Running through the heart of Portugal is the majestic Douro River. With a span of over 700 kilometres, the river is home to a slew of villages and towns where history, food, wine and breathtaking scenery unite to make one of the most enviable travel destinations in Europe. River cruises are the best way to experience the Douro in its entirety, so get ready to set sail and read on for our picks for the best Douro river cruises.
The best Douro river cruises 2024
01
Portugal’s River of Gold
$6,495 from Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises’ Portugal’s River of Gold cruise will give you unprecedented access to Portugal’s most famous river. Over ten magical days, you’ll float down the Douro River on one of Viking’s purpose-built longships as you explore the towns, villages and sights along the river.
You’ll begin your cruise in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where can explore historical sites like the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Next, break out the wine glasses because you’ll be docking in Porto – the home to Port wine. After that, the cruise will take you to towns such as Régua, Pinhão, Barca d’Alva and Salamanca where you can fill your belly with great food and your mind with memories.
Key stops:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Porto, Portugal
- Régua, Portugal
- Pinhão, Portugal
- Barca d’Alva, Portugal
- Salamanca, Spain
02
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley
from $5,899 at Tour Radar
Get front row seats to one of Europe’s most majestic rivers on board the Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley cruise. Starting in Porto, the home of port wine, you’ll be treated to a world of gastronomical delights before setting sail to explore the river. After this, you’ll head to Régua and Terrón where you can explore medieval sites or hike to ancient caves.
As you head further into the Douro valley, you’ll also stop at Salamanca, a town famous for its sand hued buildings and abundance of churches. You’ll then make your way back to Porto before finally finishing at Lisbon where you’ll stay for three days to explore the capital.
Key stops:
- Porto
- Porto, Entre-os-Rios
- Entre-os-Rios, Régua
- Régua, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón
- Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva
- Barca d’Alva, Régua
- Régua (Guimarães), Porto
- Lisbon
03
Douro Luxury Cruise – Spirit of Chartwell
$1,224 from Portugal Travel Centre
Looking for just a taste of the Douro? This is the perfect cruise for you. Taking place over four glorious days, you’ll board a charming longship in Vila Nova de Gaia before setting sail for Entre-os-Rios. The next day you’ll drift over to Régua for an excursion and the continue on to Pinhão, Lamego and Cais da Ribeira where the cruise will wrap up.
This cruise is ideal for travellers who want to tick off all the important sites along the Douro River without committing extensive amounts of time to a full-length cruise. This particular trip also has a heavy focus on food and wine, so it’s a great cruise for a foodie too.
Key stops:
- Gaia Pier
- Entre-os-Rios
- Régua
- Pinhão
- Lamego
- Cais da Ribeira, Porto
04
Spain, Portugal & Morocco Odyssey with Douro River Cruise & Sahara Desert Camp
from $7,999 at Luxury Escapes
When it comes to sailing down the Douro River, the fun doesn’t have to stop in Portugal. Luxury Escapes’ Spain, Portugal & Morocco Odyssey with Douro River Cruise & Sahara Desert Camp will bring you to Spain and Morocco too for the whole Iberian experience.
From Madrid to Marrakech, over a 22 day cruise, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the food, culture and history of the three countries whilst soaking in the serene tranquility of the Douro River.
Key stops:
- Madrid, Spain
- Salamanca, Spain
- Porto, Portugal
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Seville, Spain
- Granada, Spain
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Rabat, Morocco
- Fes, Morocco
- Merzouga, Morocco
- Marrakech, Morocco
