Portugal and Spain River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Portugal and Spain
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal and Spain travel expert at TourRadar
- Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
- Pearls of Southern Spain & Portugal 2026 - 11 Days (from Lisbon to Barcelona)
- Pearls of Southern Spain & Portugal 2026 - 11 Days (from Barcelona to Lisbon)
- Lisbon with Douro Discovery Lisbon → Porto (2025)
- Lisbon with Douro Discovery Lisbon to Porto (2025)
- Portugal's River of Gold
- Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
- Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid Lisbon → Madrid (2025)
- Douro Discovery Porto → Porto (2025)
- Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The S.S. São Gabriel winds through the Iberian Peninsula from Porto to Vega Terrón. The route showcases dramatic landscapes, Salamanca's golden architecture and Portuguese quintas, while offering luxury accommodations and regional cuisine.
Duration 11 days Destinations France, Portugal, Spain Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $10,399
10% Off- NZ$9,359You save $1,039
The Emerald Sakara glides from Portugal's capital along Spain's southern coast. The ship traverses the Guadalquivir River to Seville, showcasing Cartagena's Roman port and the Balearic Islands. Luxury accommodations complement visits to 10 ports across two countries.
Duration 11 days Destinations Portugal, Spain, Morocco Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $37,746
50% Off- NZ$18,873You save $18,873
The Emerald Sakara sails from Spain to Portugal, crossing the Balearic Islands and ascending the Guadalquivir River. Highlights include Cartagena's Roman ruins, Seville's flamenco districts, and Portimão's historic center across 10 nights of luxury sailing.
Duration 11 days Destinations Spain, Morocco, Portugal Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $27,799
50% Off- NZ$13,900You save $13,899
The scenic voyage between Portugal and Spain's finest river ports aboard MS Estrela reveals Lisbon's historic center and Porto's wine lodges. Spanish flamenco in Salamanca and Portuguese wine tasting in Régua's traditional quintas await.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Lamego, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca de Alva, Mateus, Entre-os-Rios, Porto Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
50% Off- NZ$7,730
MS Estrela meanders through Portugal and Spain's riverside gems. Salamanca's plaza, terraced vineyards, and Porto's wine cellars beckon, while traditional Portuguese barbecue dinners and folk music create memorable evenings.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Vila Nova da Gaia, Peso da Regua, Lamego, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca de Alva, Mateus, Entre-os-RiosSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
50% Off- NZ$7,730+$765 upfront costs
Viking ships sail from Porto to Vega de Terrón along the Iberian Peninsula. Historic wineries like Graham's 1890 Lodge, UNESCO sites, and traditional cuisine highlight both countries while navigating through impressive locks.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto, Peso da Regua, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Pinhao Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $8,622
30% Off- NZ$6,034You save $2,588
The A-ROSA ALVA connects Portugal and Spain, weaving through Douro Valley's UNESCO landscapes. This eight-day route features Porto's historic sites, medieval fortresses, and traditional Port wine tastings, with comfortable outside cabin accommodation.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Douro International Natural Park, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Almeida, Lamego Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Terranova Touristik From
30% Off- NZ$6,860
MS Estrela connects Portugal and Spain's highlights, from Porto's wine lodges to Salamanca's historic center. Traditional Fado at Palácio da Bolsa, tours of Quinta da Pacheca vineyard, and Madrid's Royal Palace offer diverse experiences.
Duration 14 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Madrid Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
30% Off- NZ$12,015
MS Estrela bridges Portugal and Spain's Douro region, showcasing Porto's cellars and Salamanca's university. Flamenco shows, port wine tastings, and traditional quinta dinners enhance the wine country cruise.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Lamego, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca de Alva, Mateus, Entre-os-Rios Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
30% Off- NZ$6,320
Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour..well organised and run. Nothing was too much for the staff.”
Selemeng, traveled in July
The MS Miguel Torga sails the Portugal-Spain border through Europe's highest lock at Carrapatello. Highlights include Porto's historic cellars, Salamanca's golden cathedral, and traditional quintas, complemented by French cuisine and regional wines.
Duration 6 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Senhora da Ribeira, Quinta da Ferradosa, Folgosa, Leverinho Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
30% Off- NZ$2,323
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Portugal and Spain
- Douro Experience 2025
We did not realize that we were the only passengers speaking English as their first language
- Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
The Douro river is beautiful to sail through… The crew/staff were amazing… The food was exceptional!
What our customers ask about Portugal and Spain River Cruises
What are the best months to take a Portugal and Spain river cruise?
River cruises in Portugal and Spain operate from April to October with the busiest season falling in July and August. Summer temperatures in the Douro Valley range from 75-85°F (24-29°C) making it ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore vineyard tours at Quinta do Tedo or join kayaking trips near Pinhão. One TourRadar traveler noted about their summer cruise: "The weather was perfect for exploring the terraced vineyards and enjoying sunset drinks on deck while sailing through the stunning Douro Valley."
What are the typical cabin options available on Portugal and Spain river cruise ships?
Modern river cruise vessels offer accommodations to match different budgets. The Avalon Alegria features 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites which are 30% larger than standard rooms at 200 square feet with wall-to-wall windows. The MS Estrela provides outside cabins with river views while the A-ROSA ALVA has five room types from 12m² Standard Staterooms to 29m² Suites. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our Panorama Suite on the Emerald Radiance was incredibly spacious with amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows - it felt like a floating luxury hotel room."
How long are typical Portugal and Spain river cruises and what are the main ports?
Cruises typically last 7-14 days starting from Porto. Ships stop at key locations including Peso da Régua Pinhão Vega de Terron (gateway to Salamanca) and Barca d'Alva. Some itineraries add stays in Lisbon Madrid or Barcelona. The MS Estrela runs week-long trips while the Emerald Radiance offers extended 11-14 day journeys. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Our 11-day cruise from Porto included perfect amounts of time in each port with highlights being two days in Porto and a full day excursion to Salamanca."
What is the dining experience like on Portugal and Spain river cruises?
Each vessel presents local Portuguese and Spanish dishes using regional ingredients. The Avalon Alegria offers multiple dining venues: the main Panorama Dining Room casual Panorama Bistro and outdoor Sky Grill. Guests start their day with breakfast buffets followed by multi-course lunches and dinners paired with local wines from the Douro Valley. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The food was exceptional - we enjoyed fresh seafood from Porto traditional Portuguese dishes and wonderful local wines with every dinner while cruising through the vineyards where they were produced."
What kind of cultural experiences are available on Portugal and Spain river cruises?
Local culture takes center stage on these river journeys. Programs include Portuguese cooking classes port wine mixology sessions at places like Cockburn's in Porto and Fado performances at São Francisco Church. Guests can try azulejo tile painting visit olive oil producers in the Douro Valley or explore UNESCO sites like Salamanca University. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The cultural immersion was incredible - from Fado music nights to port wine tastings and visits to centuries-old quintas we really experienced the heart of Portuguese culture."
What unique wine experiences are available on Portugal and Spain river cruises?
The historic Douro Valley wine region delivers rich experiences for wine enthusiasts. Trips often include stops at renowned Porto cellars like Taylor's and Graham's tastings at family estates such as Quinta da Aveleda and wine education programs. Special activities range from blending workshops at Quinta de Pacheca to tours of traditional wineries in Pinhão. A TourRadar traveler recalled: "The wine experiences were outstanding - from exclusive tastings at historic port houses to meeting quinta owners and learning about centuries-old wine-making traditions in the Douro Valley."