Portugal and Spain River Cruises
Lisbon begs for your presence, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore Seville, the birthplace of Flamenco, where dancers stomp and twirl. Visit Tangier's historic Kasbah, where African and European cultures mix. Explore ancient Roman ruins in Cartagena on the coast, and immerse yourself in Barcelona, where you can see Gaudí's amazing buildings and experience the city's lively culture.
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Marilyn • traveled in October, 2025
The bikes were excellent and the guides were even better. We appreciated the attention to safety and catering to the group needs. The daily rides were tremendous.
Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage - S
steven • traveled in October, 2025
Our overall impression of Douro Experience 2025 (or first experience of a River Cruise vacation) was excellent, however there are some improvements we believe are needed... TourRadar staff were always timely in responding to questions! On the plus side, all ships staff (from Cruise Director on down) were consistently courteous and helpful in every respect and every regard! During the booking phase, we found interaction between TourRadar website and punch-out to A-Rosa website was problematic at times (duplicated excursion bookings in particular, as well as incorrect information transfer to/from ships manifest). Tour is advertised as offered in German AND English and although signage and menus were translated equally, lounge cultural presentations and guide narratives were definitely strongly slanted to German (based on length of presentations, English was experienced to be clearly second tier). Furthermore, the English translation of food buffet items from German was on a second (and almost unreadable smaller font ) second line. Food was consistently well prepared and inviting, however there are definite improvements needed we observed as experienced with regard to my wife's "gluten sensitivity" dietary constraints - yes there is a gluten free bread offering readily available but no gluten free "pastry" offerings (identified as such)? Although the main entree offerings are clearly identified as to all contained allergens, none of the "salad bar", appetizer, or desert offerings are similarly identified!? We greatly appreciated our Dining Room Stewardess (Ms. Anna's) diligence in running back and forth to the kitchen to ascertain (and advise) which items would be acceptable to a gluten restricted dietary regimen. Embarkation (and disembarkation) procedures were well planned and worked smoothly! Again, overall a wonderful experience, with some need for improvements....
Douro Experience 2026 - M
Michael • traveled in August, 2025
We enjoyed our journey in the Duoro Cruiser. Our room was great, the service good and the food was excellent. Our only disappointment was the destinations we docked at for the night were very small towns with limited entertainment. If you weren’t doing an excursion you were stuck. I wouldn’t get a drinks package unless you are a heavy drinker.
Gems of the Douro (Porto to Porto Cruise)
10 best river cruises through Portugal and Spain
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal and Spain travel expert at TourRadar
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The Emerald Sakara sails from Spain to Portugal, crossing the Balearic Islands and ascending the Guadalquivir River. Highlights include Cartagena's Roman ruins, Seville's flamenco districts, and Portimão's historic center across 10 nights of luxury sailing.
Duration 11 days Destinations Spain, Morocco, Portugal Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $52,390
54% Off- US$24,195You save $28,195
The Emerald Sakara glides from Portugal's capital along Spain's southern coast. The ship traverses the Guadalquivir River to Seville, showcasing Cartagena's Roman port and the Balearic Islands. Luxury accommodations complement visits to 10 ports across two countries.
Duration 11 days Destinations Portugal, Spain, Morocco Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $23,190
50% Off- US$11,595You save $11,595
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
The A-ROSA ALVA connects Portugal and Spain, weaving through Douro Valley's UNESCO landscapes. This eight-day route features Porto's historic sites, medieval fortresses, and traditional Port wine tastings, with comfortable outside cabin accommodation.
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
50% Off- US$4,396
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The S.S. São Gabriel winds through the Iberian Peninsula from Porto to Vega Terrón. The route showcases dramatic landscapes, Salamanca's golden architecture and Portuguese quintas, while offering luxury accommodations and regional cuisine.
Duration 11 days Destinations France, Portugal, Spain Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $5,999
30% Off- US$4,199You save $1,800
Duration 6 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Pocinho, Vega de Terron Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $1,326
30% Off- US$928You save $398
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Pocinho, Pinhao Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,761
25% Off- US$5,086You save $1,674
The Scenic Azure bridges Portugal and Spain, featuring Porto's UNESCO sites and Salamanca's golden city. Visits include Cockburn's Port cellars, São Francisco Church, and the terraced Douro Valley, showcasing both countries' rich wine heritage.
Duration 13 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, Pinhao, Amarante Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $17,035
48% Off- US$8,940You save $8,095
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
The MS Miguel Torga sails the Portugal-Spain border through Europe's highest lock at Carrapatello. Highlights include Porto's historic cellars, Salamanca's golden cathedral, and traditional quintas, complemented by French cuisine and regional wines.
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
48% Off- US$1,979
The S.S. São Gabriel connects Portugal and Spain, showcasing Porto's historic waterfront, UNESCO Douro Valley, and Salamanca's golden architecture. Private Port tastings, traditional quinta visits, and local cultural performances enhance the voyage.
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
From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise) - VASCO DE GAMA
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The MS Vasco da Gama charts a course from Porto to Salamanca, connecting historic ports throughout Portugal and Spain. Traditional performances and regional wine tastings enhance the river voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Pinhao, Lamego, Guimaraes Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
15% Off- US$1,639
What our customers ask about Portugal and Spain River Cruises
What are the best months to take a Portugal and Spain river cruise?
River cruises in Portugal and Spain operate from April to October with the busiest season falling in July and August. Summer temperatures in the Douro Valley range from 75-85°F (24-29°C) making it ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore vineyard tours at Quinta do Tedo or join kayaking trips near Pinhão. One TourRadar traveler noted about their summer cruise: "The weather was perfect for exploring the terraced vineyards and enjoying sunset drinks on deck while sailing through the stunning Douro Valley."
What are the typical cabin options available on Portugal and Spain river cruise ships?
Modern river cruise vessels offer accommodations to match different budgets. The Avalon Alegria features 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites which are 30% larger than standard rooms at 200 square feet with wall-to-wall windows. The MS Estrela provides outside cabins with river views while the A-ROSA ALVA has five room types from 12m² Standard Staterooms to 29m² Suites. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our Panorama Suite on the Emerald Radiance was incredibly spacious with amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows - it felt like a floating luxury hotel room."
How long are typical Portugal and Spain river cruises and what are the main ports?
Cruises typically last 7-14 days starting from Porto. Ships stop at key locations including Peso da Régua Pinhão Vega de Terron (gateway to Salamanca) and Barca d'Alva. Some itineraries add stays in Lisbon Madrid or Barcelona. The MS Estrela runs week-long trips while the Emerald Radiance offers extended 11-14 day journeys. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Our 11-day cruise from Porto included perfect amounts of time in each port with highlights being two days in Porto and a full day excursion to Salamanca."
What is the dining experience like on Portugal and Spain river cruises?
Each vessel presents local Portuguese and Spanish dishes using regional ingredients. The Avalon Alegria offers multiple dining venues: the main Panorama Dining Room casual Panorama Bistro and outdoor Sky Grill. Guests start their day with breakfast buffets followed by multi-course lunches and dinners paired with local wines from the Douro Valley. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The food was exceptional - we enjoyed fresh seafood from Porto traditional Portuguese dishes and wonderful local wines with every dinner while cruising through the vineyards where they were produced."
What kind of cultural experiences are available on Portugal and Spain river cruises?
Local culture takes center stage on these river journeys. Programs include Portuguese cooking classes port wine mixology sessions at places like Cockburn's in Porto and Fado performances at São Francisco Church. Guests can try azulejo tile painting visit olive oil producers in the Douro Valley or explore UNESCO sites like Salamanca University. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The cultural immersion was incredible - from Fado music nights to port wine tastings and visits to centuries-old quintas we really experienced the heart of Portuguese culture."
What unique wine experiences are available on Portugal and Spain river cruises?
The historic Douro Valley wine region delivers rich experiences for wine enthusiasts. Trips often include stops at renowned Porto cellars like Taylor's and Graham's tastings at family estates such as Quinta da Aveleda and wine education programs. Special activities range from blending workshops at Quinta de Pacheca to tours of traditional wineries in Pinhão. A TourRadar traveler recalled: "The wine experiences were outstanding - from exclusive tastings at historic port houses to meeting quinta owners and learning about centuries-old wine-making traditions in the Douro Valley."