Why take a river cruise on the Douro?
Embarking on a cruise in the Douro Valley is a comfortable and ideal experience for discovering this emblematic river, where each region conceals treasures to be explored. Explore unforgettable destinations along the river in a few days, from the terraced vineyards of Portugal to the picturesque villages on the edge of Spain. Be seduced by the famous wine cellars and medieval villages of Portugal and Spain on this river trip. Soak up the wild and unspoiled nature of the Douro Valley, where every moment reveals a new charm to discover. This river trip offers an immersive sailing experience to discover Portugal's cultural and historical heritage.
What do our Douro river cruises involve?
How our Douro cruises work
Our Douro cruises offer an all-inclusive travel experience, allowing you to discover the many remarkable sites of this emblematic river in an exceptional way. The idea is to book one or more cabins on board a boat with a dedicated crew looking after your well-being. You will share the ship with other travelers while enjoying your own private and comfortable space. If you wish, it is even possible to privatize an entire boat with its dedicated crew. Several options are available, allowing you to find the river cruise that suits you best, with durations ranging from 6 to 8 days and various prices, ranging from USD1,920 to USD4,940 for two people.
What boats are available for a river cruise on the Douro?
For a river cruise on the Douro, we offer river boats on a human scale, offering an intimate and comfortable experience on the river. Our boats have generous communal living spaces, both inside and out. Inside, you will find an elegant restaurant and a lounge bar, ideal for relaxing and socializing, with a dance floor for lively evenings. You can also enjoy the outdoor sun deck, an enchanting place to soak up the spectacular scenery hauled in alongside the Douro Valley. The cabins of our river boats are equipped with large panoramic windows, offering breathtaking views of the vineyards and picturesque villages along the river.
What activities are available on a river cruise on the Douro?
During your full-board cruise, daily stopovers in cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Regua, Pinhão and Salamanca are scheduled. They are all detailed in the cruise package. Between two stops, meals are provided, followed by a few hours of navigation to regain strength and let yourself be lulled by the water.
The visits are detailed in the cruise programs, so you can choose your cruise on the Douro based on the planned stops.
How much does a cruise on the Douro on a river boat cost?
The cost of a cruise in the Douro Valley for two people can vary depending on various factors such as the choice of river boat, the booking period and the cabin category chosen. Here is a dead reckoning of the prices for an eight-day sailing itinerary on the Douro, including unmissable stops in Porto, Regua, Pinhão and other towns.
| From May to September | March and April | October and November | |
| Main deck | 3,600 USD | 3,500 USD | 3,150 USD |
| Middle deck | 4,080 USD | 3,800 USD | 3,600 USD |
| Upper deck | 4,250 USD | 4,000 USD | 3,800 USD |
| Suite - Upper deck | 4,900 USD | 4,450 USD | 4,250 USD |
- The price includes: The price includes unlimited tea and coffee, mineral water, entertainment on board, assistance from the entertainment team, welcome cocktail, gala evening, assistance/repatriation insurance, port taxes and meals (lunch and dinner) included in the program.
- The price does not include: The price does not include other drinks, cancellation/baggage insurance, transfers, personal expenses, activities not included, meals not included in the program, optional services, flights not included (upon request), and activities and excursions upon request.
What are the must-sees to discover during a cruise on the Douro?
- Porto: This city is a must-see destination, renowned for its picturesque beauty and rich heritage. Explore the historic Ribeira district, admire the Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro, and discover the art of Port wine tasting in the cellars along the river.
- Regua: Located in the heart of the Douro wine region, Regua offers an authentic experience of Portuguese wine culture. Visit the Douro Museum to learn more about the region's wine history and enjoy the panoramic views from the Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura.
- Pinhão: Charming and picturesque, the town of Pinhão is famous for its magnificent azulejos at the station and its peaceful atmosphere on the side of the Douro. Explore the surrounding vineyards on visits to wine estates and soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic town in the heart of the wine region.
- Salamanca: A lively universitycity in Spain, renowned for its Plaza Mayor and historic architecture. Explore the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover Spain's rich culture and gastronomy.
When to go on a cruise on the Douro?
The best time for a cruise on the Douro is generally between May and September, when the temperatures are warm and the days are sunny. During these months, you can fully enjoy the magnificent landscapes and outdoor activities along the river. However, spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for a more peaceful visit.
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 6° | 7° | 8° | 9° | 12° | 14° | 15° | 15° | 14° | 12° | 9° | 7° |
| Air max (°C) | 14° | 15° | 18° | 18° | 20°C | 23° | 25° | 25° | 23° | 21° | 17° | 15° |
Practical information for your cruise on the Douro:
- Most of our cruises depart from the city of Porto, but we also offer tours that begin with a visit to Lisbon.
- Only some of our cruises in the Douro valley extend to Spain.
- Don't forget to bring cash to pay for expenses not included in the cruise price, such as drinks, meals not included in the program and personal expenses.
- Also make sure you book any additional activities and services not included in the program, such as optional excursions and flights, either yourself or through your advisor.
- If you wish, consider taking out cancellation/baggage insurance for extra peace of mind.
How do I book a cruise on the Douro?
To book your cruise on the Douro, you can submit a booking request directly on our website. After receiving your request, an advisor will contact you by phone to discuss your plans (duration, budget and activities). You will then receive cruise suggestions tailored to your preferences by e-mail. Once you have chosen your cruise, you can pay a deposit via your customer area to confirm the booking.