is there a benefit to booking EASTbound VS WESTbound
We are considering booking Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid for 2026. We've never been to this area, nor to Lisbon or Madrid. We will add a couple days PRE & POST tour. Is there a benefit to going in one direction vs the other? I am reading the reviews & no one has mentioned it, so I am assuming it won't matter.
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With pre-and-post tour days, the direction makes no difference as far as the itinerary. Available and direct flights might make a difference, however.
We started in Madrid because we had several things we wanted to accomplish before the journey began. We knew we would enjoy the slower pace once on the boat, so we put in our most active days beforehand. Ending in Lisbon afforded us the opportunity to relax and do what we wished at a leisurely pace.
We chose east because we wanted to go to Barcelona after which is an easy train ride from Madrid. Our only regret was not adding 2 extra nights in Lisbon so we'd have a full day to go to Sintra. Otherwise it really doesn't matter. Its a very different river cruise from the other European cruises. The itinerary once on the river is fairly low key without the grand castles/cathedrals. Lots of lovely wineries. A pleasant relaxing cruise.
In a separate message, I was asked whether Madrid or Lisbon was more "hectic." I offer my thoughts here since others might be interested in providing their perspectives.
Lisbon and Madrid are large cities and with very different cultures and cuisine. They are two of my most favorite cities. Night life in both can certainly be chaotic, primarily because the locals eat supper quite late. The tapas bars in Madrid can be loud but so much fun, especially if you make the effort to be cordial and ask for help. Seeing a Flamenco performance might be of interest, although the best ones (according to some Spaniards) are found in Seville. Conversely, the bars in Lisbon offering fado music (very soulful) are more refined in my opinion.
As far as touring both cities on your own, I prefer the area around Plaza Mayor in Madrid and the Alfama district in Lisbon. Museums are plentiful in both cities, the food is divine—the best octopus being in Portugal, the Moorish architecture is dramatic, the history powerful, excursions outside the cities are easy to do and the people are welcoming, especially if one makes the effort to learn a few words in their language.
There aren't enough superlatives to express my fondness of the magnificent Iberian Peninsula.