Douro River Itineraries

Common Douro River cruise length:

Cruises down the Douro River generally are a week-long or up to 14-days long.

Cruising down the Douro River, which translates to the “river of gold,” expect to be treated to views of vineyards and quintas, known as wine-estates, cutting into steep terraces draping the hills that dramatically fall along the water’s edge and tranquil fishing villages.

Expect to drink a lot of good wine created from grapes grown on 2,000 year-old-vines and dine on unbelievably good food. The cruises often focus on Port, Portugal’s signature wine, and other red wines produced in the region that are starting to get on wine enthusiasts’ radar and traditional and modern Portuguese food.

Travelers interested in history and architecture can expect to tour the sites and adventurers will love trekking through Portugal’s natural beauty. Urban dwellers will marvel at Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, and Porto, two of Portugal’s best-known cities as well as smaller lesser-known towns along the river.

A Weeklong  Douro River Cruise – First Time Visit (6 – 8 Days)

Sailing away from Portugal’s urban centers, expect to see the Douro Valley, Portugal’s wild west, stretch out before you with captivating views of the natural landscape and dramatic gorges to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven of which are located mostly along the river, historical palaces, and the Douro International Natural Park located along the river and in the valley.

Day 1 – 2: Porto – Regua – Pinhao

Day 3: Douro Valley and Wine Region - Coimbra, Tomar and Praia D’El Rey or 

Day 4: Óbidos & Évora

Day 5 – 6: Guimaraes - Braga – Porto

Day 7 – 8: Cascais – Lisbon – Sintra

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Two Weeklong Douro River Cruise – Spain and Portugal (9 – 14 Days)

Sail across borders to experience Portugal and Spain – two different and unique cultures – and sail back through a time warp visiting fishing villages and towns that have been virtually unchanged for centuries.

Take in the natural views of vineyards perfectly symmetrical cutting into the terraced slopes to the water and protected land and wildlife along the river as you sail through Douro International Natural Park.

Explore medieval historic towns and picturesque cities, such as Porto, and Portugal and Spain’s capital cities Lisbon and Madrid, respectively. Enjoy wines and cuisine from the sea in Portugal and the land in Spain.

Day 1 – 3: Lisbon – Sintra - Óbidos

Day 4 – 5:  Lisbon - Porto – Bitetos - Guimarães

Day 6: Porto - Régua - Barca D’alva – Amarante– Pinhão

Day 7 - 9: Régua – Pinhão - Lamego or Salamanca, Spain

Day 10 - 14: Porto or Madrid or Lisbon

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