Douro River
Portugal’s “River of Gold” the Douro meanders it’s way almost 850 kms from Porto, through to it’s source near Duruelo de la Sierra in Soria, Spain
Highlights on the Douro River
Portugal's River of Gold has many delightful surprises and continues to be the fastest booking river cruise each season
Porto
You could not wish for a better place to start your Douro River Cruise. Porto is picture postcard perfect and is a fantastic place for a pre-cruise exploration. Sample the Pastel de Nata, taste the port wines or sherries and get ready for your Douro Experience
Régua
Visit the Palacio de Mateus with its amazing gardens & ornate interiors, explore Lamego's sanctuary and take the Holy Staircase Hike. Make sure to visit a Quinta to taste the local flavours
Pinhão
Your opportunity for a vineyard visit to see centuries old winemaking traditions at one of the Douro Valley's famous terraced vineyards
Salamanca, Spain
Don't miss the excursion to Salamanca with its sunlit squares, sandstone streets and historic buildings, it is like stepping back in time
Vega de Terron, Spain
Enjoy the spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views from the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo with its centuries old streets, it is also an opportunity to sample more local tastes and flavours
When is the Best Time to Cruise the Douro?
We Love September to early October (Best time overall): Warm days, beautiful golden vineyards, and the excitement of the grape harvest in the Douro Valley. Many wineries are active with the wine-making process, making this the most atmospheric time to visit.
April–May (Best for wildflowers and mild weather): The hillsides are lush and green and the vineyards are coming to life!
June–August (Best for guaranteed sunshine): Expect hot, dry weather. The scenery is stunning, but afternoons can be very warm, and cruises tend to be busiest
Why Do Douro River cruises Book out so Early?
The Douro river glides gracefully through the Douro valley, but there are tight bends to navigate and also smaller locks. This means that the Douro river ships need to be shorter and therefore carry less passengers. This means you have to book early to get your preferred dates.
Did you know, the Douro is also one of the only rivers that has no night sailing, so all your cruising on the river will be during daylight hours
Which are the best Douro River cruise-lines?
Portugal's River of Gold, The Douro is one of our favourite European waterways with all the major cruise lines offering cruises in this region. AmaWaterways is celebrated for its award-winning dining, immersive shore excursions, and active travel experiences. Scenic Luxury Cruises sets the benchmark for all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruising, featuring elegant Space-Ships, butler service, premium beverages, and exclusive Salt Therapy Lounges. Emerald Cruises combines contemporary design with exceptional value, making river cruising more accessible. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are famous for their lavish floating boutique hotels, individually designed interiors, and personalised service. Viking River Cruises are Adults Only and offer sleek Scandinavian inspired Longships that emphasize cultural enrichment, destination-focused itineraries, and enriching onboard experiences.
Find Your Perfect Douro River Cruise
Explore our full range of Douro River cruises. Filter by cruise line, departure date, cruise duration and more to find the holiday that's right for you. Talk to our cruise specialists for personal assistance with your river cruise plans.