Douro River Cruises
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8 Days Porto to Porto
Operator: Avalon River Cruises
11 Days Porto to Lisbon
Operator: Uniworld River Cruises
The Douro River
Where does the Douro start & finish?
The Douro River originates in the Soria province of northern Spain, in the Sierra de Urbión mountain range. River cruises on the Douro generally operate only within Portugal, often starting in Porto and going as far inland as the Spanish border or slightly beyond, to cities like Barca d'Alva.
I'll have a mega-pint please.
The Douro Valley is the birthplace of Port wine, and many of the world's best Port houses have their vineyards lining the riverbanks. A cruise along the Douro often includes visits to these historic estates, where you can learn about the wine-making process and enjoy tastings.
Douro Valley
The Douro River Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its cultural, historical, and environmental significance. The terraced vineyards rising from the riverbanks offer some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery, especially during the Autumn harvest season.
Fascinating Locks
Cruising the Douro includes passing through several impressive lock systems, some of the highest in Europe. The Carrapatelo Dam, for instance, has a lock that lifts boats up to 35 metres.
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Discover Must do experiences and highlights on the Douro River
Sandstone Salamanca
Head across the border into Spain on an excursion to Salamanca, where sandstone buildings line the streets and church towers decorate the skyline.
Sanctuary of Our Lady Remedies
This beautiful church competes for your attention with the baroque 686 step staircase that leads to it, adorned with statues and hand painted azulejos.
Scenic Cruising
Slow down and enjoy the scenery gliding by from your veranda or from the sun deck as steep gorges give way to tiered rows of vines.
A Traditional Quinta Experience
Wine has been produced in the Douro Valley for some 2,000 years, with generations tending to their family run quintas. Visit one of these beautifully rustic vineyards to sample the wine and warm Portuguese hospitality.
The Port of Porto
From its cobblestone streets to red rooftops, Porto will cast a spell over you. Not to mention that the food here, along with the port wine for which it is known, is a little bit of magic.
Recent Reviews What our clients are saying about their river cruise journeys through Portugal
Explore More Your guide to travelling along the Douro
20 February, 2024
Visit Portugal: Highlights of Douro River CruisingThe Douro River runs through northern Portugal and into Spain, with river cruises typically sailing to and from Porto, with the option of city stays either side of the cruise. These stays often include time in either Lisbon, Madrid and even Barcelona. For guests embarking on a river cruise,...
07 August, 2018
River Cruising in PortugalThe 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...
