For a cruise brimming with culture, history, and a heavy dose of relaxation, look no further than the Douro River.
From outstanding vineyards to sample the region’s famous wine offerings to ambling through villages brimming with history, the Douro offers opportunities for adventure at a more relaxed pace.
Nestled between the Douro Valley in the Iberian Peninsula, this famous river winds through verdant green hillsides and traditional villages.
The Douro river begins its journey in northern central Spain, forming a section of the border between Spain and Portugal, before flowing westward to cut across northern Portugal. Travelling through that beautiful country, this river winds its way via the heart of the Douro Vally, a Douro vinhaterio. World-famous for its quality, this vinhaterio has been active for almost 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
Making its way to the Atlantic, the Douro empties at Porto, an unmissable city-stop for all ardent travellers.
Where is the Douro River?
Nestled between the Douro Valley in the Iberian Peninsula, this famous river winds through verdant green hillsides and traditional villages.
The Douro river begins its journey in northern central Spain, forming a section of the border between Spain and Portugal, before flowing westward to cut across northern Portugal. Travelling through that beautiful country, this river winds its way via the heart of the Douro Vally, a Douro vinhaterio. World-famous for its quality, this vinhaterio has been active for almost 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
Making its way to the Atlantic, the Douro empties at Porto, an unmissable city-stop for all ardent travellers.
When’s the best time to visit?
Consider the time of year before diving in headfirst.
The changing seasons not only dictate the weather but also determine cultural events that can be found along the journey. Whether you’re interested in experiencing the first bloom of spring or breathing in the summer sun, every month has something new for travellers to enjoy.
For cruising enthusiasts looking for something new to sink their teeth into, the Douro River is brimming with adventure, relaxation, and incredible sights along the way.
What are the best sights to see?
The Douro River itself is a beautiful combination of stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. And there’s an unmissable sight around every corner.
Here are some of our favourite points of sightseeing on the Douro and throughout Portugal:
- Pinhão This must-visit stop will keep many busy with fine wine, but make sure you stroll through the streets and enjoy its architectural beauty.
- Lamego Home to the sparkling wine Raposeira, Lamego is overlooked by the ancient Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Church.
- The Vale de Coa Archaeological Park Be transported back in time at this archaeological park boasting prehistoric rock art and Paleolithic sites sure to capture the attention of all.
- The Chafariz Dos Pretos Fountain Hidden in the picturesque town of Vega de Terrón near the Spanish border, this fountain invites you to slow down and take a moment to relax.
- Miranda Do Douro Fondly known as the Museum City, this enchanting corner of Portugal still has Romanesque and pre-Renaissance religious buildings intact.
- Castelo Rodrigo Do you dream of wandering through streets laden with history? Look no further than the hilltop fortress town of Castelo Rodrigo and get transported back in time.
Looking for more?
Well, for city lovers, there are no sightseeing destinations better on a Douro cruise than the world-famous Lisbon and Porto.
Porto
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto boasts views filled with red-bricked roofs, traditional houses, and historic churches. For the best view possible, go to the Sé Cathedral terrace or gardens of Jardim do Morro. Going on a Douro cruise means you’re likely a wine lover, so make your way over the river to Vila Nova de Gaia. These old port houses are the perfect way to lose the afternoon in a maze of warehouses.
Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital city, is brimming with exciting sights, from the incredible Manueline architecture to the Moorish-inspired Alfama District. Head to the nearby National Azulejo Museum for a masterclass on five centuries of hand-painted decorative ceramic tiles. For a journey through history, make sure to stop by São Jorge Castle, Carmo Convent, and Praca Do Comercio.
Which is the best Douro River cruise?
Now you know what the Douro River has in store for you, it’s time to talk cruise lines and what they offer.
Each company featured has an exciting Douro River cruise with something unique. So, no matter who you are or what you like, there’s a cruise line choice perfect for you on AG River Cruises.
A-Rosa
Douro Experience: Chasing the Sun
With Porto as the departure and arrival point for all A-Rosa Douro cruises, city explorers will surely enjoy what’s on offer. From Porto, travel through Regua, Pinhao, Barca d’Alva, and Vega Terron before winding back through Pinhao and Regua to experience Leverinho. This cruise is all about enjoying the beautiful weather against a backdrop of unparalleled Portuguese landscapes.
📅 Summer 2025
🌙 7-night cruise
🍴All Inclusive
🏷️ Prices from £1428.00pp
AmaWaterways
Enticing Douro: Wine Cruise
Cruising from Porto to Porto, this cruise from AmaWaterways is all about luxury and indulgence as passengers enjoy a tour of wine country. Make your way through the capital of the Douro Valley, Regua, and journey through Vega de Terron and Pinhao until you make your way back into Porto.
📅 Dates from now until 2026
🌙 7-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £3750.00pp
APTouring
Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid
Extend your Douro exploration with APT Guided Tours & River Cruises. With return flights from the UK included, start with 3 nights in Lisbon before boarding your ship for 7 nights of getting a taste of the history and culture on offer via Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d’Alva, and Vega de Terron.
📅 May 2025 – October 2025
🌙 7-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £6695.00pp
Avalon Waterways
Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
For luxury, history, and culinary exploration, hop on board Avalon Waterways‘ newest addition, the Avalon Alegria. Starting in Porto, travellers can opt for a foodie tour of the city before setting off on their Douro adventure through Regua, Pocinho, Barca d’Alva, and Leverinho before returning to Porto.
📅 Mar – Nov 2025
🌙 7-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £3160.00pp
Emerald Waterways
Madrid; Secrets of the Douro
Emerald Cruises is offering up a different Douro experience, one that starts in the incredible Spanish capital of Madrid. After spending time exploring the city, you’ll fly over to Porto to join your luxury ship on a journey through the Douro Valley, passing through Regua, Pinhao, Pocinho, Vega de Terron, and Salamanca.
📅 Apr – Jun, Aug – Sep 2025
🌙 9-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £3290.00pp
Riviera Travel
Gastronomy of the Douro
Are you a culinary lover? Do you love nothing more than getting stuck into cultural delicacies? Look no further than Riviera Travels’ gastronomic tour of the Douro. With stops in Regua, Salamanca, Lamego, and Porto, spend most of your time aboard enjoying the food grown and eaten along its banks.
📅 From April 2025
🌙 5-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £2299.00pp
Scenic
Unforgettable Douro
Scenic are offering an unparalleled touch of luxury aboard their opulent Scenic Azure ship. Guests benefit from their own butler, a selection of eateries to choose from, and the ability to tailor their experience. Travel through Porto, Regua, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, and Pinhao in unforgettable fashion.
📅 From April 2025 Onwards
🌙 10-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £3,695.00pp
Tauck
Douro Discovery: A Family River Cruise in Portugal plus Madrid
Have family to entertain? Then Taucks’ Douro Discovery is the cruise for you. With plenty of activities, from kayaking on the Douro to a bicycle tour through wine country, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy sights of Madrid, Vega de Terron, Pocinho, Pinhão, Regua, and Porto.
📅 June & July All Years
🌙 9-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £5030.00pp
TUI
Douro Discovery
Start your journey with TUI in Porto, then wind through the Douro Valley’s main sights, Entre-Os-Rios, Regua, Vega de Terron, Barca D’Alva, and then back to Porto. This quintessential tour of the Douro River is affordable and accessible so you can enjoy Portugal’s famous river, no matter your budget.
📅 May – Oct 2025
🌙 7-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £1879.00pp
UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises
Douro River Valley
Uniworld’s Douro River offering is different because of the cruise liner itself; it’s boutique. So you’ll see all the usual places along the river: Porto, Regua, Vega de Terron, Barca d’Alva, Pocinho, and Pinhao. You’ll do it aboard stunning ships offering the best dining, excursions, and experiences you can hope for.
📅 Apr – Nov 2025
🌙 8-night cruise
🍴All Inclusive
🏷️ Prices from £3,754.00pp
Viking River Cruises
Portugal’s River of Gold
Viking River Cruises’ Portugal exploration will take you through Lisbon, Porto, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d’Alva, and Salamanca before turning around and heading back the way you came. Viking cruises are tailor-made for travellers looking to enjoy a slower pace of life.
📅 Mar – Nov 2025-26
🌙 7-night cruise
🍴Full Board
🏷️ Prices from £3495.00pp
Create your own Douro River cruise experience today
There’s more to the Douro River than fine wine and painted tiles. From adventures in kayaks to history lessons at Palaeolithic sites, the Douro Valley region has so much to offer if you’re prepared to dive a little deeper.
Creating the perfect cruise is all about choosing an experience fit for your tastes. And at AG River Cruises, that’s what we do best.
Use our simple-to-use cruise search tool to explore all the Douro River cruises you can dream of, or let us do the hard work for you by calling 01892 578979.
