Porto
Porto is world-famous for its production of port wine, but it offers a whole lot more, including historic landmarks and the atmospheric Ribeira, a pedestrianized riverside zone with eateries, vendors, and live music.
Luxury Douro River Cruises
The Douro River is more of an off-the-beaten-track for a cruise, at least when compared to the Danube, the Rhine, and the Rhone, but it’s sure to bring many memorable experiences that might surprise those who aren’t as familiar with the region. For 70 miles of its 557-mile length, it forms part of the border between Portugal and Spain, with the narrow canyons making it a historical barrier, dividing culture and linguistics. Today many come not only to explore its rich history and sublime scenery along with its wine.
There are thousands of hectares of port wine grapes cultivated on the rocky slopes that frame the river. Port wine has long been entwined with this region’s past, particularly the town of Porto, but you’ll be spoiled for choice throughout while enjoying plenty of perfect culinary pairings, from rich stews and mouthwatering plates of shellfish to caldo verde (a Portuguese soup).
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Flowing through the Douro Valley, this scenic waterway offers verdant vineyards, landmarks steeped in history, quaint villages, and some of the deepest locks in the world. As you’re sailing in a superior port wine-producing region, excursions will provide the opportunity to learn about the local produce and sample the vintages en route. Buzzing Porto often bookends a cruise – visit the World of Wine (WOW), featuring six museums, shops and restaurants in the city’s new cultural district.
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Ally
European Specialist
The Best Douro River Cruises
Our thoughtfully designed cruises on the Douro River showcase the region’s deep-rooted traditions, intriguing history, magnificent scenery, and renowned culinary dishes that can be paired with famous port wine.
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Explore This Trip
When to go: March - December
AmaWaterwaysDiscovering the Douro Cruise
Porto, Régua, Vega de Terrón, Salamanca, Pinhão, Régua, Port
7 NightsFrom £2,927 PPLook forward to a week cruising the Douro River Valley round-trip from Portugal's second city, Porto.... -
Explore This Trip
When to go: March - November
UniworldHighlights of the Douro Cruise
Porto, Régua, Pinhão, Salamanca, Lamego, Braga, Porto
7 NightsFrom £3,754 PPOne of the best ways to explore the UNESCO-designated Douro River Valley, embark on an extraordinary...
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Why we love Douro River Cruises
Ally
European Specialist
A getaway spent cruising the Douro is magical, enjoyed at a leisurely pace with fabulous experiences along the way. At either end, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Porto, a UNESCO-listed city notable for its elegant bridges, historic center, and world-famous port wine houses. There are long, blissful spells on the river where you’ll be cruising through with no other boats around, simply enjoying the vistas of the endless vines that cover steep, lush hills. Soak up simple pleasures like relaxing in the sun while digging into just-grilled sardines at a BBQ organized by the crew. You might visit a family-owned boutique winery for tastings of port wine varieties alongside charcuterie or learn about the stages of wine production at a historic Quinta. Historic Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, is often visited as an excursion, ideal for a day trip featuring a Flamenco show with wine and a tapas lunch.
Best places to visit on a Douro River Cruise
Regua
About an hour inland from Porto, Regua is home to the Douro Museum where you can learn about the demarcated wine region and enjoy a port wine tasting with your admission.
Pinhão
Located in the heart of the Duoro Valley, tiny Pinhão is a small, tranquil village popular for enjoying the locally produced wine and port while hosting a handful of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.
Salamanca
Just across the border in Spain, Salamanca is a popular excursion on Douro River cruises featuring a UNESCO-listed historical center with centuries of art and history. The food and drink are delicious here too and can often be enjoyed with a famous flamenco show.
Best time of year to cruise the Douro
The Douro River is one of the few that can be cruised all the way from March through early November thanks to the region’s mild climate. The weather is the main factor in deciding the best time for a cruise. In July and August, it can get very hot with the mercury often rising to 90 or above, while the months of May, June, September, and October tend to be ideal. The very best time to cruise in this region is arguably harvest time. During early fall you’ll have the chance to soak up the excitement with the wine producers accessing the crops while the colors in the vineyards are breathtaking.
Insider Tips
To explore like a local, making the most out of your Douro River cruise, consider the insider tips focused on destinations along the route.
Port Tasting in a Local Quinta
If there’s one “must” thing to do it’s to taste the port wine in a local quinta. This is what the region is famous for and with 60 different local grape varieties you’ll want to sample at least the top varieties while you’re here. That includes Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Cão.
A Day Trip to Experience Flamenco
Many Douro River cruises include the opportunity for a day trip across the border to historic Salamanca with its historical center a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are two beautiful cathedrals, the Gothic-Baroque 12th-century cathedral, and newer 16th-century Gothic cathedral, but the highlight is enjoying a traditional flamenco show over lunch.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Guimarães
Guimarães is an elegant city with a charming UNESCO-listed history center enjoyable to get lost in. The symbol of the city is a medieval fortress, the Castle of Guimarães that looks like it was built for a film set, complete with seven magnificent towers where one can take in a glorious view.
Hitting the Beaches When in Porto
While in Porto, make time to visit one of the glorious golden sand beaches with numerous options within easy reach of the city center, including Sereia. It offers picturesque panoramas with only the seagrass-dotted dunes, the sand, and the sea while traditional boats bob near the shore.
Hike in the Duoro Valley from Your Ship
There are many scenic hikes steps from your cruise ship while sailing the Douro, including the trail between Pinhão from Provesende. The views from the vineyards are divine while the fruit trees, including quince and fig, add to the beauty for a visually spectacular experience with the river in constant view.
Take a traditional Rabelo cruise
Before or after your Douro cruise, perhaps take a truely unforgettable opportunity to soak up the charm and natural splendour of the Douro River on a smaller, traditional Rabelo. In the past, these small boats were the fastest and most reliable way of transporting and trading Port along the river.
Discover the Beautiful Largo da Pena Ventosa in the Heart of Old Town Porto
Largo da Pena Ventosa square is located in the heart of Porto’s old town. Surrounded by colorful facades, it’s an ideal Instagram spot early in the morning, or come later when it’s lively with several cafes for grabbing a drink to sip while watching the world go by.
Castelo Rodrigo - a small fortified village
From Pocinho, visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified town with a classic medieval layout. Stroll the cobbled streets and you’ll come to the remains of a palace built on the old fortress that was destroyed in 1640. Other highlights include the Clock Tower and Marofa Viewpoint providing magnificent views of the region.
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