7-Day Douro Cruises
Picture boarding the Spirit of Chartwell at Gaia Pier, enjoying a welcome cocktail, then tasting Douro wines at a local winery in Pinhão. Portugal's luxury cruise delivers comfort. Explore the Douro Museum in Régua, watch a folklore show on Portuguese Night, and honestly, four days on this intimate vessel shows you the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards from the water. The Spirit of Chartwell keeps groups small and service impeccable.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Douro itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaDouro travel expert at TourRadar
6 Day Portugal & Spain Itinerary, incl. Porto and Salamanca
A 6-day river excursion stops at 10 destinations, featuring UNESCO-listed Porto, historic Salamanca, and Pinhão's wine region. Daily activities include tours of Mateus Palace gardens, cathedral visits, and traditional folk shows, while nights are spent aboard MS Gil Eanes.
- Day 1
Porto, Portugal
Board your ship in Porto at 5 PM. After settling into your cabin join the welcome cocktail with the crew. The optional "Porto by Night" excursion is worth considering. One traveler shared: "Loved seeing Porto all lit up at night from across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. The city's twinkling lights reflecting on the Douro were magical."
- Day 2
Porto to Regua
Start with a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Porto. Pick between the classic city tour or a tram ride through historic quarters. You'll get great photos of the famous Dom Luis I Bridge from the upper deck during the afternoon sail east. Watch the landscape transform as you enter the Douro Valley wine region.
- Day 3
Regua to Vega de Terron
Visit Mateus Palace and gardens in Vila Real early to avoid crowds. The afternoon cruise through the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards offers excellent photo spots near the Valeira and Pocinho dams. A recent guest noted: "The Douro is beautiful to sail through - the steep vineyard terraces and quintas are absolutely spectacular."
- Day 4
Vega de Terron and Salamanca
Spend a full day in Salamanca, Spain. You can tour the twin cathedrals and historic university or join a tapas tour for local food sampling. Visit Plaza Mayor between 4-5 PM when the sandstone buildings glow golden. Return to the ship for the gala dinner.
- Day 5
Senhora da Ribeira to Leverinho
Visit Pinhão in the morning, the center of port wine production. Stop at the beautiful blue-tiled train station for photos. Spend the afternoon on the sun deck watching vineyards pass by. In the evening enjoy traditional Portuguese music and dancing.
- Day 6
Leverinho to Porto
Take a final scenic morning cruise back to Porto. Get your camera ready for one last look at Porto's bridges. Disembarkation is at 9 AM. Book a late flight if you want more time in Porto.
DOURO EXPRESS, MS DOURO CRUISER: PORTO - PORTO (6 days)
This 6-day river cruise takes you through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley from Porto to Régua and Entre-os-Rios aboard the MS Douro Cruiser. You'll sail through the world's oldest demarcated wine region and visit traditional quintas for port wine tastings in Régua.
Porto Portugal
2 miVila Nova da Gaia Portugal
2 miPorto Portugal
2 miVila Nova da Gaia Portugal
43 miPeso da Regua Portugal
4 miLamego Portugal
15 miPinhao Portugal
21 miPocinho Portugal
18 miFigueira de Castelo Rodrigo Portugal
9 miBarca de Alva Portugal
70 miEntre-os-Rios Portugal
16 miVila Nova da Gaia Portugal
2 miPorto Portugal
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