7-Day Douro Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Douro itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaDouro travel expert at TourRadar

• 4 Days in Douro Valley, incl. Porto and Pinhão

  4-day Douro journey from Vila Nova da Gaia to Porto aboard the Spirit of Chartwell. Visit Régua's Douro Museum, dine at Pinhão wineries, and explore historic Lamego while enjoying luxury accommodations and gourmet regional cuisine.

  

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  • Day 1

    Porto to Entre-os-Rios

    Board the ship at Gaia Pier across from Porto's historic center. Plan to arrive by 3:30 PM before the 4 PM embarkation time. A taxi from Porto Airport takes about 25 minutes and costs around $30. The ship sets sail at 6 PM toward Entre-os-Rios, passing under Porto's iconic iron bridges. Bring a light jacket for evening deck time since the river breeze stays cool even during summer months.

    
  • Day 2

    Entre-os-Rios to Pinhão

    The journey continues at 8 AM toward Régua through prime port wine territory. Your morning includes a cooking demonstration featuring local specialties like bacalhau and olive oil. In Régua you'll visit the Douro Museum. The walk from the dock takes about 10 minutes uphill, so wear good walking shoes. After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour cruise to Pinhão, the central point of the Douro wine region. Your evening includes dinner at a local quinta about 10 minutes from the dock.

    
  • Day 3

    Pinhão to Porto via Lamego

    Leave Pinhão at 7 AM for Régua, then take an excursion to historic Lamego. The town's sanctuary sits at the top of 686 steps but don't worry about climbing them. The tour bus drives you to the top. Return to the ship for lunch while cruising back to Porto, arriving at Cais da Ribeira in late afternoon. The final dinner includes traditional Portuguese entertainment. Ask for a window table to see Porto's evening lights.

    
  • Day 4

    Porto Departure

    Enjoy breakfast until 10 AM with departure by 10:30 AM. If you're staying longer in Porto, look for hotels in the Ribeira district. You'll be close to port wine cellars and excellent riverside restaurants, with easy access from the ship's central docking location.

    

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• DUERO EXPRESS, MS DOURO CRUISER: PORTO - PORTO (6 days)

  This 6-day river cruise visits 3 destinations along the Douro River, with full board dining, daily live music, and a panoramic tour of Porto's old town and port wine cellars included. The ship sails through the wine capital of Régua with included quinta visits, then passes through the confluence at Entre-os-Rios. Your cabin aboard the 130-passenger MS Douro Cruiser offers views of terraced vineyards along the way.

  

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  • Porto Portugal

    18 mi

  • Entre-os-Rios Portugal

    26 mi

  • Peso da Regua Portugal

    43 mi

  • Porto Portugal

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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