Portugal Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Portugal Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

399 Portugal trips. Tours from 113 tour companies. 992 reviews. 4.4/5 avg rating.

44 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
Treasures of Spain and Portugal (Barcelona)
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Seville: Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of the Morillo family. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.
  • Porto: Savour the flavours of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
  • Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
  • Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
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Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Porto

Highlights

  • CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Cruise through the Douro Valley to the Spanish border Original back-to-back cruises to discover Portugal and Spain THE MUST-SEE SITES: Salamanca and its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe Vila Real and the Mateus Palace gardens EVERYTHING INCLUDED ON BOARD

Themes

50 plus, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Family Friendly, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Summary over a cruise on the Haute Seine and Yonne on a barge. As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack. A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers. We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change. Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship. We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time. There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page. The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable. Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments: ~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise ~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers ~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather ~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning ~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling ~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do ~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note."

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Great Iberian Cities
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Highlights of Spain and Portugal (Winter)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Treasures of Spain and Portugal (Madrid)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Seville: Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of the Morillo family. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.
  • Porto: Savour the flavours of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
  • Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
  • Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Days of Devotion
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By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

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Highlights of Spain and Portugal (Summer)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Spain Morocco and Portugal (Base)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I thought all was very good except disappointed in Paris tour. Moulin Rouge excellent but city tour could have been shown more and closer up to landmarks."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
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Portugal Reviews & Ratings

4.4/5  Great
992  Reviews
See all Portugal tour reviews
Excellent
445
Great
254
Average
51
Disappointing
22
Terrible
6
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Portugal

Although described as a fast paced tour(which it was), it was a good introduction to visiting Portugal with many highlights as well as vising some lesser known par...

R

Raymond Rivero

Oct 2022

Written on

Best of Portugal Small Group

Already did in my comments!!

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Family Active Portugal

A great trip, we loved Portugal! Porto is an absolute gem. The hotels were great (final one a bit more average). Walking tour in Porto was fab. Don't expect to lose ...

P

Paul

Aug 2023

Written on

Family Active Portugal

Accommodation options were very limited and hotels were noisy. Itinerary not really suited for kids as spent three consecutive days on long hot walks interspersed wi...

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Portugal Tour Selection Trips

  • Spanish and Portuguese are two very different languages. They may sound similar at first, but the majority of Portuguese people do not understand Spanish, and English is not commonly spoken.
  • Portugal is quite small and tour itineraries often also include nearby Spain and Morocco
  • Portuguese food is heavy in seafood! Get ready for some of the best fish, octopus, and other delights from the sea you’ve ever tasted. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to let your tour operator know far enough in advance.

Additional details

Tours in Portugal cover a very wide range of activity levels and interests. If you want to explore Portugal only, there are a few tours that focus on the country only however the majority of Portugal tours will also visit Spain, and sometimes Morocco. Portugal is also a popular port of call for small ship cruises to Europe.

Who will enjoy traveling in Portugal?

Portugal is great for travelers who are interested in a less visited European country. With its Mediterranean vibes combined with ancient history Portugal presents a unique travel opportunity while still remaining within the realms of comfortable travel.

For those who might be looking to stretch their comfort zone, you could consider a tour that also visits Portugal’s nearby neighbor, Morocco - a country with whom it shares much history.

Wine lovers as well should definitely consider a trip to Portugal, where the wine regions are still rugged and salt of the earth. You’ll encounter many different kinds of wine, but the major draw in portugal is the Port.

What is the weather like in Portugal?

Portugal is a small country, half of which is bordered with North Atlantic sea coastline to the west and south. The climate is largely Mediterranean and you can expect several microclimates throughout your journey. So definitely bring layers no matter what time of year you choose to tour Portugal.

The weather in Portugal is fairly mild, with the warmest months in the summer reaching around 80 degrees F, and the coolest months in the winter reaching the low 60s, with light to moderate rainfall.

What is the best time to visit Portugal?

While Portugal is a welcoming country for tourists pretty much year round, there are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit. Summertime is the peak season, and you can expect much higher crowds and prices while traveling around the country.

In June, there are major festivals held in Lisbon and Porto. Though they have religious roots, the festivals can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a good time with lots of live music and delicious traditional foods. If meeting locals, visiting small towns, and getting an authentic sense of local community, you should definitely try and attend the June festivals in Portugal.

What to wear in Portugal

Fashion in Portugal is causal - you’ll fit in just fine with jeans pretty much anywhere. Pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Most cities in Portugal are set up for walking - though they aren’t always flat! The 25 de Abril Bridge is not the only similarity Portugal has to San Francisco - you will experience some hills while walking around.

Sun hats, sunglasses, and light breathable clothing is recommended for the summertime. In winter, you will probably experience some rain so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket.

Even though the weather is toasty in summertime, be sure to bring a pair of long pants and shoulder covering scarf or top for when you visit churches and cathedrals.


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