Compare Villages and Vintages: Cruising the Douro River Valley 2022 by Tauck vs Magnificent Mudéjar Art From the Andalusian Flatlands to Morocco's Imperial Cities (port-to-port package) by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Arrive Porto

Tour begins 5:00 PM. A transfer is included from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto Airport) to your riverboat, ms Andorinha, on the Douro River. Settle in, then join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner and onboard entertainment.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

PORTOFCALL : Porto, Portugal

Day 2 Porto and The Douro Valley

Situated in northwest Portugal where the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean, Porto has been known around the globe as the city from which authentic Port wine has been shipped throughout the world for nearly three centuries. Rising on staggered hills along the river, this colorful city beckons you to its labyrinthine streets and stairways, medieval alleys, Baroque churches, fountains, and bell towers, Beaux-Arts buildings, and bohemian neighborhoods whose narrow cobblestoned lanes wind their way past centuries-old former merchants' homes and trendy cafés. You have a sightseeing choice today. Discover Porto by land, river and air – starting from the historic riverfront Ribeira district, walking to Vila Nova de Gaia and riding a cable car for panoramic views. Alternatively, join a local guide for a walking tour that begins in the riverside Riberia district, walking uphill to the Cathedral, crossing the top of the Luis I bridge and concluding in Vila Nova de Gaia with a view overlooking Porto. Return to ms Andorinha late morning and begin sailing to the Douro River Valley, bound for the historic port of Peso da Régua. All along the winding river, rugged conical mountains and shale hills carved by concentric vineyard terraces tell of a winemaking history that's thousands of years old. Inhospitable to most other kinds of farming, the terroir is perfect for Portugal's indigenous wine grapes, whose hardy roots can go down 30 feet or more in search of water. And since the latter half of the 17th century, when Portuguese vintners succeeded in creating a sweet fortified wine – now famous around the world as Port, named for the city of Porto – that could make the long sea voyage to Britain and other destinations without spoiling, the Douro Valley has been the only supplier of true Port, the oldest demarcated wine region on Earth.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

PORTOFCALL : Porto, Portugal

Day 3 Peso da Régua and Pinhão

Dock in the historic town of Peso da Régua, once a busy hub where wooden boats called rabelos, laden with barrels of Port, sailed downriver to Vila Nova de Gaia. Visit the Douro Museum, set within the restored Casa da Companhia Velha building, once part of Real Companhia Velha (Royal Oporto Wine Company), chartered in 1756. On your guided visit to the museum, you'll explore its exhibits chronicling the history, culture and traditions of the Douro River Valley region, from the cultivation of grapes on the vines to the processes involved in the production of Port wine and its distribution around the world. This afternoon, sail through one of the largest locks on the Douro to the idyllic, tranquil village of Pinhão, nestled at a dramatic bend in the river; Pinhão is known as the gateway to the valley's quintas (vineyards) and large wine estates. From here it's a short drive to Quinta do Portal, a family-run estate in the Cima Corgo region where renowned Port and non-fortified wines are made. Your visit includes an introduction to the vineyards and a private dinner with wine pairings.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 4 Along the Douro to Vega de Terron

The Douro River Valley and its unique landscapes of terraced mountains, villages, and wine estates unfolds today on a full day's sail to the small Spanish port town of Vega de Terron, where the Douro forms the border between Spain and Portugal. The landscape, at a confluence of rivers, is tranquil, beautiful and unspoiled, at the edge of Douro International Natural Park. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 5 Castle Ruins and Paleolithic Art

At the town of Pocinho you have a choice of shore excursions. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval hilltop village renowned for its turbulent history, where battles were once fought against Moors and Spanish rule; the empty ruins of its 13th-century palace still stand guard over the walled town with its churches, Manueline pillory, cistern, and panoramic vistas. Alternatively, travel to the Museum of Art and Archaeology of the Côa Valley for stunning exhibits of rock art from the valley's Paleolithic era, discovered in the 1990s when excavations began for a Côa River dam; unlike cave art found in other parts of Europe, the thousands of petroglyphs in the Côa region were created in the open air by the valley's earliest inhabitants, and the museum explores their mystery through state-of-the-art multimedia exhibits. Return to the riverboat for lunch and sail back to Pinhão, arriving this evening. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 6 Pinhão and Mateus Palace

Your choice of excursions this morning includes an opportunity to explore Pinhão and its early-20th century train station, adorned with blue-painted tiles (azulejos); or a vigorous hike in the hilltop vineyards with striking views of the town and river. Sail to Régua, where you'll have two choices; visit 18th-century Mateus Palace, a lavish Baroque residence designed by Nicolau Nasoni that is now a museum with period furnishings and artwork, a heraldic hall, formal gardens, a winery, and a chapel with tombs and reliquaries. Alternatively, join a local guide for a visit to a local wine-making estate called a quinta, rewarding with a port cocktail making class. Begin the return trip to Porto, and dock overnight in this verdant wine country, where some traditional farms grow vines on pergolas and fences so high the grapes must be harvested with ladders.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 7 Guimarães or Amarante to Gaia

Today, you have a choice of full day excursions; one option provided an opportunity to explore the medieval town of Guimarães, known as the "Cradle City; the kingdom of Portugal was born here after a famous battle in 1128. The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a wealth of architectural treasures, including the ruined Castle of Guimãraes, with its tempestuous history and sweeping views, the opulent Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, lush with 17th-century furnishings and tapestries, and the 13th-century Church of São Miguel do Castelo. Alternatively, take a bicycle ride (for experienced cyclists in good physical condition) through the Vinho Verde region before arriving in the pastoral town of Amarante, famed as being the hometown of São Gonçalo, Portugal's St. Valentine. Enjoy lunch before your late afternoon arrival into Porto where you'll cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, the destination of wines shipped from the vineyards, and home to many Port wine warehouses and cellars; visit one of its "caves" for a tour and tasting, and toast the end of your Douro River journey. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner aboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Andorinha

Day 8 Journey Home

Tour ends: 8:00 AM Porto. Disembark and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your riverboat to Porto Airport or Porto Campanhã station. Allow at least 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Porto, Portugal

Day 1 MALAGA

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 2 MALAGA

Join us for an excursion to Granada (including lunch). Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Granada is famous for its majestic Renaissance architecture blended with its impressive Al-Andalus heritage. We will visit the Alhambra, whose translation from Arabic—The Red One—refers to the sun-dried bricks used to build the outer walls. Together with Córdoba's Mezquita, this true wonder of Moorish art stands as one of the most prestigious testimonies of the seven-century Muslim presence in Spain. From the delicate details and sculptures adorning the stunning palaces to the captivating gardens around them, the Alhambra, framed by the surrounding mountains, offers constant enchantment. Next, we'll visit the Palacio de Generalife, the former summer palace of the Nasrid rulers, located directly uphill from the Alhambra. Its gardens and courtyards surround narrow canals that are part of the palace complex's intricate water supply system. In the late afternoon, LA BELLE DES OCEANS will cast off and head for the Moroccan coastlines. Enjoy a glass of sangria on the Sun Deck as we leave Spain behind. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: The Strategic Challenges of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Day 2 MALAGA

Join us for an excursion to Granada (including lunch). We'll visit a true wonder of Moorish art: the Alhambra, whose stunning palaces and captivating gardens are framed by the surrounding mountains. We'll cruise towards Tangier. Enjoy a drink on the Sun Deck before a lecture in the lounge.

Day 3 TANGIER

The Strait of Gibraltar, one of the busiest waterways in the world, is the sole naturally formed connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It separates the Iberian Peninsula in Europe from the coast of Morocco in Africa. Sitting in the heart of the strait, the Bay of Tangier provides an exceptional panorama of these two not-so-separate worlds. Our ship will enter the strait and reach Tangier early in the morning. We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Chefchaouen (lunch included). Nestled high up in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is unquestionably one of the most beautiful Moroccan towns. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of its Medina—the old district bearing a clear Andalusian influence. The blue-wash facades of houses make for a picture-perfect Mediterranean-style village interspersed with historical monuments you'll discover, such as the Grand Mosque (exterior views only). We'll return on board LA BELLE DES OCEANS. With a cocktail in hand, take advantage of the views from the Sun Deck as we leave the Strait of Gibraltar and head towards the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight, a Moroccan evening complete with traditional couscous awaits you.

Day 3 TANGIER

Early in the morning, we'll pass the Strait of Gibraltar. We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Chefchaouen (lunch included). Discover one of the most beautiful towns in Morocco. Tonight, a Moroccan evening complete with traditional couscous awaits you.

Day 4 CASABLANCA

In the morning, join us for a guided tour of Casablanca. This young and dynamic city is a must-see for anyone wanting to get a true feel for the country. Our tour emphasizes how Casablanca managed to retain its traditional Moroccan style while balancing the cityscape with more modern designs. Among the sites we'll visit are Mohammed V Square—a worthy representative of Moroccan Art Deco architecture—the Court House, Central Post Office, and the Wilaya Building. Afterwards, we'll visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and among the rare religious buildings in Morocco open to the public. The 700-feet tall (210 m) minaret is a landmark in the city and a hint of its opulence from afar. And as you get closer, you'll notice the extravagant details adorning the stone facades, where hand-carved floral designs meet intertwined curves and more geometric shapes—clearly Mudéjar inspiration. Inside the mosque, you'll see the intricate marble flooring, gilded cedar ceilings, and an impressive array of geometric mosaic tilework known as zellige. Our tour will then lead us to Habous Quarter, one of the older neighborhoods of the city. Otherwise known as New Medina, its narrow streets are lined with stalls from bazaars, conveying an authentic atmosphere. At the end of our tour, you'll be able to stroll freely along the scenic La Corniche oceanfront, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon, we'll set off on a visit to Rabat. The coastal town of Rabat is one of four Imperial Cities of Morocco. It features a charming combination of long golden beaches, endless avenues, and ancient city walls surrounding the bright white houses that make up the modern part of town. Its medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, contains awe-inspiring monuments such as the Chellah medieval fortified necropolis, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum Mohammed V, which we'll visit.

Day 4 CASABLANCA

In the morning, join us for a guided tour of Casablanca. This young and dynamic city is a must-see for anyone wanting to get a true feel for the country. This afternoon, we'll set off on a visit to Rabat. This coastal town, one of four Imperial Cities of Morocco, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5 At sea

We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. Take advantage of this time to participate in some of the services and activities offered on board. You might try working out in our fitness room, indulging in a massage, or just catching some rays on our Sun Deck. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: Casablanca, Morocco's Young Economic capital. We'll enjoy Moroccan pastries with a cup of delicious mint tea.

Day 5 At sea

We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. Join us for a lecture in the lounge followed by a tasting of Moroccan pastries and mint tea.

Day 6 AGADIR

We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Marrakesh (lunch included). An Imperial City and the capital of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi, Marrakesh has a particularly dense history. The minaret of the emblematic Kutubiyya Mosque, the largest in the city, overlooks the busy metropolis. Our walk will take us to Jemaa el-Fnaa, a square located at the heart of the medina, which offers an intoxicating array of colors and smells at the souk. We'll enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch at a restaurant. Afterwards, we'll visit Bahia Palace, whose architecture reflects both Andalusian and Moorish influences. A variety of lush vegetation—from rosemary shrubs to citrus trees surrounded by a range of delicate flowers—extends through the complex's center. The palace interiors are similarly awe-inspiring, with zellige-tile fireplaces and flooring and carved cedar in almost every room. We'll then discover the delightful Jardin Majorelle, one of the most phenomenal botanical gardens in Morocco. Enclosed by outer walls, the garden consists of a myriad of alleyways and buildings whose bold colors and architecture exhibit a mixture of Art Deco and Moorish influences. French painter Jacques Majorelle conceived this luxurious garden as both a sanctuary and a botanical laboratory, where exotic specimens from all over the world were first planted in 1922. Although initially destined to be destroyed in favor of the construction of brand new hotels, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the garden in 1980.ORWe'll leave for a day-long excursion to Taroudant and Tiout in southern Morocco (lunch included). Discover authentic Morocco as we travel through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Located at the heart of the Souss Valley and surrounded by the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges, Taroudant is one of the country's most fascinating tourist destinations. As we make our way to the center of Taroudant, we will cross the large fruit orchards surrounding the 16th-century ramparts, themselves encircling the authentic Taroudant medina. The city, known as the “Grandmother of Marrakesh,” abounds with souks offering treasures by local craftspeople—from silver jewelry to leather, wrought iron, wood, and ceramic items. We'll take a tour of the ramparts for an occasion to gaze at the impressive city gates. Bab Al-Kasbah, the main and oldest tower, offers a unique view over the nearby casbah and gardens. We'll continue our trip by heading to Tiout. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (no alcohol served). Afterwards, you'll be free to take a stroll through the Tiout palm grove at the foot of the casbah. Also referred to as an oasis, it overflows with orange and pomegranate trees, date palms, and large carob shrubs. Lastly, we'll stop off at a cooperative where we'll learn all about the impressive properties of argan oil.

Day 6 AGADIR

We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Marrakesh (lunch included). An Imperial City and the capital of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi, Marrakesh has a particularly dense history. OR We'll leave for a day-long excursion to Taroudant and Tiout in southern Morocco (lunch included). Discover authentic Morocco as we travel through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. We'll visit Taroudant, one of the most fascinating destinations in the country, and stroll through the Tiout palm grove.

Day 7 At sea

We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean stretching out beyond the horizon may seem a bit daunting at first, but it will soon become what makes the experience so wonderful, especially if we are able to observe marine life in action. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: Following the Footsteps of the Conquistadors. As we cruise towards the Canary Islands, take part in a tasting of local wine and cheese. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7 At sea

We'll spend the day cruising the Atlantic Ocean. Join us for a lecture in the lounge followed by a tasting of wine and cheese from the Canary Islands. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 8 ARRECIFE

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.