Essence of the Douro
Date
2027-11-18
Duration
5 nights
Departure Port
Porto
Portugal
Arrival Port
Porto
Portugal
Rating
Classic
Theme
—
Tauck
ms Saudade
Launched
2027
Refitted
—
Tonnage
—
Passengers
84
Cabins
42
Crew
43
Length
80 m
Width
1.5 m
Speed
11 knots
Adults Only
No
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
Porto
Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.
Day 3
Day 3
Regua
Régua, gateway to Portugal's vertiginous Douro Valley wine country, sits at the point where the river enters its most dramatic gorge — terraced vineyards climbing impossible slopes on every side, their schist walls a testament to generations of viticultural determination. The Wine Museum in Pinhão's art nouveau azulejo station captures the region's soul, while the great quintas — Ramos Pinto, Croft, Niepoort — open their cellars for intimate tastings of vintage port and luminous dry whites. Harvest season in September and October transforms the valley into a festival of colour and ferment.
Day 4
Day 4
Guimaraes
Guimaraes is the UNESCO-listed birthplace of Portugal, where the first king declared independence in 1139 amid granite castles, medieval streets, and the remarkable Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Must-dos include exploring the historic centre, tasting bacalhau a Minhota and vinho verde, and riding the cable car to Penha Mountain. April through October offers the best weather, with June's Festas Gualterianas adding festive colour.
Day 5
Day 5
At Sea
Day 6
Day 6
Porto
Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.
Day 1
Porto
Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.
Day 3
Regua
Régua, gateway to Portugal's vertiginous Douro Valley wine country, sits at the point where the river enters its most dramatic gorge — terraced vineyards climbing impossible slopes on every side, their schist walls a testament to generations of viticultural determination. The Wine Museum in Pinhão's art nouveau azulejo station captures the region's soul, while the great quintas — Ramos Pinto, Croft, Niepoort — open their cellars for intimate tastings of vintage port and luminous dry whites. Harvest season in September and October transforms the valley into a festival of colour and ferment.
Day 4
Guimaraes
Guimaraes is the UNESCO-listed birthplace of Portugal, where the first king declared independence in 1139 amid granite castles, medieval streets, and the remarkable Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Must-dos include exploring the historic centre, tasting bacalhau a Minhota and vinho verde, and riding the cable car to Penha Mountain. April through October offers the best weather, with June's Festas Gualterianas adding festive colour.
Day 5
At Sea
Day 6
Porto
Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.
Cabin Categories
Category 1 Emerald Deck
Inside
CAT1
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 150 cm (two beds 200 cm x 75 cm each when separate); 79" x 59" (two beds 79" x 29.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
1 Chair, 2 Nightstands, 1 Desk, Closet, Mirrors
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Towels, Washcloths, Bathrobes & Slippers (2 per cabin), One Sink, Outlet for Electric Shaver (220v only in bathroom), Shower Cap, Soap, lotion, shower gel, conditioner
Stateroom Amenities:
Flat Screen TV with Remote Control, Hair dryer, Individually Controlled Heating and A/C, International Direct Dial Telephone, iPod Dock with Alarm Clock, Mini-Bar/Refrigerator, Nespresso machine, Outlets: 220v above nightstands and desk, 110V above desk, Safe, Shoe Polish Towels, Wine Glasses
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Category 2 Emerald Deck
Inside
CAT2
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 156 cm (two beds 200 cm x 78 cm each when separate); 79" x 61" (two beds 79" x 31"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
1 Side Table, 2 Chairs, 2 Nightstands, 1 Desk, 1 Stool, Mirrors
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Bathrobes & Slippers (2 per cabin), One Sink, Outlet for Electric Shaver - 220 v only in bathroom, Shower Cap, Soap, Lotion, Shower Gel, Conditioner
Stateroom Amenities:
Flat Screen TV with Remote Control, Hair Dryer, Individually Controlled Heating and A/C, International Direct Dial Telephone, iPod Dock with Alarm Clock, Mini-Bar/Refrigerator, Nespresso machine, Outlets: 220v outlets above nightstands and desk, 110V above desk, Safe, Shoe Polish Towels, Wine Glasses
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Category 3 Ruby Deck
Inside
CAT3
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
1 Table, 2 Armchairs, 2 Nightstands, Closet, Mirrors
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Bathrobes & Slippers (2 per cabin), One Sink, Outlet for Electric Shaver - 220 v only in bathroom, Shower Cap, Soap, Lotion, Shower Gel, Conditioner, Towels & Washcloths
Stateroom Amenities:
Flat Screen TV with Remote Control, Hair dryer, Individually Controlled Heating and A/C, International Direct Dial Telephone, iPod Dock with Alarm Clock, Mini-Bar/Refrigerator, Nespresso machine, Outlets: 220v above nightstands and desk, 110V above dresser, Safe, Shoe Polish Towels, Wine Glasses
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Category 4 Diamond Deck
Inside
CAT4
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 160 cm (two beds 200 cm x 80 cm each when separate); 79" x 63" (two beds 79" x 31.5"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
1 Table, 2 Armchairs, 2 Nightstands, Closet, Mirrors
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Bathrobes & Slippers (2 per cabin), One Sink, Outlet for Electric Shaver - 220 v only in bathroom, Shower Cap, Soap, Lotion, Shower Gel, Conditioner, Towels & Washcloths
Stateroom Amenities:
Flat Screen TV with Remote Control, Hair dryer, Individually Controlled Heating and A/C, International Direct Dial Telephone, iPod Dock with Alarm Clock, Mini-Bar/Refrigerator, Nespresso machine, Outlets: 220v above nightstands and desk, 110V above dresser, Safe, Shoe Polish Towels, Wine Glasses
View Details
Category 5 Diamond Deck
Inside
CAT5
2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 180 cm (two beds 200 cm x 90 cm each when separate); 79" x 71" (two beds 79" x 35"); 4 pieces of luggage can be stored under beds
Stateroom Furnishings:
Pull-out sleeping sofa 190 cm x 110 cm – 75" x 43", 1 Armchair, 1 Stool, 1 Table, 2 Nightstands, Closet, Mirrors
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Bathrobes & Slippers (2 per suite), One Sink, Outlet for Electric Shaver - 220 v only in bathroom, Shower Cap, Soap, Lotion, Shower Gel, Conditioner
Stateroom Amenities:
220v above nightstands and desk, 110V above dresser, Flat Screen TV with Remote Control, Hair dryer, Individually Controlled Heating and A/C, International Direct Dial Telephone, iPod Dock with Alarm Clock, Mini-Bar/Refrigerator, Nespresso machine, Safe, Shoe Polish Towels, Wine Glasses, Cat 5 ONLY: Room-service breakfast featuring continental breakfast with eggs, a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
View Details
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