River Cruising in Portugal

The Douro River winds its way from the city of Porto where the river spills into the Atlantic Ocean onward east to Spain, carving out the stunning Douro Valley in its wake. Wine has been produced in this basin by the traditional landholders for...
07 August, 2018Douro River

The Douro River winds its way from the city of Porto where the river spills into the Atlantic Ocean onward east to Spain, carving out the stunning Douro Valley in its wake. Wine has been produced in this basin by the traditional landholders for some 2,000 years and it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Its rustic landscape is sprinkled with terraced vineyards, traditional quintas (estates), rural villages like Pinhão and historic cities Guimarães. Never heard of them? You’re not alone.

The beauty of taking a cruise of Portugal’s Douro River is that you will uncover places that you may not have considered visiting before, and you’ll do it in one of the most scenic regions in the world. The produce and cuisine will make you salivate, the history will wow you, and you will sample some unforgettable drops in the birthplace of Port wine.

Porto, Portugal

What to Expect From Your Douro Cruise Itinerary

Many Douro River cruises operate as a round trip itinerary starting and finishing in Porto, like the 11 Day Unforgettable Douro with Scenic that showcases the highlights of the region in absolute luxury. Alternatively, some cruises run as a one-way voyage from Porto to Barca d’Alva near the Spanish border (or in reverse). No matter which itinerary you choose to explore this beautiful waterway, there are a plethora of experiences at your fingertips.

You’ll love admiring the hilly city of Porto from one of its many vantage points and drinking in the view of cobbled streets, bell towers and red rooftops. Across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia you can explore the laneways and maybe try a wine tasting at one of the many cellar doors. Learn about the culture of the Douro Valley wine region at the Douro Museum at Régua, sample local delicacies at a quinta in Pinhão, visit one of Portugal’s top pilgrimage sites in Lamego, and marvel at the impressive Ducal Palace dominating the skyline of Guimarães.

Douro River

No matter your program, the scenery unfolding before you will take your breath away as you snake through dramatic gorges and glide past fairytale quintas. You will be welcomed to explore the shady terraces, pretty gardens, and enjoy the spoils of these estates with genuine Portuguese warmth. Most are family-owned and have been handed down from generation to generation, so you’ll get a true taste of Portugal here (on and off the plate). Immerse yourself in the local experiences with shore excursions aplenty and enjoy the view from your cabin or while the basking in the rays on the sun deck.

As you cruise you can also participate in the various activities offered by your cruise operator. This may include anything from a Portuguese cooking demonstration to a language class where you can giggle at your attempts to roll your ‘r’s the way the locals do. You may be able to try your hand at tile painting to recreate the stunning ‘azulejos’ that you see adorning the buildings and bridges along the way, or perhaps enjoy a performance of traditional Portuguese folk music, Fado.

Porto, Portugal

The Douro and Beyond

Douro River cruises are often combined with an extension to Lisbon or Madrid (or both), and most offer an optional trip to the ancient city of Salamanca. You can experience the Douro as well as Portuguese and Spanish highlights with Uniworld on the Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley, or stick to Portugal's River of Gold with Viking River Cruises. If you have three weeks up your sleeve, Travelmarvel offer a longer itinerary that uncovers the Colours of Spain with Douro Discovery with a combination of overland touring and river cruising. Voyages vary and with over 50 different itineraries available you can choose the one for you.

Europe river cruising is growing in popularity, and there is no shortage of reasons why. It is such an incredible way to explore a region in complete comfort and unearth rural gems along the way. Nowhere is this truer than along the Douro River in Portugal.

Lisbon, Portugal
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