douro river cruise review

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Douro River Cruise In Depth Review: By a Tour Manager

• 18 July 2024

Looking for Douro River cruise reviews?

Check out this in-depth review of this lovely Douro River Cruise – which includes photos and videos I took while on this trip.

I’m sharing everything I learned to help you decide if this is the perfect cruise for you.

I’m also comparing two cruises – one operated by SAGA and one operated by Riviera. I have done the SAGA one but they are both very similar in terms of tours and timings.

Read on to find your perfect Douro river cruise.

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Douro River Cruise

Table of Contents

Is the Douro Valley Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! The Douro Valley is awash with stunning scenery. From picturesque Porto to wonderful wine valleys, there is always a great view. Cruising the Douro Valley is a great way to enjoy it.

Douro River Cruise – Where is the Douro Valley?

• The River Douro starts in Spain. It flows West where it meets the Atlantic Ocean at the gorgeous city of Porto.
• It is 557 miles long.
• There are 15 dams along the river of which 5 are commonly passed through during a Douro river cruise.
• Scroll across the map below to see where the Douro River flows.

What is the Douro Valley Famous For?

The Douro Valley is UNESCO-listed because of its wine-making history and heritage.

Not only is port wine made in the area (don’t miss a chance to visit a Port Wine Cellar in Porto), but Vinho Verde is produced here too. This wine is generally not exported as it doesn’t travel well. It has a fresh and clean taste because it is classed as a ‘young wine’, although the name means green wine.

(For another popular Portuguese drink try Beirao – best served simply on the rocks)

Douro River Cruise: Things to Know About a River Cruise

It may seem obvious but a river cruise is very different from an ocean cruise.

Here are some of the main differences to know about;

• Ships are generally much smaller. The maximum capacity on board the Spirit of the Douro is 126 passengers with 30 crew.
• River cruises travel along rivers and rivers can be affected by water levels – the water can be too low that the ship can’t travel the designated route or it can be too high and the ship can’t get under the bridges.
• River cruises generally involve travelling through locks, which help ships deal with the changing height of the river as they travel. Locks crossings have to be booked in advance and there is often little or no spare capacity at busy times on the river.
• This can mean that if there is some any delay or issue somewhere along the cruise a sightseeing tour might be cut short in order for the ship to make the next lock crossing. The Captain and the crew will do everything they can to avoid these sorts of problems, but when it comes to river cruising locks trump tours. This happened on our Douro River Cruise – we had to cut short our visit to the Mateus Palace due to a fault on a lock which changed our original booking for the lock crossing.
• The Douro is a popular cruising river and there are lots of other ships travelling the route too. This means there isn’t spare capacity for lock crossings.
• River cruise ships may moor up alongside each other. This can mean that you have to walk through several other ships to reach yours. It may also mean that your cabin window or balcony looks directly into a cabin on the adjacent ship. If you have paid extra for a balcony or an upper cabin to get a better view this might be an issue for you.
• River cruises don’t always cruise at night and moor during the day. Cruising can be done at any time. Again cruising times are governed by lock crossing times.

Douro Cruise – My Memorable Moments

• Sitting on the sun deck as we travelled through huge river locks and admiring the engineering involved in these massive structures.
• Getting out into the hills and quieter parts of the Douro valley for tours and visits.
• Laughing over a coffee with guests in the picturesque hilltop village home to Rodrigo castle.
• Seeing vultures gliding on the breeze on the way back from Salamanca.
• Enjoying the misty morning views from the sun deck as we cruised back into Oporto – achingly beautiful.
• Meeting the amazing crew onboard.

Quick Comparison – SAGA Douro Discovery and Riviera Douro, Porto & Salamanca Cruise

Price comparison – douro river cruise saga and riviera.

This comparison is based on prices for 1st May 2025

Remember that the SAGA price includes £24 for travel insurance

Saga Douro River Cruise: Cruise Headlines

• 7-night cruise on Spirit of the Douro
• Door-to-door transport to departure point from anywhere in the UK and the same when returning home (car service up to 300 miles for 2024)
• Travel insurance included (can be removed for a discount) – see my note below about insurance in the pricing section
• 7 breakfasts
• 7 evening meals
• Return flights to and from the UK
• Transfers to and from the ship
• All-inclusive drinks at the bar from 11am to 11pm
• Captains dinner and drinks reception
• WIFI on board the ship
• Entertainment and activities on board
• Gratuities included
• Porterage to and from your cabin
• Love Your Cruise Moneyback Guarantee
• Interactive maps and headsets for personal exploration

Included excursions as follows;

• Tour of Lamego
• Visit Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo
• Sightseeing in Salamanca
• Dinner at a local Quinta
• Casa de Mateus Palace visit
• Tour of a wine estate
• A tour of Oporto including a port wine cellar visit

SAGA Douro River Cruise 2025 Departures

In 2025 the SAGA door-to-door travel service will operate nationwide so there won’t be a mileage limit

Douro River Cruise: Pricing

Departures from May to November from London Gatwick

Prices range from £1521 per person to £4275 per person depending on the time of year.

There are some great prices for 2025 if you want to book early.

Insurance: SAGA insurance is included at £24 per person for this cruise. This is the headline price, which is then updated once travellers have completed their declaration of medical conditions etc. If you do remove SAGA insurance just be mindful that any SAGA staff/representatives cannot help you in the event of any insurance related incident. As a Tour Manager I could speak with the insurance company to arrange return flights, accommodation, medical advice etc if guests had SAGA insurance. This was especially helpful when travellers were on their own.

Douro River Cruise: Included VIP Transfers from Home

• There are several options included with SAGA for getting to your UK departure for your flight to Oporto.
• You can choose a VIP transfer service with a driver which is available from your home, a family member or friend’s home.
• You can also choose to travel by rail.
• If you want to make your own way free airport parking is included.
• If you choose an internal flight to get to your departure point from the UK you can also have your luggage collected from home and taken directly to your river cruise ship and returned to your home after your holiday.

Douro River Cruise: London Gatwick Departures

There are a mix of flights being used for the SAGA Douro River Cruise.

For ease, I have put them into a table to so you can see the details.

These flights might change but I will check them for you if you are interested in booking.

2024 Flight Timings

2025 flight timings, douro river cruise: solo travellers.

The cost for single travellers ranges from £2586 to £6186 depending on the departure date.

Douro River Cruise: Ship Details and Deck Plans

Spirit of the Douro is an 80-metre long ship that can accommodate 126 guests.

It has 30 officers and crew on board.

There are 4 decks for passengers.

There is a lift between upper, main and lower decks.

To access the sun deck there is a set of steps or a chair lift.

• Cabins starting with the number 1 are on this deck.
• There is a small gym on this deck also.

• Cabins starting with the number 2 are located on this deck.
• This is where the restaurant is.
• The small spa is also on this deck.

• This is where most of the cabins are located – all the cabins start with the number 3.
• Access to the sun deck is from here.
• There is a nice lounge area and bar area with access to a small outside area at the front of the ship.
• Reception is also on this level.

• This is complete with loungers and is ideal for sitting and enjoying the passing views.
• There is also a small splash pool.

Douro River Cruise: Cabins

There are several different types of cabin on the Spirit of the Douro.

Standard Cabins on Main and Upper Decks

Standard cabins on the main and upper decks are around 14 sq.m (around 150 square feet).

Cabins on the main and upper decks have French balconies. This term is a little confusing. A French balcony is a floor-to-ceiling window that slides open. There is often a balustrade (to stop you falling out) or sometimes there may be an outside section of glass.

The main thing to know about a French balcony is that you can’t sit outside – it’s a sliding big window really.

Junior Suites

Junior suites are larger in size – 19 sq.m or 205 square feet.

There are two suites. These are 29 sq.m or 312 square feet in size.

Single Cabins

There are only 2 single cabins on the Upper Deck and 2 single cabins on the lower deck.

On the main deck cabins 224 and 223 are likely to experience more engine noise.

Standard Cabins on the Lower Decks

Standard cabins on the lower deck are a little smaller. They are around 12 sq.m (130 square foot).

There are two single cabins on the lower deck but they will also use standard cabins on the lower deck for single occupancy if needed.

On the lower deck cabins 111, 112, 114 and 115 are likely to experience more engine noise.

Douro River Cruise : Day By Day

Here are a few things to know about the overall cruise;

• The cruise travels along the Douro River from Oporto to Barca d’Alva and back again. The total distance between these two points is approximately 135 miles (200 kilometres). As such it’s not a long cruise in terms of distance.
• Most of the excursions are via coach and include a bit of travelling up and down the river.

It may be easier to think of this holiday as a touring holiday with some of the touring done by coach and some by the river cruise ship.

Saga Douro River Cruise: Day 1

On the first day, you will depart from the UK and fly to Porto either on a British Airways flight or a TAP Portugal flight.

On arrival in Porto you will need to take your luggage out to the coach.

There will be 3 or 4 coaches to take everyone from the airport to the ship. You may have to wait until everyone has boarded the coaches before you depart.

It’s around 22km from the airport to Vila Nova De Gaia and the travel time is around 40 minutes, subject to traffic.

You are unlikely to be able to board the ship if your flight arrives before midday, as the ship will be doing a changeover from the previous cruise.

Once you reach your ship your luggage will be taken on board the ship and you will be checked into your cabin.

The ship will be exclusively for Saga guests which could mean that around 130 people are arriving together. As such it can take a little time to get everyone on board and for all the luggage to arrive.

Little Tip From Me: Pack your swimming gear or sun items in your hand luggage and enjoy the sun deck while your luggage is being sorted.

There may well be some time to explore Vila Nova De Gaia which is a pretty area where all the port wine cellars are located.

It’s on the opposite side of the river from Porto itself. There is a pretty riverside promenade area, shops, cafes and a funicular.

Check out things to do in Vila Nova De Gaia

Dinner will be served on board tonight and the ship remains moored overnight, giving the chance to explore Vila Nova after dinner if you wish.

Saga Douro River Cruise: Day 2

Today the ship will cruise from Vila Nova De Gaia to Regua. The total distance travelled by ship is around 62 miles (100 km).

The timings shown in the 2025 itinerary show this journey taking 7 hours, leaving at 7 am and arriving Regua 2 pm.

Not far from Vila Nova De Gaia is the first lock navigation. It’s 22km (13.5 miles) from Vila Nova De Gaia to the Crestuma Lever Dam. The height of the dam is 25 metres or around 82 feet.

Check out my videos that I filmed with my SAGA group.

It is something memorable to experience.

64km (40 miles from Vila Nova) you will pass through the Carrapatelo Dam. The height of the dam is 57m or around 187 feet. This is quite an experience to travel through, and definitely, a moment to enjoy from the bar and the front area of the boat.

Little Tip From Me: There can be quite a lot of water dripping down when going through dams so mind your hair!

The total cruising distance is 80 miles or 130 kilometres today.

Excursion Gradings

SAGA has helpfully graded their excursions to give an idea of the amount of walking and standing involved.

The times given are based on you doing the minimum involved in the tour. For example, if you explore further on your own at any of the places you visit this would increase the amount of standing/walking involved in the tour.

Lamego Excursion

In the afternoon, after lunch, there is an included excursion to Lamego.

This excursion lasts around 3.5 hours.

It’s classed as walking grade 4 by SAGA, with a walking/standing time of 1.5-2 hours.

Little Tip From Me: Whilst this is classed as Walking Grade 4 and mentions 700 steps you can avoid these by taking the coach down the hill.

Lamego is in the hills about 10 miles away from Regua where the ship will be moored.

The visit is to see the lovely Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. The shrine was built between the 18th and 20th centuries and it is still a very popular pilgrimage site with the most devout climbing up the nearly 700 steps on their knees.

There is a beautiful baroque staircase and the sanctuary at the top of the hill. You have the option to walk down into the city of Lamego or take the coach down if you prefer.

Check out this page on Lamego for a lovely view of Lamego looking back to the Sanctuary and an interactive map showing the attractions of Lamego.

Lamego is a small town with a pleasant square and some nice coffee shops and cafes to enjoy.

After your visit to Lamego, you travel back to the ship by coach.

During the evening there is a Portuguese folk music session on board the ship.

Douro River Cruise : Day 3

After spending the night in Regua the ship cruises from Regua to Pinhao.

The cruising distance today is 24km or 15 miles.

For the 2025 timings, the itinerary shows this journey taking 3 hours, leaving at 9 am and arriving Pinhao at midday.

During this part of the cruise, you will pass through the Regua Dam. This dam is 41 metres or around 134 feet high.

Favaios Excursion

This excursion lasts around 3 hours.

It’s classed as walking grade 3 with a total standing/walking time of approximately 2.5 hours.

Favaios is known as the wine village.

It’s set in the hills around 15km or about 30-40 minutes from Pinhao where the ship will be moored.

Favaios is a UNESCO heritage site. It has a yearly Moscatel wine festival too.

Here’s a video to give you an idea of what it’s like.

You might also find this virtual map useful so you can take a look around this pretty spot.

After a visit to a bakery, you will take a coach to a local Quinta for an evening meal and probably a spot of wine too!

Quinta da Avessada Dinner

This excursion lasts around 3.5 hours

It is a walking grade 3 with a total walking/standing time of 40 minutes.

Check out some pictures of the Quinta here.

After dinner, you will return to the ship which will remain moored in Pinhao overnight.

Douro River Cruise: Day 4

There is a morning sail today from Pinhao to Vega de Terron. The distance is 82km or 51 miles.

The 2025 itinerary shows this journey as taking 7 hours, leaving Pinhao at 8 am and arriving at Vega de Terron at 3 pm.

During this part of the cruise, you will pass through the Valeira Dam which is 48m or around 157 feet high. You will also pass through the Pocinho Dam which is 49m or 160 feet high.

You will then arrive at Vega de Terron.

Figueria De Castelo Rodrigo Excursion

During the afternoon there is an included visit to Figueria de Castelo Rodrigo.

This excursion lasts 3.5 hours.

It is classed as walking grade 4 with a total walking/standing time of 40 minutes.

This very pretty village sits on top of a hill. It has several pretty narrow streets with some cute cafes to enjoy while you visit too. There will be free time to look around the village at your leisure.

The distance from Vega de Terron to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is around 21km or 13 miles. The roads are fairly small so this will take around 30 minutes to travel.

The video above gives you an idea about the terrain for this excursion. There are lots of cobbles and steep paths.

This evening there is a Portuguese dinner on board the ship

Vega de Terron is on the Portuguese/Spanish border where the Douro and Agueda rivers meet.

Little Tip From Me: Your ship will stay at Vega De Terron tonight. This is a ship mooring point rather than a village so there isn’t a great deal nearby.

Douro River Cruise : Day 5

After breakfast, there is an included excursion to the city of Salamanca – a Spanish city set inland.

This excursion lasts 10 hours.

It is a walking grade 4 with standing/walking time of 60 minutes.

Little Tip From Me: The standing/walking time for this tour is based on doing a short city tour and not much else.

It is around 121 km or 75 miles between Vega de Terron and Salamanca.

The first part of the journey involves a climb up over the hills. This part of the road is quite twisty but once out of the Douro Valley, the road is straighter and more level.

Little Tip From Me: I felt a little travel sick on the first part of the journey. Be prepared and take a fan, some ginger sweets or ginger tablets if you suffer from travel sickness too.

The journey takes around two hours and there will be some commentary during the journey about Spanish history.

Important Note;

There were not any comfort stops en route to Salamanca but there was a comfort stop on arrival in Salamanca at a local hotel. It might be worth checking this information in advance if it is important to you.

Salamanca is a Unesco-listed city in Spain. The city has one of the oldest universities in Europe and two cathedrals. The city has a pedestrianised area to make exploring even more enjoyable.

Around half an hour after arrival in Salamanca there will be a walking tour with a local guide to visit Plaza Mayor. The Plaza is deemed one of the finest squares in Spain.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant and there will be a flamenco show afterward so you can enjoy some traditional Spanish culture too.

Later in the day, you will take the 2-hour journey back to the ship.

The ship will travel from Vega de Terron to Pochino which is a distance of around 35km.

Here’s my video of the view across the Douro Valley from a viewpoint in the hills on the way to Salamanca.

Douro River Cruise : Day 6

This morning the ship will cruise from Pochino to Regua. The distance is 102km or 64 miles.

In the 2025 itinerary, it shows this journey taking 7 hours with a departure time from Pochino of 7 am, arriving Regua 2 pm.

This is around 80km so it may mean an early start for the ship setting sail.

The ship will pass through the Pocinho and Valeira dams again.

Mateus Palace Excursion

It’s a walking grade 3 with a walking/standing time of 90 minutes.

The Mateus Palace , which will be familiar to you if you have seen the Mateus Rose wine label – perhaps you used the bottles as candle holders too!

The visit includes a guided tour of the inside of the palace and a chance to explore the lovely gardens outside.

After returning to the ship you will cruise from Regua to Bitetos. This is a distance of around 75km (46 miles) so it may mean quite a late arrival.

The 2025 itinerary shows this journey as taking 4 hours, leaving at 5 pm and arriving at 9 pm.

There will be a farewell dinner on board the ship tonight.

(Many of the crew live in Oporto so they go home on the last night of the cruise while the ship is moored in Vila Nova de Gaia overnight)

Douro River Cruise : Day 7

This morning you will cruise from Bitetos to Vila Nova de Gaia where your ship will moor overnight.

The distance is around 50km (31 miles) and you will pass through the Crestuma dam again.

The 2025 itinerary shows this journey taking 2 hours, leaving at 7 am and arriving into Vila Real at 9 am.

Little Tip From Me: Don’t miss cruising under the bridges as you come back into Vila Real. It might mean an early start but it’s well worth it.

Port Cellar Excursion

This tour takes 1.5 hours.

It’s classed as walking grade 3 with a total walking/standing time of 1.5 hours.

You will walk from the ship to a nearby wine cellar for your chance to learn about how Port is produced. There is also a chance to try some port as well of course.

Oporto Excursion By Coach in the Afternoon

It is classed as a walking grade 3 with a total walking/standing time of 60 minutes.

In the afternoon there is an included tour of Oporto which is famous for wine production but also served as inspiration for JK Rowling – if you see students from the University during your tour you will see why!

Most of the tour will be on the coach with some stops along the way.

One of the places you will visit is Se Cathedral , where Phillipa of Lancaster married King Joao of Portugal in 1387.

Here is a video showing Oporto and Vila Real and the lovely views of the bridges from the River Douro

Douro River Cruise Day 8

This morning after breakfast you will disembark your ship and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Generally, groups have to be at the airport 2.5 to 3 hours ahead of flight departure times.

If your flight departs at 8 am you will need to be at the airport at 4.30 am and 5 am. This means leaving the ship at around 4-4.30 am.

The ship probably won’t do a full breakfast for such an early departure.

Once you have landed in the UK you will be transferred home as per your arrangements – either a private car, flight etc.

Interested in finding out more about this cruise? Get in touch to find out about price and availability for your travel dates.

Douro River Cruise Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Do You Wear On a Douro River Cruise?

On this particular cruise, there is no formal dress code. Some guests did change for dinner but not into anything formal, just something perhaps a little smarter from clothes worn during the day for walking etc. There is a Captain’s Dinner but this was smart casual rather than anything formal like dresses and suits. For exploring and activities good walking shoes are recommended. Portuguese kerbs and pavements leave a lot to be desired and can be very uneven and really high too. Getting on and off boats requires good footwear too. As the river level changes this can affect the angle of the boarding ramp so sturdy and supportive footwear is advisable.The sun get can get very hot so something to cover up with and a hat is also a good idea.

How Long is the Douro River Cruise?

Most cruises are around 8 days long. This gives time to get through all the dams and head further into the Douro River valley. This gives guests on board cruise ships a chance to explore some rural parts of Portugal as well as the lively city of Porto.

Where Do Douro River Cruises Start?

Most Douro River cruises start in Porto. That said the cruises actually start from a suburb outside Porto called Vila Nova da Gaia. This is on the opposite side of the Douro river to Porto itself. It is also where the port wine cellars are.

Riviera Travel Douro, Porto & Salamanca Cruise

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Cruise Headlines

• 7-night cruise
• Regional flights available from London Luton, London Stansted, London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Dublin, Liverpool, Birmingham an Leeds
• All-inclusive drinks with meals including juices, wines and beers. From 6pm drinks included cocktail and mocktail of the day, house spirits and mixer, pre and post dinner drinks
• Free tea and coffee on board

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Pricing

Departures from May to October

Prices range from £1779 to £4559 depending on the date

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Solo Travellers

The cost for single travellers ranges from £2479 to £5641 depending on the departure date.

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Ship Details and Deck Plans

Riviera use two ships on the Douro. Douro Elegance and Douro Splendour.

They are both similar in capacity, size and layout.

Douro Elegance can accommodate 119 guests, Douro Splendour 121.

They both have 36 officers and crew on board.

To access the sun deck there is a set of stairs.

R iviera Douro River Cruise: Cabins

There are several different types of cabin available;

These cabins can be configured as twin or double beds. They have Juliet balconies which means the large window you see can be opened but you can’t go out onto the balcony.

They are 14m squared or 151 feet squared in size.

Superior Suites

Superior suites are larger in size – 19 sq.m or 205 square feet.

Again they have a Juliet balcony.

Riviera Douro River Cruise : Day By Day

• The cruise travels along the Douro River from Oporto to Barca d’Alva and back again. The total distance between these two points is approximately (206km) 135 miles. As such it’s not a long cruise in terms of distance.

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Day 1

On the first day, you will depart from the UK and fly to Porto or Lisbon.

The transfer time from Lisbon Airport to Porto is around 4.5 hours.

It’s around around 40 minutes, subject to traffic, from Porto to the ship.

You will need to take your luggage out to the coach for your transfer to the ship.

There may well be some time to explore Vila Nova De Gaia.

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Day 2

Today the ship will cruise from Vila Nova De Gaia to Regua. The total distance travelled by ship is around 80 miles (130km).

The distance covered will likely mean and early departure.

The ship will cruise out of Porto and under the bridges.

At around 28km from leaving you will go through the Crestuma Lever Dam. The height of the dam is 25 metres or around 82 feet.

It’s amazing that the boat can fit through!

Before arriving in Regua you will pass through the Carrapatelo Dam. The height of the dam is 57m or around 187 feet.

This is a much bigger dam than the first and a real engineering feat.

If you can view from the front of the boat.

After lunch on board there is an excursion this afternoon.

It’s around a 45 minute drive to Mateus Palace.

Quinta Da Pachecha Dinner

This evening there is a dinner off the ship at a Quinta Da Pachecha.

This beautiful wine estate is set to the South of the Douro river.

It is not clear if you return to the ship before you go to dinner.

The Quinta is 2.5km from the Douro river bridge at Regua.

During the evening visit there will be time to wander the estate, which is also a wine themed hotel. They have wine barrels as accommodation too!

During dinner you will be served wines to match the evening meal.

Riviera Douro River Cruise : Day 3

After spending the night in Regua the ship cruises from Regua to Pochino.

The distance is around 101 km.

Again as this is quite a long cruise it will mean an early start.

It’s around 30 minutes travel time from the ship to the castle.

Castelo Rodrigro is a pretty village that sits on top of a hill.

It has a church, some nice pretty streets and small cafes to enjoy.

There are lots of cobbles, uneven paths, steps and inclines to cope with if you are visiting Castelo Rodrigo.

In the evening you will see a traditional opening of a port wine.

Riviera Douro River Cruise: Day 4

There is a morning sail today from Pinhao to Vega de Terron.

You will then arrive at Vega de Terron which is right by the Spanish/Portuguese border and as far as river cruise ships can go.

It’s a mooring point rather than a town or village really.

Salamanca Excursion

The journey takes around two hours.

There may not be any comfort stops en route to Salamanca but there was a comfort stop on arrival in Salamanca at a local hotel. It might be worth checking this information in advance if it is important to you.

There is free time on arrival to explore the city centre.

In the afternoon there is a guided tour of the city.

Riviera Douro River Cruise : Day 5

Today the ship cruises from Vega De Terron to Regua.

This is around 100km or 62 miles.

Most of the daytime will be spent cruising giving you time to enjoy the ship and watch the scenery slide by.

This evening there is another visit to a Quinta to learn about wine production and to try some wine of course.

Riviera Douro River Cruise : Day 6

After breakfast on board there is an excursion to beautiful Lamego.

This is around 10km or 6.5 miles away from the ship.

Lamego is a pretty town that is overlooked by the beautiful sanctuary sat on top of the hill.

Many people come to climb the 700 steps, either on foot or on their knees.

There is a funicular which takes you to the side of the sanctuary. There are lovely views plus a cafe and some small stalls.

If you plan to walk down be prepared for some large steps.

After lunch on board the ship will spend the afternoon cruising to Caix da Lixa. It is about 100km or 62 miles.

This evening there is a Chef’s dinner followed by a Portuguese folk show on board.

This morning you will cruise back into Vila Real.

Don’t miss crusing under the bridges as you come back towards Porto.

This morning there is a visit to a port wine cellar.

After lunch on board there is a tour of Porto.

You will be transferred to the aiport for your return flight home.

Douro River Cruise – Conclusion

• In terms of excursions and river cruise route both SAGA and Riviera are very similar.
• The main advantage of SAGA is that they offer an included car service to take you to and return you from London Gatwick airport, anywhere within a 300 mile radius. In 2025 there will be no mileage restriction.
• The main advantage of Riviera is that they offer regional flight departures, which may save you having to travel as far. Be aware that some flights fly to Lisbon rather than Portugal which requires a longer transfer at the other end.
• Both SAGA and Riviera include drinks packages with SAGA being all inclusive from 11am to 11pm. Riviera is a little more limited but covers drinks at mealtimes and is unlimited from 6pm.
• SAGA includes gratuities whereas Riviera does not.
• In terms of pricing there isn’t much difference overall, but this varies depending on dates.
• Both SAGA and Riviera have a cruise happiness guarantee.

Why not get in touch by filling in the quick enquiry form below? I can compare options for you, and personalise your holiday to suit your requirements.

Further Reading

If you have found this Douro River Cruise article useful you might also like;

Portuguese Government Site About the Navigation of the Douro River

Detailed Review of Coach Holiday to Lake Garda – with lots of helpful tips

Australia Tours review – 2 coach holidays compared with detailed itinerary review and helpful tips and advice

If you want more help finding your perfect coach holiday then check out my Coach Holidays page

Douro River Cruise: Our Review of Uniworld’s Trip Through Portugal’s Top Wine Region

What to expect on a river cruise through Portugal's most storied wine region

By Heidi Sarna

September 6, 2024

Heidi Sarna is the co-founder of QuirkyCruise.com , a guide to small-ship cruising .

The Douro River starts in north-central Spain and zigzags some 500 miles into Portugal before eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, the curving, rock-lined river cuts through a landscape characterized, above all, by its connection to generations of winemaking.

A cruise along the Douro provides not only a chance to encounter medieval fortress towns and sample the region's renowned port and other wines, but also to appreciate, as you travel along the waterway, the sheer beauty of the surrounding hillsides covered in a patchwork quilt of vineyards along with cork oak, olive, and fig trees.

I recently spent a week aboard Uniworld’s  SS São Gabriel , a luxury ship launched in 2021 for the exclusive purpose of cruising Portugal’s Douro River Valley. Journeying 250 miles round trip from Porto, the ship accommodates up to 100 passengers and is just 262 feet long. To fit into the five lock chambers along the route, all ships on the river are about half the length of boats plying other European waterways like the Rhine and Danube. 

It's easy to make friends among the small contingent of passengers as you take day tours or mingle in the ship's lounge at happy hour and at mealtime in the open-seating restaurant. Among the most high-end river cruise lines operating in Europe, Uniworld offers all-inclusive fares covering meals, drinks, gratuities, and daily excursions.

Douro River Cruise Excursions: Vineyards, Medieval Towns, and So Much Port

Armed with personal VOX listening devices, Uniworld passengers on walking tours go on included visits to vineyards, museums, and medieval cathedrals. Some guides are Uniworld tour staff members—our cruise manager, Ricardo, was a passionate and knowledgeable lecturer, superior to his more junior colleagues—while at other times local guides do the honors.

Certain excursions start within strolling distance of the ship, though most require a 20- to 60-minute bus ride on winding roads with breathtaking views of the countryside. 

The overriding themes of onshore activities: Portugal’s winemaking history and the legacies of ancient Romans, Moors, and Jews. I greatly enjoyed the Douro Museum , housed in an 18th-century restored warehouse in Régua . The experience includes an illuminating lecture from a local winemaker and a fascinating video showing old footage of the Douro before the locks were built in the 1930s. Back then, the landscape would get superdry in the summer and flood wildly at other times.

The film shows grape pickers carrying huge 100-pound baskets on their backs in the scorching heat, breaking up shale rock by hand to make the soil habitable for grape growing, and loading traditional wooden rabelo cargo boats with wine to transport from the vineyards to the coast.

Also on the itinerary is a visit to the ornate Our Lady of Remedies chapel, set beautifully at the top of a long Baroque staircase in Lamego . Another we day we traveled to Castelo Rodrigo , a medieval fortress town in the hills above the river valley. 

On a sweltering day later in the week, guides led us through the hillside vineyards of Croft's Quinta da Roêda . A bus tour across the border to Salamanca, Spain , involves a guided stroll through the old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the 18th-century Plaza Mayor and the massive New Cathedral dating from the 1500s.

With some free time to spare, climb the 200 steps of Salamanca's Scala Coeli (“Stairway to Heaven” in Latin) at the 17th-century Jesuit church and school for sweeping views of the city.

Just about every tour during the cruise includes an opportunity to taste Portuguese wine—often port. Pace yourself or you might get tired of the sweet fortified stuff after a few days. 

Moored in pretty Porto for half a day at the beginning and end of the cruise, you'll have time to explore that coastal city, too. Among the highlights are the winding, cobbled streets of the historic Ribeira district, the famous golden interior of the Church of São Francisco , and the grand São Bento train station. 

While in the city, Uniworld's São Gabriel ship occupies a prime river-facing spot (not sandwiched between other riverboats) with views of Porto's red-tiled roofs, fortress-like Porto Cathedral , and double-deck Dom Luís I Bridge .

Uniworld's Douro River Cruise: Onboard Amenities, Meals, Staterooms, and Service

Uniworld’s décor is chic, with lots of local touches. The São Gabriel has flooring inspired by Portugal’s famous ceramic tiles, polished wood in chevron patterns, and seating with rich fabrics.

Elegant staterooms are designed in shades of teal and champagne with light woods. You'll find tufted headboards, fresh flowers, and Portuguese tiles worked into the marble-clad bathrooms.

Suites on Deck 3 are spacious—ours had 220 square feet—while cabins on the two lower decks are a compact 156 square feet apiece.

A pair of butlers are on hand to indulge suite guests’ whims and fancies—say, pre-dinner prosecco and potato chips delivered to your room—but even if you're staying elsewhere on the ship you can expect efficient and friendly service from the mostly Protuguese staff (shout-out again to our cruise manager, Ricardo, who wears many hats with aplomb). 

The ship's bright, welcoming restaurant features open seating with tables for two, four, and six. Owing in part to the large windows in the space, the dining area doesn't feel as cramped as on some other riverboats.

Breakfast and lunch are served at the buffet. At midday, standouts include a delicious salad with shrimp and pineapple, another salad combining tropical fruit with hearts of palm, and Portugal's beloved  francesinha sandwich (thick white bread with ham, sausage, steak, and lots of cheese). At dinner, try the cod with chickpeas and turnips.

During lunch and dinner, choose from two different easy-drinking red and white wines from Douro Valley winemakers such as Assobio and Porrais. On our cruise, the ship’s sommelier went from table to table, enthusiastically detailing each bottle's attributes.

Evening entertainment in the ship's lounge may range from flamenco (which isn't Portuguese) to the melancholy folk music known as fado (which very much is). A '70s-themed dance party one evening was popular on my cruise; likewise for dancing under the stars up on deck.

During the day, onboard activities will keep you busy with cooking demos (pick up pointers on how to re-create the Portuguese custard tarts known as pastéis de nata ), more port tastings, and lectures about Portugal’s politics, history, and culture. 

The outdoor wading pool up on deck is a great place to cool off and chat with new friends while gazing at the views. There is also a gym and mini spa.

Overall, drawbacks are few. Space is tight in those cabins down on Decks 1 and 2, with some passengers saying there's barely enough room to get around the bed. And other guests have griped that service at dinner can be slow. But that's about it in the complaints department. 

All-inclusive Douro River cruises operated by Uniworld start at $4,949 per person. For more information, go to Uniworld.com . 

Other lines offering similar itineraries include Tauck and AmaWaterways , the two lines most similar to Uniworld with regard to price and quality. Viking ,  CroisiEurope —  and Avalon Wateways  all have Portugal trips as well. 

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This Scenic Wine Region Is Europe’s Most Underrated River Cruise Destination

Making the case for escaping the crowds sailing europe’s danube and rhine rivers and heading to portugal’s unesco-protected douro valley instead..

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The historic Douro Valley is delightfully devoid of commercial and industrial development.

Photo by Rach Sam/Unsplash

As our river cruise ship wound its way through Portugal’s postcard-perfect Douro Valley, a colorful passenger train passed through the nearby hills, its occupants leaning out to wave and shout greetings.

Our captain responded with a sharp toot of the S.S. São Gabriel’s horn, drawing cheers from passengers aboard the ship and train alike.

It was a pleasant interruption to a serene, sunny morning, and one of many reminders during a weeklong sailing with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection of the unique charms of one of Europe’s most scenic and unspoiled rivers.

The Rhine has its castles; the Danube has the Wachau Valley and Budapest’s famed Parliament building. But the Douro Valley, with endless views of vineyard-lined, terraced hillsides dotted by quaint villages, wine estates, and the occasional pousada or campground, offers a surprisingly uncrowded respite from the tourist hordes infiltrating Europe’s more popular and populous destinations each summer.

Yes, like every river in Europe, the Douro has seen an increase in river ships plying its waters in recent years, including the São Gabriel , one of several new ships that launched postpandemic to bring the total number of vessels on the Douro River to around two dozen. Yet unlike cruises along the more traveled Rhine and Danube, virtually the entire trip is through the UNESCO-protected Douro Valley, which is delightfully devoid of commercial and industrial development and chain hotels and resorts that attract mass tourism.

Douro river cruises begin and end in the charming coastal city of Porto.

Photo by Simon Pallard/Unsplash

And because no roads run directly parallel to the river, the only traffic along the banks is the occasional passenger train.

What it’s like cruising the Douro River

Douro River cruises start and end in the picturesque Porto and generally include an overnight on each end to explore Portugal’s second largest city.

During a sailing in early June, our boat was docked on the Gaia side of the river, home to the city’s many famous port wine houses and directly across from the historic city center’s colorful terra-cotta-roofed, multi-story townhouses, remnants of 14th-century fortification walls and baroque church towers.

Weary from the three-flight, overnight trip from Albuquerque, I spent the first afternoon warding off jet lag by strolling the hilly, cobblestone-lined streets and alleys along the river near the ship before relaxing on the sundeck to watch flat-bottom wooden boats, or rabelos , traditionally used to transport wine barrels, ferry visitors back and forth to the mouth of the Atlantic.

The next morning, I joined a walking tour that took us across the famed Ponte Dom Luis bridges, along medieval streets and alleys to the Cathedral Sé, a key stop for hikers making their pilgrimage along the region’s famed Camino de Santiago. We then wandered through the San Bento train station, famous for its blue and white-tiled azulejos , or murals that tell stories of the city’s history, before making our way to the Bolhão Market, an open-air farmers’ market, for a taste of canned sardines and bacalao (salted cod). We then wandered Santa Catarina Street, a busy shopping strip full of beautiful cafés, shops, and historical landmarks, before heading back to the boat to begin sailing.

For the next five days we wound our way slowly east along the Douro River to the border of Spain and back, with an itinerary that highlighted the region’s wine and cuisine. In Peso da Régua, about 70 miles from Porto, we visited the Douro Museum for a port tasting and short lecture on the region’s wine-making history. Then we headed to Lamego, home to one of northern Portugal’s most iconic religious landmarks, the hilltop Our Lady of Remedios Sanctuary , which towers above the town with a 686-step, garden-lined, tiered outdoor staircase featuring large blue-and-white-tiled murals of angels. After we made our way down the staircase we stopped for—what else—a sampling of port wine and local meats and cheeses before exploring the town and heading back to the boat.

That evening we took a five-minute drive to a dinner set in the cavernous wine cellar at the Quinta da Pacheca wine estate, known for its Old Tawny Port, and home to the Wine House Hotel, which features luxurious wine barrel–shaped rooms. (There’s even a wine barrel doghouse at the entrance for the resident rescue pooch, Pacheco, who snuck in for a few pets during dinner.) The menu was simple but delicious, a steak filet with a light sauce and some of the tastiest green beans and scalloped potatoes I’ve ever eaten.

The next day we had a relaxing morning sail to the town of Régua where we had an option for an afternoon excursion to the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo or the archaeological park, Foz Coa , a UNESCO World Heritage site. I opted for the park, where we drove into the valley to see rock carvings dating back to the Stone Age.

On a Douro river sailing, get a taste of Spain with a day trip to Salamanca.

Photo by Shutterstock

On day five, we boarded coaches to cross the border into Spain to explore Salamanca, known as the “Golden City” for its tawny sandstone buildings. Salamanca is home to Spain’s oldest university; among its historic churches are two cathedrals: a newer one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century. The beauty of river cruising is the ability to skip the guided excursions and set out on your own whenever you feel like it. So, my traveling companion and I opted out of the walking tour and instead chose to browse the shops along the Rua Mayor, visit the city’s Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum , and have an outdoor lunch in the baroque building–lined Plaza Mayor before meeting back up with the group for the bus ride back to the boat.

From there it was time to make our way back to Porto. On the return we spent more time sailing, making one more stop in Régua, but this time with tours and winetastings at nearby vineyards.

Sailing on Uniworld’s S.S. “São Gabriel”

A central element of any river cruise is the ship—your floating hotel for the journey. And when it comes to luxury river cruising, Uniworld excels.

The newest ship in Uniworld’s fleet, the S.S. São Gabriel is one of its smallest with 50 cabins. It’s also—because of Portuguese laws on local ownership and employment—the only one in its European fleet not owned by the company or staffed completely by Uniworld employees. (It’s owned by a Portuguese company and leased to Uniworld.) Nevertheless, the service and locally sourced food and wine onboard definitely met the five-star standards one would expect from the luxury line.

A room with a view: Embrace your floating hotel with choice views of passing Douro scenery.

Courtesy of Studios Visuelle Medien Gmbh/Uniworld

The breakfast and lunch buffet spreads offered a mix of local and international cuisine. And dinners were full-service, fine-dining affairs that always included traditional Portuguese dishes like octopus, pork cheek, and caldo verde , a green cabbage and chorizo soup. Oh, and did I mention the wine? Different options were offered tableside each night to best pair with the entrées of the day.

Cabin choices range from grand suites complete with sitting rooms and large bathrooms featuring double vanities, big soaking tubs, and separate showers to more economical lower deck cabins with windows but no balconies. All the suites, both the 4 grand and 12 regular suites, come with 24-hour butler service. And all levels of accommodation include unlimited food and beverages, including signature cocktails and an impressive menu of Portuguese wines, including my new favorite: Montanha Reserva, a crisp, dry sparkling alternative that rivals the finest champagnes.

I stayed in one of the mid-deck French balcony cabins, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows that span the full width of the room and open halfway down with the touch of a button. And while quite cozy at 150 square feet, the space is perfectly adequate on a sailing during which the only time spent in your cabin is while you sleep.

When the weather allowed, I spent most of our sailing time on the sprawling sun deck, which in addition to a swimming pool offers a mix of uncovered and shaded lounge chairs, couches, and tables.

On cooler rainy days, there’s plenty of room to relax in the third-deck glass-walled lounge that at the very front of the vessel offers stunning 180-degree views of the Douro River Valley and the many interesting locks the ship passes through.

For the fitness- and wellness-focused, there’s a small spa and surprisingly well-equipped fitness center. And each morning the spa director led stretching classes on the sundeck or in the lounge, depending on the weather.

During daytime sailings (Douro ships are prohibited for cruising at night), the crew kept guests busy with activities like Portuguese lessons and a demonstration on making the country’s famous pasteis de nata , or custard tarts.

After hours, drinks flow and the DJ spins some dance tunes.

Courtesy of Studios Visuelle Medien/Uniworld

Because the overnights were in smaller towns and villages, there wasn’t much in the way of off-ship nightlife. But the onboard disc jockey made up for it by spinning an array of tunes heavy on Motown that was popular with all the guests, who appeared to be mostly in their 50s and 60s—nearly everyone crowded the dance floor late into the night during a 1970s-themed party.

Most days had two included excursion options, one being a coach tour and another a walking tour of the sites and/or vineyards.

Because there aren’t really any easily accessible roads or bike paths along the Douro, the ship—unlike most of Uniworld’s European fleet—doesn’t carry bicycles for guests to use. But on our final day in Porto we took an optional three-hour “Port to the Sea” excursion on electric bikes (for an add-on price of €49 euros, or US$53) that wound from the ship through a fishing village to a port-side complex that includes a laundry where locals can wash their clothes then leave them outside to hang dry. From there we hopped on a 20- kilometer bike path along the coast, passing windsurfers, many dogs, and families enjoying the weekend on the beach and its array of waterfront cafés, ice cream parlors, and street markets. Our final stop: Praia do Senhor da Pedra , a beach featuring a 17th-century chapel built on giant boulders that juts out into the sea.

It was the perfect end to a perfect trip that offered the right mix of urban bustle and country and seaside serenity.

Sustainability onboard the S.S. “São Gabriel”

Like many cruise lines, Uniworld has eliminated single-use plastics onboard, which includes supplying staterooms with in-room water in glass bottles that cabin attendants diligently refill. Guests are provided with aluminum water bottles that can be refilled on the ship, and soaps, shampoos, and lotions are available in fixed, refillable dispensers. Daily menus incorporate meatless options, including both vegan and vegetarian items. And Uniworld, like its parent company the Travel Corporation, has instituted an automated food waste reduction tracking system. Company-wide, the Travel Corporation aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and to source half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

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3 Reasons a First Time River Cruiser Delighted in a Uniworld Douro River Cruise

Sep 13, 2024 | 0

Uniworld Douro River Cruise

By Georgiana Verdonk-Sim

When my best friend Heidi suggested a cruise along the Douro River, I jumped at the chance. I had never been on a cruise before, so I was excited for this new adventure. Plus, I would get to spend time with Heidi (we live on different continents, so we rarely see each other).

Besties on the deck of the 100-pax SS Sao Gabriel. * Photo: New friend on board

Further, I had already visited the Douro region twice and loved it, so I was pretty sure cruising there would also be amazing!

After spending seven nights on Uniworld Douro River cruise aboard the 100-passenger SS Sao Gabriel, I now understand the appeal of river cruising and why the new friends I made onboard seem to be hooked on Uniworld’s boutique river cruises.

I now find myself browsing their marketing emails whenever I think about vacation planning.

Reflecting on my experience, I’ve come up with my top three reasons why traveling to the Douro region with Uniworld added much more depth and flavor to the impressions I had gained from my previous land travels.

Indulgent Pampering and Thoughtful Planning

The pampering and behind-the-scenes planning gave me the space to unwind and truly appreciate the beauty around me. The scenery along the Douro River is breathtaking, and the itinerary was carefully thought out.

During the 250-mile round-trip sailing from Porto to Salamanca (Spain) and back to Porto, we had ample time to relax on the sun deck, soak in the landscape — including passing through five fascinating locks along the way —  and also enjoy daily excursions without feeling rushed.

The crew, under the exceptional leadership of our cruise manager Ricardo, went out of their way to make every guest feel welcome and cared for. Within two hours of boarding, I felt completely relaxed — a feeling that lasted until we disembarked.

I didn’t have to worry about catching trains, finding dinner spots, or arranging transport to the hotel — all the usual stressors of land travel were blissfully absent.

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A Feast for the Senses: Food, Wine, and Beyond

The food and wine on my Uniworld Douro River cruise were simply outstanding! While I had sampled regional cuisine and wines during my previous visits, the cruise elevated the gastronomic experience to a whole new level.

Our sommelier, Bueno, curated a rotating selection of wines from various Portuguese winemakers at each lunch and dinner. He never repeated a bottle unless specifically requested. There was, of course, plenty of port wine on board and in port, as it’s Portugal’s famed fortified wine.

Sommelier Bueno. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim

The daily lunch buffet was varied and delicious (the tomato salad is a must-try), and the à la carte dinners deserve a five-star review. On my previous land trip, I spent considerable time researching restaurants while staying in Régua.

While we did some wine and port tastings on my land-based travels, they didn’t compare to the extensive tastings on offered on the cruise, on board and off. Plus, it was far more convenient to simply stroll 30 meters from our cabin to a sumptuous Portuguese meal in the ship’s restaurant.

Wine tasting on an excursion. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim

Unforgettable Activities, Excursions, and Friendships

As a first-time cruiser, I wasn’t expecting such a diverse range of activities and excursions included in our seven-night itinerary. The excursions were thoughtfully organized, and our knowledgeable tour guides provided rich cultural insights.

The highlight of my trip was the visit to Salamanca , Spain, where we walked around the famous university, explored the beautiful town, and even climbed up the tower of the Clerecía Church during our free time.

View from the Jesuit Church tower. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim

Onboard activities were equally enjoyable. From Fado and Flamenco performances to dancing under the stars on the sun deck and a fun 70s party, there was never a dull moment. These events also gave us the chance to mingle with fellow passengers and form new friendships.

While these activities could theoretically be arranged during a land trip, the delightful camaraderie of our cruise mates would be missing from the program.

Georgiana all decked out for the 70s theme party one evening. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

Comparing Land Travel to a Douro River Cruise

Having visited the Douro region twice before on land-based holidays, I now have the perspective to compare the two modes of travel.

Planning your own (non-group, non-cruise) travel does come with its own perks, like these three:

• More Time to Explore: On my previous trips, I spent more time in cities like Régua and Pinhāo, wandering at my own pace and enjoying each destination more deeply.
• Unique Stays: I had the opportunity to stay in beautiful Quintas and hotels that offered breathtaking views of the Douro River from elevated points, enhancing my connection with the landscape.
• Scenic Boat and Train Rides: My land travels also included a delightful day-boat trip along the Douro River, which gave me a taste of the region’s beauty from the water, followed by a scenic train ride from Pinhāo to Porto. The railway tracks run alongside the river, offering stunning views. The charming Pinhāo train station was a highlight of the journey. Here’s more info about this super scenic train ride.

The view from our hotel overlooking the Douro River. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim

While these experiences were wonderful, planning every aspect of the trip – such as finding accommodations, choosing restaurants, and arranging transport — often made the journey feel more like a logistical puzzle than a relaxing getaway.

And so, my recent Uniworld Douro River cruise was quite the opposite — we could just enjoy the ride while all of the planning and logistics were handled by others.

The Douro River cruise was much more than just a scenic voyage — it was an immersion into relaxation, indulgence, and meaningful connection.

Unlike my previous land travels that required more planning on my part, my Uniworld Douro River cruise allowed me to truly unwind and embrace the full experience. Every moment felt curated to perfection, from the stunning views to the exquisite cuisine and enriching cultural insights.

While my past visits made me appreciate the region, the cruise deepened my connection to it in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I wasn’t just passing through; I became part of the region’s rhythm, sharing it with newfound friends.

For anyone seeking a combination of luxury, discovery, and a sense of community, Uniworld’s Douro River cruise offers an unforgettable way to experience this magical part of the world.

Georgiana with the captain of the SS Sao Gabriel. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

RELATED: Heidi reviews her Uniworld River cruise on the Rhine river with her family.

RELATED: Wondering how to pack for a Europe river cruise? Heidi share her tips.

Interested in this Uniworld Douro River Cruise?

Visit the Uniworld’s website or if you need helping booking a Uniworld Douro River cruise, drop us an email ( [email protected] ) and we can refer you to our favorite travel advisor.

Georgiana Verdonk-Sim is an avid traveler who has lived in the Netherlands for the past five years with her family, after a long stay in Singapore. She’s also lived in Chicago and Vancouver. Georgiana’s travels have taken her all over Europe, North America, and South, East and Southeast Asia. 

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

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Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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Heidi & Ted and their team of curious travel writers explore the far corners of the world to share their experiences & insights about small-ship cruising.

Heidi M. Sarna

So far, I’ve explored 78 countries around the world by boat, road, plane, foot, bicycle and camel. My first big journey was a six-month trip around the world back in the days when…

Theodore W. Scull

I am happiest near water, over water or better still on a conveyance moving through water. When my brother Sandy and I were deemed old enough, mother took us to Europe by ship.

Anne Kalosh

Peter knego, john roberts, robin mckelvie, dana freeman, judi cuervo, lynn and cele seldon, elysa leonard.

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• Full Name * First Last
• Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini (Swaziland) Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Korea Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands

Douro Cruises from Porto

• Choose from 32 Porto tours
• 50+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Douro river cruises from Porto

Compiled by

Melissa Porto travel expert at TourRadar

Douro Experience 2025

The douro river, the spirit of portugal (port-to-port cruise), portugal, spain & the douro river valley (2024) (porto to lisbon, 2024) (10 destinations), gems of the douro (port to port cruise), porto, the douro valley (portugal) and salamanca (spain) (port-to-port cruise), douro river valley (2024) (porto to porto, 2024), douro culinary highlights 2025, vida portugal: vineyards & villages along the douro, enticing douro 2024, picturesque solo douro tour.

• River Cruise
• Cruise the Douro and soak up sun on deck
• Explore Porto's UNESCO-listed old town
• Visit Salamanca's historic university

“The Douro river cruise was extremely pleasant and positive. All staff, food and sailing were enjoyable.”

• Wine tasting
• Explore Porto with a guided tour and wine tasting
• Visit Salamanca's historic university and cathedral
• Stroll through Mateus Palace's formal gardens

“The saving grace of the trip was the great quality of the staff.”

• Explore Porto on foot or by panoramic drive
• Taste fine wines at a local Portuguese quinta
• Visit the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo

“Ship was beautiful. Excellent service and food. Excursons were excellent. Would recommend highly.”

• Night magic: Experience the enchanting night cruise through Porto, marveling at the illuminated cityscape.
• Cultural discoveries: Explore historic towns such as Pinhao and Régua, rich in wine heritage, with landmarks such as 19th century railroad stations and traditional wineries.
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in authentic Portuguese bars, taste Port wine and savor grilled sardines.

“We paid less money for excellent service.”

• Visit the historic Mateus Palace and its gardens
• Explore Porto by night on an exciting coach tour
• Board our ship and enjoy a welcome cocktail

“Room on top level wonderful. Meals good. Everything was A-1. Loved the folkloric dances the last night.”

• Explore Porto by foot or panoramic drive
• Learn about Port wine at the Douro Museum
• Taste Port wine at a prestigious estate

“Cruises are very social and meeting new people is always a pleasure. Name tags would have been so very helpful.”

• Tour quintas and taste famous Port wines
• Visit Salamanca's UNESCO-listed old town
• Cruise the Douro and enjoy vineyard views

• Visit ancient farms and taste Douro wines
• Explore Porto on an evening illumination sail
• Paint azulejos and enjoy Fado music onboard

• Christmas & New Year
• Board your cruise to explore the Douro
• Tour the Baroque Palacio de Mateus

• Sail to Regua, a hub of port-wine history
• Visit Barca D'Alva and Quinta do Seixo
• Tour the scenic vineyards of Pinhao

Tours starting from Porto

Discover TourRadar

Douro River Valley

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university town, rich in heritage
• Uncover Braga’s ancient landmarks, blending history with modern culture
• Visit Douro Museum, learning the rich history of Port wine
• Tour Porto’s Ribeira district, full of art, food, and history
• River Cruises
• Wine Tasting
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Urban Exploration
• Douro River
• Vega de Terron
• Barca d' Alva
• European Union

Full Itinerary

Day 1: porto | embark.

• Accommodation

Day 2: Regua | Pinhao

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Pinhao | Pocinho | Vega de Terron

Day 4: vega de terron (salamanca) | barca d'alva, day 5: barca d’alva | regua, day 6: regua | porto (braga), day 7: porto, day 8: porto | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

S.S. Sao Gabriel

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 15%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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Why travel with adventure life, recognized by.