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
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.
6 Day Portugal & Spain Itinerary, incl. Porto and Salamanca
A magnificent 6-day river cruise takes you to 10 destinations including Porto, Salamanca, and Peso da Régua. Highlights feature UNESCO site tours, World of Discoveries museum, and Mateus Palace gardens. Scenic Douro Valley cruising past terraced vineyards and through impressive locks complements daily excursions.
- Day 1
Porto, Portugal
Board in Porto at 5 PM. The evening city tour showcases Porto's UNESCO sites lit up at night, including the beautiful Sao Bento train station with its illuminated azulejo tiles. If possible, come a few hours early to walk around the riverside Ribeira district before boarding.
- Day 2
Porto to Régua
Your morning choices in Porto include touring Bolsa Palace and tasting port wine at a historic cellar or visiting the World of Discoveries museum, which kids love for its interactive exhibits and boat ride. As you cruise through the Douro Valley in the afternoon, you'll see terraced vineyards and go through Europe's highest lock at Carrapatello. It's quite a sight, so keep your camera handy. You'll reach Régua by evening.
- Day 3
Régua to Vega de Terron
Visit Vila Real's baroque Mateus Palace gardens first thing. The grounds look beautiful in morning light and you'll beat the heat. The afternoon cruise takes you through prime port wine country. Look for traditional rabelo boats that historically carried wine barrels. You'll cross into Spain through two locks and arrive in Vega de Terron for the night.
- Day 4
Salamanca Day Trip
Spend the day in Salamanca, known as Spain's golden city. The 12th-century university buildings look spectacular in afternoon light. Families can choose to visit the Aldehuela sports complex with its pools and slides. Just remember swimwear and sunscreen. You'll return to Senhora da Ribeira for more Douro cruising and the gala dinner. Wear smart casual clothes for dinner.
- Day 5
Port Wine Route
Take a morning trip along the Port Wine Route to see historic quintas. Stop at Pinhão's train station to admire its azulejo panels showing wine harvests. Cruise to Leverinho in the afternoon. Get to the sun deck early for the best valley views but bring sun protection.
- Day 6
Return to Porto
Have breakfast before getting off in Porto at 9 AM. Book a late afternoon flight if you want time for last-minute port wine shopping across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Douro 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
DOURO EXPRESS, MS DOURO CRUISER: PORTO - PORTO (6 days)
Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
Wonders of Northern Portugal - 7 days
Grand Douro Cruise - 7 days
5 Day Porto Including Aveiro, Costa Nova, Douro Valley Cruise, Braga & Guimaraes
Porto and the Douro Valley (port-to-port cruise) - Miguel Torga (5 destinations)
Porto & Douro Cruise - 6 days
Porto & Douro Valley - 5 days
Douro Discovery Cruise - 4 days
