From Madrid to Lisbon · Europe (River) · 11 nights
From Madrid to Lisbon
Tauck’s ms Andorinha has been specifically designed for cruising Portugal’s Douro River and offers spacious suites, a choice of restaurants and comfortable public areas.
Rich woods and plush fabrics give this ship a luxurious feel,
influenced by elements of Portuguese culture. The alternative
restaurant with outside seating is an idyllic place for a relaxed
lunch as you cruise to your next call and the cuisine served in the
Main Dining Room, Compass Rose is excellent.
Madrid is a dynamic and exciting capital filled with grandiose Habsburg architecture, cultural treasures and enough quirky little bars to spend a lifetime grazing on tapas. The city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts; the Prado houses some of the world's most important paintings, while the more contemporary-focused Reina Sofia is home to Picasso's nightmarish masterpiece, 'Guernica'. The city brims with innovative restaurants and lively nightspots, but there are plenty of quieter corners too, such as the lovely Retiro park, where Madrileños come to unwind at the weekend.
The sleepy riverside village of Barca d'Alva is perhaps most well known as the gateway to the medieval Castelo Rodrigo and the university town of Spain's Salamanca with its stunning Golden Age architecture and UNESCO-listed old town; for those with more time the Almirante Sarmento Rodrigues Bridge offers stunning sunset views of the terraced vineyards, while active travellers can hike scenic trails in the Douro International Natural Park, and there are plenty of rustic riverside taverns to sample local fare and inexpensive wine.
The pretty little town of Pinhão, situated on a bend in the Douro, is all about one thing: wine. The surrounding hills are covered in vineyards, and you’ll have ample opportunity to sample a variety of tipples, including the region’s most famous product, port.
Peso da Régua (Régua for short) is the main river port for the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley, and is the perfect base for exploring the port-wine region. Nearby attractions include the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus, with its intricate furnishings and beautiful gardens, and the important pilgrimage site of Lamego.
Entre-os-Rios means 'between the rivers', situated at the confluence of the Douro and its tributary the Tâmega. From here you can travel into the heart of northern Portugal's Vinho Verde wine region, visit the historic city of Guimarães or enjoy an atmospheric dinner at the Alpendurada Monastery.
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.
