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)
- Lisbon with Douro Discovery Lisbon to Porto (2025)
- Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon
- Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon 2025
- Unforgettable Douro 2025
- Douro Delights with Madrid and Lisbon Madrid → Lisbon (2025)
- Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon 2025
- Lisbon with Douro Discovery Lisbon → Porto (2025)
- Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro 2025
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
3 Reviews 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 $1,040
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 $37,204
50% Off- NZ$18,602You save $18,602
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
The Emerald Radiance flows from Porto to Vega Terrón through Portugal and Spain. The route showcases Salamanca's golden architecture, Douro Valley landscapes, and Portuguese harbors across 7 nights with expert maritime guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Lisbon Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,024
56% Off- NZ$7,477You save $9,546
Duration 14 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, Pinhao Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,600
17% Off- NZ$9,600You save $2,000
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, Pinhao Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,855
20% Off- NZ$7,855You save $2,000
MS Estrela's seven-night adventure weaves through Portugal and Spain's finest wine regions. Pinhão's azulejo-covered railway station, historic quintas, and exclusive fado performance at Porto's Palácio da Bolsa create lasting memories.
Duration 14 days Destinations Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Pinhao, Peso da Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Porto, Coimbra, LisbonSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
20% Off- NZ$12,615
The Avalon Alegria flows through Portugal and Spain's scenic waterways, offering panoramic views and gourmet dining. Stops include historic ports, medieval towns, and UNESCO sites, with a notable excursion to Salamanca's architectural wonders.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Porto Antigo, Braga, Guimaraes, Peso da Regua, Pocinho, Barca de Alva, SalamancaSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- NZ$9,053+$349 upfront costs
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
20% Off- NZ$9,225
The Avalon Alegria connects Portugal and Spain, highlighting Porto's UNESCO sites and Salamanca's historic center. The itinerary features traditional quintas, medieval towns, and regional cuisine while passing through the Douro Valley.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Porto Antigo, Braga, Guimaraes, Peso da Regua, Pocinho, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Quinta da Ferradosa Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
20% Off- NZ$7,310+$349 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Portugal and Spain
- Douro Experience 2026
A wonderful trip but the hotel director if he had a problem with any member of staff he shouted at them in front of the clients instead of taking them aside to correct their mistake
- Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)
This was my first cruise and it will certainly not be my last. The crew were all fantastic
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."