Douro River Cruises
Take a river cruise along the Douro and explore this beautiful region of Portugal, from its medieval cities to its centuries-old vineyards. Sample some delicious port wine, dine at a traditional quinta, explore Porto’s cobblestone streets steeped in old world charm, or venture further to discover the historic and culinary delights of Lisbon. Time slows down as you river cruise Portugal, and you’ll be grateful for every second.
Popular Douro River Cruises
10 Days Lisbon to Porto
Operator: Viking River Cruises
From
7,835pp
Save
536pp
11 Days Lisbon to Porto
Operator: Travelmarvel
From
5,889pp
Save
2,256pp
11 Days Porto to Lisbon
Operator: Uniworld River Cruises
From
6,523pp
Save
4,012pp
The Douro River
Where does the Douro start & finish?
The Douro River originates in the Soria province of northern Spain, in the Sierra de Urbión mountain range. River cruises on the Douro generally operate only within Portugal, often starting in Porto and going as far inland as the Spanish border or slightly beyond, to cities like Barca d'Alva.
I'll have a mega-pint please.
The Douro Valley is the birthplace of Port wine, and many of the world's best Port houses have their vineyards lining the riverbanks. A cruise along the Douro often includes visits to these historic estates, where you can learn about the wine-making process and enjoy tastings.
Douro Valley
The Douro River Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its cultural, historical, and environmental significance. The terraced vineyards rising from the riverbanks offer some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery, especially during the Autumn harvest season.
Fascinating Locks
Cruising the Douro includes passing through several impressive lock systems, some of the highest in Europe. The Carrapatelo Dam, for instance, has a lock that lifts boats up to 35 metres.
Featured River Cruise Operators Featured Operators
A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed more to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.
Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
From culture-rich cities to world-famous wine regions, Emerald Cruises represents a new chapter in the world of river cruising. Our deluxe fleet of revolutionary more Star-Ships promise contemporary comfort and unique on-board innovations, while our generous offering combines affordability with great dining, exceptional service and immersive itineraries across Europe and Asia.
With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
With Scenic, it’s more than a 5-star river cruise...it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you, our guest, at the heart of everything more we do. It’s taking you to extraordinary regions and immersing you in meaningful and enriching experiences. It’s exquisite cuisine, indulgent wellness, and a world-class team who will anticipate your every need. You'll find the difference is in the details with Scenic: the innovative ship design, expertly trained crew, immersive journey, and an unrivalled focus on health and safety protocols.
Discover
Must do experiences and highlights on the Douro River
Sandstone Salamanca 
Sanctuary of Our Lady Remedies 
Scenic Cruising 
A Traditional Quinta Experience 
The Port of Porto Recent Reviews
What our clients are saying about their river cruise journeys through Portugal
Wonderful Douro River Cruise
Unforgettable Douro
Glenda , VIC, Australia, Oct 2025
We loved everything about this wonderful cruise on the Douro River in Portugal with Scenic. The ship was beautiful, the staff were all so happy and couldn't do enough for us and the food was amazing. I loved that with Scenic, everything was included and that we didn't have to pay for anything else once on the ship. It was so nice to be away from read more large cities, visiting the little villages and towns along the river. Thank you once again Tracey, for your help in organising our lovely holiday. As usual, you were a great help and was always so prompt at returning my calls or answering my emails.
The river of gold
Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
Susan, New Zealand, Oct 2025
Absolutely loved the cruise. Lovely new ship with great room and bathroom. Staff were fantastic - without fail friendly and helpful. Food was really good with plenty of variety, choice and local dishes. Really appreciated "compulsory happiness hour" with generous free drinks. This in contrast to another cruise line who I found over advertised and read more underdelivered. Ditto the included excursions - not just one ("not another dreary war memorial!") but a choice of three. Great dilemma to have. Good crowd - and never heard a complaint!
Relaxing Douro River Cruise.
Douro Discovery
Jan and Guy, WA, Australia, Sep 2025
This cruise was excellent is many ways - boat was great, rooms good, staff were wonderful. They were extremely attentive and responded to all requests immediately, as well as being pleasant, sociable, and linking well with the group and individuals. The Douro is a wine and port region, so the views were spectacular over the terraced vineyards and Quintas. read more There was a variety of good entertainment in the evenings - Karaoke/Dancing/Singers/ Fado. Staff were active in encouraging all this and participated themselves. The meals were excellent and offered a lot of variety and choice. All wines with dinner were included. The tours were all quite interesting. However, there were no 'active' excursions. There were no hikes/bikes/kayaking, as there are on other advertised Douro cruises. Although you indicated we could get suggestions from the cruise director, there was only one day that he suggested a hike that was well worth doing. Otherwise, we were in ports without interesting hikes, or he had no suggestions. As we are active travelers, often walking/hiking 6-10km a day, or biking, this was very disappointing. Although the cathedrals/castles/wine and port excursions were interesting, they only involved minimal walking - often no more than 1 km. So, if you are not looking for an active tour, this was excellent in all other ways.
Fabulous 7 day cruise on the Douro River with Travelmarvel. Very beautiful Valley - endless terraced grape vines and winerys. Beautiful ship. Estrella and great staff.. included drinks with lunch and dinner plentiful- drinks at other times very reasonable.. Pool great to lounge in on the top deck.. plenty of lounges and shade available on the top deck read more too. Great addition to our trip organised by Tracey.
Wonderful cruise on the Douro with time in Lisbon
Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro
Mary, TAS, Australia, May 2025
This is our fourth river cruise with Emerald and once again, we could not speak more highly of them. And while the others have been excellent, the Douro is definitely the most most beautiful. There were lots of activities and performances, with top food and staff. We were disappointed that the archeological excursion did not attract enough people for read more it to run. Fortunately the bike ride did run but it was expensive, which put people off. We love the casual atmosphere aboard the Emerald cruises, but that does not compromise the professional approach to everything- from the cabin to the table. Portugal is a great place to visit and Emerald made it very easy to do so.
We thoroughly enjoyed our first river cruise. We were looked after from the moment we got to the dock in Porto. The itinerary was balanced between tours and free time to soak up river life and enjoy the calm. The dams and locks along the river were also very interesting. The food on board was 5 star and the choice was amazing. It was hard to resist read more sometimes but necessary so that you could pace yourself. We met some lovely people who we will keep in touch with. Overall a wonderful 9 days. Thank you.
Explore More
Your guide to travelling along the Douro
