River Cruises from Lisbon

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Lisbon

• What route do river cruises take after leaving Lisbon?

  Your journey starts in Lisbon and heads north to Porto, with a stop in the university town of Coimbra. Once you reach Porto, your ship will cruise up the Douro River, visiting charming towns like Régua, Pinhão, and Vega de Terrón near the Spanish border. You'll get to explore Lamego's beautiful cathedral, taste wines at local vineyards, and take a day trip to Salamanca in Spain. One traveler who took a Viking cruise told us, "The journey from Lisbon to Porto gave us a perfect mix of coastal and river scenery, with each stop more beautiful than the last."

• How long do river cruises from Lisbon usually last?

  Most trips run between 11 and 14 days. You'll spend about 3 nights in Lisbon before cruising the Douro River for 7-10 nights. Scenic and Emerald offer longer 14-day trips, while Travel Marvel has an 11-day option. In Lisbon, you'll likely stay at either the Hotel Mundial or InterContinental before boarding your ship.

• What's the weather like on Lisbon river cruises?

  Lisbon stays pretty mild all year, with temperatures from 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C). Once you get to the Douro Valley, it gets warmer, especially in summer when it can hit 95°F (35°C). Many travelers find spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) ideal, with nice temperatures and little rain. As one traveler on an APT cruise told us: "We went in September and had perfect weather - warm enough for the deck but cool enough for excursions."

• What will I see during my time in Lisbon?

  Your time in Lisbon includes visits to the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle, and the Monument to the Discoveries. You'll take guided walks through the city's oldest neighborhoods, Baixa and Chiado. Many travelers really enjoy the side trip to Sintra to see the colorful Pena Palace. The walking tours through Lisbon's historic areas are often mentioned as trip highlights.

• When should I book my Lisbon river cruise?

  Try to book 8-12 months before you want to travel, especially if you're planning to go during busy season (April-October). September and October are particularly popular because of the grape harvest in the Douro Valley. One traveler who went with Emerald Cruises shared this advice: "We booked 10 months ahead and were glad we did, as our preferred cabin category and dates were already filling up quickly."

• Which stops along the Douro River are most interesting?

  After Porto, you'll visit Régua, famous for its port wine, and Pinhão with its hillside vineyards. The cruise continues to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border and Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village along the river. Travelers especially love visiting the fancy Mateus Palace, exploring the old village of Castelo Rodrigo, and spending time in Salamanca, Spain, known for its golden-colored buildings.