Douro Cruises from Porto
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10 best Douro river cruises from Porto
Compiled by
MelissaPorto travel expert at TourRadar
- Douro Discovery Porto → Porto (2025)
- Douro Discovery Porto Return (2025)
- Flavors of Portugal & Spain 2025 Start Porto, End Vega de Terrón
- Douro Delights Porto → Madrid (2025)
- Delightful Douro with Madrid
- Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro 2025
- Douro Discovery Porto → Porto (2026)
- From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise) - MIGUEL TORGA
- From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise) - AMALIA RODRIGUES
- Douro River Valley (2026) (Porto to Porto, 2026)
An 8-day cruise links 8 cities along the Douro River from Porto. The ship sails from Vila Nova de Gaia through Lamego, Pinhão, and Vega Terrón, with a Spanish detour to Salamanca before returning via Entre-os-Rios.
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 River Douro Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$6,320
MS Estrela ventures east from Porto to Vega de Terron, with stops at Regua, Pinhao, and Barca d'Alva. This 8-day river cruise spans the navigable Douro, including a coach trip to Salamanca. The final leg features Vila Nova de Gaia's renowned port wine cellars.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Vila Nova da Gaia, Lamego, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Barca de Alva, Peso da Regua, Mateus, Entre-os-Rios Age Range up to 99 year olds River Douro Operator APT From
- NZ$6,320+$675 upfront costs
AmaVida connects Porto to Vega Terrón with stops at Entre-os-Rios, Régua, and Pinhão. The 8-day cruise showcases historic quintas, medieval villages, and terraced vineyards.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Vega de Terron Age Range up to 90 year olds Ship AmaVida River Douro Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$7,416+$406 upfront costs
MS Estrela glides from Porto's riverside past Entre-os-Rios to Régua and Pinhão. The route extends to Vega de Terron before connecting to Madrid via Salamanca, featuring 8 destinations over 9 days.
Duration 9 days Destinations Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Madrid Age Range up to 99 year olds River Douro Operator APT From
- NZ$7,495
The voyage starts in UNESCO-listed Porto, sailing past hillside vineyards to Pinhão's beautiful azulejo-decorated train station. The route winds through Barca d'Alva and Pocinho to Régua. After 7 nights on the Douro River, guests fly to Madrid for 3 nights in Spain's vibrant capital.
Duration 11 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Madrid Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Azure River Douro Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,390
10% Off- NZ$9,390You save $1,000
Avalon Alegria sails 262 feet along Douro River from Porto's UNESCO center to Barca d'Alva. Stops include Régua, Pinhão, and Pocinho, with daily vineyard and historic site excursions.
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 Ship Avalon Alegria River Douro Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$6,573+$355 upfront costs
MS Estrela navigates 10 cities along the Douro River on this 8-day round-trip from Porto. The route from Vila Nova de Gaia passes through Régua and Pinhão to Spain's Vega de Terrón, featuring Mateus Palace, Entre-os-Rios, and Porto's historic Bolhão food market.
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 up to 99 year olds River Douro Operator Travel Marvel From
10% Off- NZ$6,195
From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise) - MIGUEL TORGA
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
MS Miguel Torga takes guests on an 8-day round-trip cruise from Porto. The ship navigates 200km along the Douro River, calling at Régua, Pinhão, and reaching Spain at Vega de Terron. The return route includes Barca d'Alva, Lamego and Guimarães.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Lamego, Pinhao, Guimaraes Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Miguel Torga River Douro Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$3,415
From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise) - AMALIA RODRIGUES
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
MS Amalia Rodrigues sails 200km east from Porto's riverfront to Vega de Terron before turning back. Highlights include Régua's wine museum, Pinhão's vineyards, and Spain's historic Salamanca, with coach excursions throughout the 8-day route.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Vega de Terron, Barca de Alva, Salamanca, Pinhao, Lamego, Guimaraes Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Amalia Rodrigues River Douro Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$3,415
The river cruise spans 130 miles along the Douro River, connecting Porto Airport with Régua, Pinhão, Pocinho, and Spain's Vega Terrón. The round-trip includes a return via Barca d'Alva with Porto Airport transfers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Pocinho, Salamanca, Lamego, Braga, Lisbon Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Sao Gabriel River Douro Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $8,999
10% Off- NZ$8,099You save $899
What people love about Douro Cruises from Porto
- Douro Experience 2025
A very pleasant 8 day experience but really more like a five day cruise. The cruise information was incomplete, leaving out interesting opportunities along the way (Port museums and prehistoric rock art,) most particularly an excursion to Salamanca, which turned out to be a highlight for us. The food was good but not as interesting as Portuguese restaurants in Porto or even at home in Canada.
What our customers ask about Douro Cruises from Porto
What are the best months to start a Porto Douro tour?
Porto Douro tours are best experienced from April through October. July through September marks the peak season when temperatures reach 86°F (30°C) and vineyards are at their fullest. For those seeking milder weather spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide comfortable conditions for exploring Porto and wine tasting activities. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We went in September during harvest season - perfect weather and the excitement of grape picking made it extra special."
What types of activities are included on Porto Douro tours starting in Porto?
Tours combine wine experiences and cultural activities throughout the region. Visitors can expect port wine tastings at historic cellars like Cockburn's walks through Porto's UNESCO sites visits to traditional quintas and chances to learn local crafts like tile painting. The Douro Valley offers opportunities for hiking among the vines and kayaking on the river. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Really appreciated the combination of cruising and hiking plus excursions for non-hikers so they weren't neglected."
What's the typical length of Porto Douro river cruises starting in Porto?
Most river cruises run 6-8 days with 8-day trips being the most common. These journeys begin and end in Porto taking passengers through the Douro Valley with stops in Régua Pinhão and Vega de Terron. Ships like the MS Gil Eanes and MS Amalia Rodrigues serve as floating hotels during these week-long wine region explorations. As one TourRadar traveler noted about their CroisiEurope cruise: "Loved the cruise down the Douro beautiful scenery and wonderful staff."
What kind of accommodations can I expect when starting in Porto?
Porto accommodations often start at upscale hotels like the InterContinental Porto or Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel located in the historic Ribeira district. River ships such as the AmaVida and Scenic Azure provide well-appointed cabins between 160-300 square feet many featuring panoramic windows or private balconies. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The MS Douro Cruiser's cabins were incredibly comfortable with amazing river views right from our bed."
What are the must-see attractions during the first days in Porto?
Early days in Porto focus on key sites including the UNESCO-listed historic center São Francisco Church Porto Cathedral and the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Most itineraries include a rabelo boat ride under the Dom Luis I Bridge paired with tastings at established port houses like Graham's or Taylor's. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Starting with the Ribeira district tour and port wine tasting at Graham's was the perfect introduction to Porto's culture."
What's the typical price range for Porto Douro river cruises?
Porto Douro river cruises cost between USD 1050 and USD 10990 per person with daily rates from USD 163 to 1374. Entry-level options like CroisiEurope's 6-day trips start around USD 978. Premium operators such as Scenic offer 8-day all-inclusive experiences for USD 10990 covering premium beverages and exclusive shore excursions. One TourRadar traveler noted: "While not cheap the all-inclusive nature of these cruises with accommodation meals and tours made it great value."
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