If you're craving a truly unique European river cruise—where sun-drenched hills, terraced vineyards, and centuries-old villages unfold in quiet beauty—the Douro River is calling. Flowing through the heart of Portugal’s wine country, this golden river offers a warm, welcoming blend of tradition, taste, and tranquility.
From Porto’s colorful riverfront to the ancient quintas of the Douro Valley, a Douro cruise is rich in culture, cuisine, and scenery—perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, and travelers looking for a more intimate European experience.
Cruising the Douro is about more than sightseeing—it's about slowing down and savoring every experience.
Taste authentic Port and regional wines where they’ve been made for centuries
Sample farm-fresh cheeses, citrus, olives, and local specialties
Explore centuries-old monasteries, castles, and walled villages
Enjoy some of Europe’s most scenic river cruising through vine-covered hills
Experience the warmth of Portuguese culture through music, food, and family-run estates
Ports of call along the Douro River offer a captivating mix of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Begin in colorful Porto, known for its riverside charm and world-famous Port wine cellars. Stop in Régua and Pinhão for vineyard tours and tastings among terraced hillsides. Explore the medieval streets of Castelo Rodrigo and enjoy a day trip to Spain’s golden city of Salamanca. Each port blends authentic Portuguese hospitality with unforgettable views, making every stop a highlight of your journey. These are just a few of our most popular ports of call and itineraries.
Explore more on the ports of call below.
Start your journey in Porto, where colorful buildings cling to the hillsides and wine cellars line the riverbanks. The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. When the sun sets, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship
Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you’ll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer will want to climb on a guided hike. Concluding both tours, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of drycured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhão. Be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. Savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Portwine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region.
Many Douro cruises include a full-day excursion to the golden city of Salamanca. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. Explore its baroque Plaza Mayor, ancient university, and vibrant café culture.
Douro River cruises are a wine lover’s dream, offering an immersive journey through Portugal’s legendary Port wine region. Sail past terraced vineyards carved into steep hillsides, visit centuries-old quintas (wine estates), and enjoy guided tastings of Port and regional wines right where they’re made. With each stop, you’ll discover the deep traditions, rich flavors, and warm hospitality that make the Douro Valley one of Europe’s most celebrated wine destinations.
Click below to explore the two wine itineraries we love:
Flavors of Portugal & Spain (Wine Cruise)
No worries—this is just a small taste of what’s possible. Click below to explore the full collection of river cruise itineraries from one of our most trusted and preferred partners. Whether you're dreaming of the Danube, the Douro, the Rhine, or beyond, there’s a sailing perfectly suited to your travel style. Let’s find the one that’s right for you!
Hi, I’m Sonia—Certified River Cruise Specialist and European Travel Advisor with a passion for Portugal, wine, culture, and all things slow travel. I help busy travelers plan unforgettable, fully customized river cruise experiences—without the stress, overwhelm, or guesswork.
Whether you're planning your first river cruise or your next European escape, I’ll guide you every step of the way to make it seamless, enriching, and truly memorable.
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