Best Of

Terrilynn, we did the Douro in late Oct/early Nov. We did avoid heat in places like Lisbon and Spain and the colors were lovely. But we had rainy days on the river, very little chance to enjoy the newly designed sun deck and our welcome dinner at the Queluz Palace started after dark so we didn't see the garden. If I was planning it again I'd opt for a week or 2 earlier in Oct.

I have taken both the Savoring France and the Douro tours; the former in Apr/May and latter in Nov. Weather was perfect both times.

We have done both of these tours. The Douro in May and Savoring France in late September. I’m afraid I can’t say anything about March. These are both ‘wine’ tours. On the Douro trip you will taste a lot of Port. On the Savoring France you will taste a variety of French red wines. We enjoyed both tours a lot, but if we had to pick a winner it was probably Savoring France. We had good weather on both tours … not too hot. I can appreciate the ‘availability’ issue. When you try to do a riverboat or even a small ship cruise less than a year in advance the pickings get slim. We normally get on the ‘wait list’ before the trip is even offered for sale. I was a bit late on our 2026 choices and the room choices were ‘limited’.

Kathy0529 ~
Both of these are on our list - hopefully for 2027 & 2028 (as we are booked with trips till then).
We are looking at April/May for France and October for Douro (or maybe switched, but I hear Oct/Nov is great on the Douro as the colors are pretty). I'll be curious as to what you decide. Both tours look magnificent.

While I have not been on the tours, I know you will better going n the Douro, Madrid and Lisbon tour as it’s too hot for much of the year in those areas. France can be quite chilly at that time of year, although Paris will be a little less crowded. If Versailles is part of the tour you will miss the garden at it’s best.