The Douro River winds through one of the oldest wine regions in the world — but beneath the vine-draped hillsides and golden light of Portugal lies a history that is rarely told. This Douro river cruise 2027 is a soulful journey that goes beyond the scenery. It travels through a land whose very identity was shaped by the African diaspora — and we are here to honor that story.
Portugal was the nation that launched the Atlantic slave trade. Beginning in the 1440s, African captives were brought through Lisbon and Porto into Portuguese society, where they built, labored, created, and ultimately became part of the cultural DNA of this country. By the mid-1500s, Africans made up nearly 10% of Lisbon’s population. Their music, their labor, their spiritual traditions, and their resilience are woven into the fado music, the food, the architecture, and the very soul of Portugal. This is the story this Douro river cruise 2027 was created to uncover.
What to Expect on Your Douro River Cruise 2027
- Guided cultural experiences tracing the African diaspora in Portugal along the Douro River and Lisbon
- Visits to historic sites connected to Afro-Portuguese history, including the legacy of the Moorish era and the Age of Discovery
- Immersive storytelling, local cuisine, music, and living traditions shaped by centuries of African presence
- A fully escorted AmaWaterways river cruise — every detail handled so you can be fully present
- A community of travelers committed to exploring the world with curiosity, depth, and open hearts
Trip Details at a Glance
Destination: Enticing Douro — Portugal
Departure: August 17, 2027
Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Theme: Black History & the African Diaspora in Portugal
Hosted by: 115Travel — curators of soulful, purpose-driven travel experiences
Want to go deeper into why Portugal is one of the most significant and overlooked destinations for Black history? Read our guide to soulful river cruise journeys and discover what intentional travel really feels like.
This Douro river cruise 2027 is for history seekers, Black travelers, allies, and anyone ready to travel with purpose. Download the full itinerary below, then hit the button to reserve your spot. Spaces are intimate and limited — don’t wait.
