Tour starts: 4:00 PM, Porto. A transfer is included upon arrival from Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport or Porto train station directly to your riverboat docked in Vila Nova de Gaia, not far from where the Douro River kisses the Atlantic Ocean. Embark ship at 4:00 PM today. Your Tauck Directors and ship crew will be on hand to show you to your cabin, followed by a safety briefing. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner onboard ship tonight.

Steeped in old-world charm, inviting with stunning river views, and enticing with food and wine that are regionally produced and internationally acclaimed, Porto is a delight to explore. Today, the choice is yours to discover this city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may wish to see Porto from all perspectives – river, land, and air. Or, for a deeper look at Porto's wine heritage, learn about its rich history as the birthplace of Port wine during a cellar visit and tasting. The afternoon is yours to explore Porto as you like before dinner onboard.

This morning, set out on one of two excursions. One choice brings you to Braga, Portugal's third-largest city, known for its medieval roots, lively town center, and notable architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte with its iconic staircase and the historic Sé de Braga. Following your visit, journey to a quinta for lunch and a tasting at a vineyard in the Vinho Verde region. Or, those who crave adventure may wish to visit Arouca Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Here, for some of the best views in Portugal, hike the 516 Arouca Bridge – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world – measuring 516 meters in length and rising 574 feet above the banks of the Paiva River. Your afternoon is spent enjoying the scenic views of the Golden Douro.

Peso da Régua was once the bustling heart of the Port wine trade. From here, barrels of the region's treasured wine began their journey aboard traditional rabelos, gliding downstream where they would mature in centuries-old lodges. Today, the town invites you to trace that legacy at the Douro Museum, a gateway into the valley's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. For the adventurous, trails beckon on a bike ride through breathtaking landscapes.

Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, Pinhão is surrounded by sun-drenched quintas – wine estates – where terraced vineyards climb the hillsides in a patchwork of green. Today, choose between a stroll through the village, including its historic train station, famed for its exquisite blue-and-white tile panels that tell the story of winemaking, or alternatively, a vineyard hike above Pinhão for a steep walk through vineyards and spectacular views of the sprawling valley. Your day culminates with an unforgettable dinner at DOC, where Michelin-starred Chef Rui Paula transforms regional flavors into contemporary masterpieces in a riverfront setting

Your riverboat glides through what was once the wildest part of the river, regarded as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Côa Valley, where history is etched into stone. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Côa Valley is home to the largest known collection of open-air Paleolithic art in the world, and a visit to the Côa Museum tells the story of the rock art found here. Thousands of figures – horses, wild aurochs (extinct wild cattle), and agile deer – are etched into rock faces found in this area, whispering across millennia about the lives and dreams of those who first roamed this land. Alternatively, visit a quinta for a tasting.

Today, a choice of cultural and active exploration awaits. One option includes a walking tour of Torre de Moncorvo, a quiet town that dates back to the 12th century, where narrow streets, historic churches, and a relaxed pace of life offer a glimpse into daily rhythms shaped by centuries of tradition. Or, set out on a scenic hike for a closer look at the sweeping landscapes of olive groves, rocky hillsides, and vineyard paths you've admired from your riverboat, experiencing the Douro's rugged beauty up close.

Disembark your riverboat after breakfast this morning and turn your clock ahead one hour on a road trip journey to the capital city of Spain, Madrid, your home for the next three nights. Stop en route for a locally guided walking tour of Salamanca's historic Old City, viewing sites such as the Plaza Mayor and the New and Old Cathedrals. Visit the University of Salamanca, known as the "Oxford of Spain" for its historical significance as the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. Continue to Madrid for an evening at leisure.

Today, you might wish to step back in time with a full-day excursion to medieval Toledo, a dazzling hilltop city that has guarded more than 2,000 years of history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is famously known as the "City of the Three Cultures," reflecting centuries in which Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived side by side – its architecture a mosaic of this history. Wander winding cobblestone streets lined with magnificent medieval architecture, marvel at the soaring Gothic cathedral, and discover the lasting influence of El Greco, whose masterpieces still grace the city. Or, uncover the charms of Madrid – explore daily life on a market tour or learn firsthand the passion and musicality behind flamenco dancing. The remainder of the day is yours to explore – whether that means visiting a museum, savoring tapas, or soaking up the vibrant energy of Spain's capital.

Experience landmark sites of the city on one of two guided experiences. Choose a walking tour that connects the history of the Spanish Civil War to modern Madrid, bringing insight into the city's architecture and daily life, before visiting the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso's Guernica and other iconic pieces. Or, witness centuries of history come to life at the Prado Museum on an expertly guided tour featuring masterpieces such as Velázquez's Las Meninas, a painting that feels like looking into a living reflection of its setting. Enjoy free time this afternoon and join us tonight for a farewell dinner featuring traditional cuisine and entertainment.

Tour ends: 8:00 AM, The Palace Hotel Madrid. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Tauck's hotel, The Palace Hotel Madrid to Madrid's Barajas Airport or Madrid Atocha Train Station. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.