What it’s really like cruising the Douro with Tauck

Australian travel industry Icon, Phil Hoffman AO thought he had seen it all. Then he cruised Portugal’s Douro with Tauck.

If you ever speak to a traveller who has been on a Tauck cruise, it instantly becomes clear that their experience was something else. Their eyes light up, and they have no hesitation in recommending the company to others. It’s a reputation that family-owned Tauck has worked hard to cultivate since its beginnings in 1925.

Don’t believe us? We spoke to Phil Hoffman AO – an industry legend with his own travel agency and awards for his outstanding contribution to the Australian cruise industry – who recently joined Tauck for their 12-night Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon and Madrid itinerary.

“I’ve been around a long time – 45 years running travel companies, and another 10 years of travelling before that, so I’ve got a bit of history in the game,” Hoffman told International Traveller.

“I first did a Tauck cruise about 30 years ago, to Hawaii, and loved it. But this was the first time in a long time. I always wanted to do the Douro”.

The journey starts in Lisbon, making its way on land to Porto, before switching to a river cruise into Spain. The final leg is back out of the water and on to Madrid. Along the way, guests can join active hikes or bike rides, participate in a port cocktail-making class, tour wine caves, enjoy private wine tastings along the Douro River and explore seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It’s an epic adventure, but how does it measure up in reality?

Above and beyond

Breathe in the beauty of the Douro Valley.

One of Tauck’s founding pillars is to leave your worries at home. That means from the price to the logistics, Tauck goes to extra lengths to make sure it’s all covered. And Hoffmann says this standard was reached even before he’d set foot on the ship.

“I’ve taken hundreds and hundreds of groups away with different operators, and this experience would be right at the top,” he said.

“It’s for people who want quality. You don’t have to worry about a thing because it’s all taken care of. I was just blown away by the total professionalism.”

Hoffmann recalls being kept informed by Tauck, even after he and his group had officially finished the tour in Madrid and chose to spend a few extra days there.

“On the day we were leaving, they let us know when our bags had to be out and when to expect our transfer to arrive. Usually, when you leave the cruise, it’s all over red rover. Tauck’s attention to detail is 100 per cent.”

Onboard Tauck’s MS Andorinha

Experience first-class cruising on the Douro River.

The sailing part of the itinerary takes place aboard MS Andorinha, a brand-new riverboat custom-designed for the Douro River.

“I couldn’t fault the ship,” Hoffman said. “It’s built for the Douro, which is very different to the rest of the European rivers. It’s quite narrow with cliff faces on either side. That was exciting in its own right.

“The ship and the crew were absolutely first class, and the cruise director was one of the best guys I’ve ever come across. He was just a scream, and he’s been with them a long time. Every time you came back to the ship, it felt like a home away from home.”

And that’s not all, as Hoffman recalled. “Everything is included. You don’t really have to put your hand in your pocket for anything except souvenirs. It makes it so much easier to meet and socialise with people over a drink or dinner. And the food was 11 out of 10.”

Exploring the Douro

Participate in a port cocktail-making class.

Another defining feature of Tauck is its commitment to finding unique experiences, guided by locals in the know.

“We had two tour directors looking after us the whole time,” Hoffmann explained. “Then everywhere we went, there were the local guides as well. They’d each be waiting for two or three guests, to take them around the town. You were getting the whole story from experienced guides who lived in those areas.”

With so many memorable moments along the way, Hoffmann struggled to pick just one absolute standout.

“All the excursions and ports were fantastic. Just stunning. We were really made to feel very special. It’s a very well-balanced trip,” he said. “And the Douro surprised me – I don’t know why I left it to be one of the last European river cruises I’ve done.”

Hoffman said he’d never been to Lisbon before, so that was one highlight of the journey. His group took the recommendation of their cruise director and used their extra time in the city to hire a tuk-tuk (yes, like the ones more commonly seen in parts of Asia).

“We hired a tuk-tuk and asked the driver to take us around and show us the main attractions. We were with him for four hours. He had so much knowledge and knew everybody, so when we went to one of the famous bakeries for a Portuguese tart, we went behind the scenes.”

Future exploration

Admire Porto’s timeless charm.

The ultimate test: would Hoffmann travel with Tauck again? It does have guided tours on every continent – whether that is by land, river or sea – after all. The answer is an emphatic yes.

“I want to see India with them. I think the level of professionalism they put into their tours would make India a wonderful and comfortable experience. And I want to see Switzerland with them… maybe in 2027.”

See why Phil Hoffman recommends Tauck at Tauck.com.au.