Portugal River Cruises
Portugal is more than beaches and city life, and you can see it all as you cruise down the Douro. Wine fan? There are plenty of vineyards along the way, and Porto is famous for its port wine. Take in the beautiful village of Provesende with all its traditions, or listen to classical music in San Francisco Church. And it wouldn’t be Portugal without a visit to Lisbon and its famous pastries.
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Dirk • traveled in July
It was a great trip with beautiful views , good excursions and excellent meals . The locks in the river were especially impressive. And of course with highly motivated employees on board. We really enjoyed our holiday
Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon - SN
Selemeng • traveled in August
Amazing tour..well organised and run. Nothing was too much for the staff.
Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise) - C
Cristiano • traveled in July, 2025
I just returned from a 4-day trip aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, and it exceeded all my expectations. The ship is beautiful and elegant, the staff is warm and attentive, and the scenery along the Douro River is simply stunning. If you're thinking about visiting Portugal, this cruise is an amazing way to explore the region in style and comfort. Highly recommended!
Douro Luxury Cruise - Spirit of Chartwell (4 Days)
10 best river cruises through Portugal
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal travel expert at TourRadar
- Discover Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley (port-to-port cruise) (7 destinations)
- Delightful Douro
- Delightful Douro with Lisbon
- Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
- Cruising the Douro Valley
- Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro
- Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon
- Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
- Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Porto, 2026)
- Delightful Douro with Porto
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Coimbra, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Porto Antigo, Guimaraes, Porto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,444
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $4,681
17% Off- US$3,878You save $803
The Scenic Azure sails Portugal's waterways from Porto, showcasing Douro Valley vineyards and ancient ports. The itinerary includes Quinta Aveleda's gardens, terraced vineyard views near Pinhão, and special access to riverside palaces and monasteries.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Provesende, Pocinho, Lamego, Mateus Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,060
13% Off- US$5,257You save $803
Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The bikes were excellent and the daily rides were tremendous.”
Marilyn, traveled in October
A-ROSA ALVA winds through Portugal's wine country, showcasing UNESCO Douro Valley's steep terraces and historic quintas. The Porto-based route includes Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego's baroque monuments during seven nights in outside cabins.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Douro International Natural Park, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Almeida, Lamego Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Operator Terranova Touristik From
13% Off- US$4,431
The Douro Queen carries passengers through Portugal's wine region with modern comfort and panoramic views. Highlights include Porto's Gothic cathedral, Lamego's baroque sanctuary, and medieval Castelo Rodrigo. All-inclusive package offers unlimited drinks, 20 meals, and guided excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Caldas de Aregos, Pinhao, Mateus, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Lamego Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Just You From $4,645
9% Off- US$4,241You save $404
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $4,997
6% Off- US$4,705You save $291
Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was good and plentiful but not gourmet quality. Wines were surprisingly good and plentiful at meals.”
Suzanne, traveled in May
The Emerald Radiance combines Douro River cruising with waterfront excursions. Porto's illuminated evening cruise, kayaking in Pinhão, and medieval harbors highlight this 7-night adventure with expert maritime guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Lisbon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,680
53% Off- US$5,435You save $6,245
Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour..well organised and run. Nothing was too much for the staff.”
Selemeng, traveled in July
MS Miguel Torga, rated 4.8/5, sails Portugal's Douro River through Carrapatello Lock. The route includes historic quintas, Porto's famous wine cellars, French cuisine, and panoramic valley views from the sun deck.
Duration 6 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Senhora da Ribeira, Quinta da Ferradosa, Folgosa, Leverinho Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
53% Off- US$1,979
The S.S. São Gabriel provides premium riverview accommodations while sailing from Porto's historic port through the UNESCO Douro Valley. Traditional quintas and medieval villages dot the journey, complemented by onboard luxuries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Pocinho, Salamanca, Lamego, Braga, Lisbon Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $4,199
15% Off- US$3,569You save $630
Scenic Azure traverses Portugal's wine country, highlighting historic quintas and port lodges. The voyage features UNESCO-listed Porto, Douro Valley's terraced landscapes, and traditional villages like Provesende with local expertise.
Duration 10 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Amarante Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,270
47% Off- US$7,075You save $6,195
What our customers ask about Portugal River Cruises
What are the best months to take a Portugal River Cruise?
The Douro River cruise season peaks from April through October. Late spring and early fall (May and September) bring temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and fewer tourists. Porto and the Douro Valley can get hot in July and August with temperatures up to 35°C (95°F). Spring visitors will see almond trees blooming along the banks. One TourRadar traveler shared about their September cruise: "The weather was perfect for exploring the vineyards and historic towns not too hot but still sunny enough to enjoy the pool deck."
Which are the main ports and stops along Portugal's river cruise routes?
Douro River cruises typically depart from Porto then travel to Peso da Régua where port wine production thrives. Ships continue to Pinhão known for its decorated railway station then on to the Spanish border town of Barca d'Alva and into Salamanca Spain. Many routes stop at Lamego to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and Pocinho's rock art sites. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The stop in Pinhão was particularly memorable - the tile-adorned train station and surrounding vineyards were absolutely stunning while the local port wine tasting at Quinta do Tedo was exceptional."
What is typically included in Portugal river cruise fares?
Standard Douro River cruise packages cover your room meals with wine and beer at lunch and dinner guided tours and port fees. Higher-end operators like Uniworld and Scenic add extras such as tips unlimited drinks butler service and airport pickup. According to a TourRadar guest: "The all-inclusive nature of our Scenic cruise was excellent value - from premium drinks to specialized excursions like kayaking on the Douro and exclusive winery visits everything was covered."
How long are typical Portugal river cruise itineraries?
Douro River voyages usually last 7 to 11 days with 8-day round trips from Porto being the most common choice. Longer trips often add stays in Lisbon Madrid or both. Uniworld's 11-day "Portugal Spain & the Douro River Valley" tour spends 7 nights on the river and 3 nights in Lisbon. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Our 8-day cruise felt like the perfect length to explore the region without feeling rushed."
What is the dining experience like on Portugal river cruises?
The food served combines Portuguese and international dishes focusing on local favorites like bacalhau fresh seafood and regional wines. Vessels such as the S.S. São Gabriel offer several dining options from main restaurants to outdoor seating and wine-focused meals. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food exceeded our expectations - fresh local ingredients excellent Portuguese wines and the special dinner at Quinta da Pacheca was a highlight."
How does the size of ships on the Douro River compare to other European rivers?
Douro River vessels run smaller than their Rhine or Danube counterparts. While major European rivers host ships with 150-200 guests Douro ships usually carry 100-120 passengers. The Scenic Azure takes just 96 travelers and the S.S. São Gabriel holds 100. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The intimate size of our ship with only 96 passengers made for a more personal experience - we got to know both crew and fellow travelers making the journey even more special."