Portugal’s Douro River and is named for the 15th-century explorer. This four-deck ship was built in 2015 and can accommodate 132 guests in 66 cabins. Each cabin has a panoramic window, en suite bathroom, individual climate control and a TV. Common areas include a restaurant where lunch and dinner are served and a lounge-bar area with a dance floor. The Sun Deck is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews
HF Tuela Porto
Visit Site
2 nights
Location: Porto
Located in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto, HF Tuela Porto offers comfort, modernity and easy access to all that Porto has to offer.
TripAdvisor Reviews
CroisiEurope’s Gil Eanes
Visit Site
7 nights
Location: Strasbourg
CroisiEurope’s MS Gil Eanes sails Portugal’s Douro River and is named for the 15th-century explorer. This four-deck ship was built in 2015 and can accommodate 132 guests in 66 cabins. Each cabin has a panoramic window, en suite bathroom, individual climate control and a TV. Common areas include a restaurant where lunch and dinner are served and a lounge-bar area with a dance floor. The Sun Deck is equipped with recliners and deck chairs.
TripAdvisor Reviews





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