Portugal and Spain River Cruises
Lisbon begs for your presence, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore Seville, the birthplace of Flamenco, where dancers stomp and twirl. Visit Tangier's historic Kasbah, where African and European cultures mix. Explore ancient Roman ruins in Cartagena on the coast, and immerse yourself in Barcelona, where you can see Gaudí's amazing buildings and experience the city's lively culture.
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William • traveled in April
Everything about the cruise was amazing. We loved the boat, food, itinerary and most of all the staff. Everyone was so friendly and did their best to speak English and answer any questions we had. We've been on 3 river cruises now nd this one was the best for us so far. We will definately check out other A-Rosa riverr cruises.
Douro Experience 2026 - D
Dirk • traveled in July
It was a great trip with beautiful views , good excursions and excellent meals . The locks in the river were especially impressive. And of course with highly motivated employees on board. We really enjoyed our holiday
Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon
10 best river cruises through Portugal and Spain
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal and Spain travel expert at TourRadar
- Pearls of Southern Spain & Portugal 2026 - 11 Days (from Lisbon to Barcelona)
- Pearls of Southern Spain & Portugal 2026 - 11 Days (from Barcelona to Lisbon)
- Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
- Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
- Douro Discovery Porto → Porto (2026)
- Douro Delights with Madrid and Lisbon Madrid → Lisbon (2026) (11 destinations)
- Portugal's River of Gold
- Douro Delights with Madrid and Lisbon Madrid → Lisbon (2026) (12 destinations)
- Unforgettable Douro
- Delightful Douro with Madrid
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $37,985
50% Off- NZ$18,992You save $18,992
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $39,342
50% Off- NZ$19,671You save $19,671
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Lisbon, 2026)
4 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 Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $8,699
17% Off- NZ$7,199You save $1,500
Portugal geführte Radwanderung Douro-Fluss 8 Tage
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The bikes were excellent and the daily rides were tremendous.”
Marilyn, traveled in October
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 Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Operator Terranova Touristik From
17% Off- NZ$7,659
MS Estrela links Portugal and Spain's cultural treasures, from Porto's wine lodges to Salamanca's ancient university. Seven nights of cruising feature traditional quinta dinners, flamenco shows, and port tastings across the scenic Douro Valley.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Vila Nova da Gaia, Peso da Regua, Lamego, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca de Alva, Mateus, Entre-os-Rios Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
17% Off- NZ$6,195+$700 upfront costs
Duration 14 days Destinations Madrid, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Pinhao, Peso da Regua, Entre-os-Rios, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, Sintra Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
17% Off- NZ$15,456+$1,731 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 Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From
17% Off- NZ$9,394
MS Estrela cruise through Iberian Peninsula features stops at historic Portuguese and Spanish ports. Includes wine tastings at Quinta da Pacheca, visits to Porto's port lodges, and evening illumination cruises.
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 Ages 8+ Operator APT From
17% Off- NZ$14,115+$980 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Pocinho, Pinhao Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,125
28% Off- NZ$7,325You save $2,800
The Scenic Azure links Portugal and Spain, showcasing Porto's UNESCO sites and Madrid's Royal Quarter. Stops include Provesende village, Mateus Palace, and classical concerts at São Francisco Church, with premium accommodations and expert guides.
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Lisbon, Provesende, Pocinho, Salamanca, Lamego, Pinhao, Mateus, Madrid, Museo del Prado Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,130
12% Off- NZ$9,830You save $1,300
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."