7-Day Douro Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Douro itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaDouro travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Portugal & Spain Itinerary, incl. Porto and Salamanca

  A 6-day river excursion stops at 10 destinations, featuring UNESCO-listed Porto, historic Salamanca, and Pinhão's wine region. Daily activities include tours of Mateus Palace gardens, cathedral visits, and traditional folk shows, while nights are spent aboard MS Gil Eanes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Porto, Portugal

    Board your ship in Porto at 5 PM. After settling into your cabin join the welcome cocktail with the crew. The optional "Porto by Night" excursion is worth considering. One traveler shared: "Loved seeing Porto all lit up at night from across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. The city's twinkling lights reflecting on the Douro were magical."

    
  • Day 2

    Porto to Regua

    Start with a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Porto. Pick between the classic city tour or a tram ride through historic quarters. You'll get great photos of the famous Dom Luis I Bridge from the upper deck during the afternoon sail east. Watch the landscape transform as you enter the Douro Valley wine region.

    
  • Day 3

    Regua to Vega de Terron

    Visit Mateus Palace and gardens in Vila Real early to avoid crowds. The afternoon cruise through the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards offers excellent photo spots near the Valeira and Pocinho dams. A recent guest noted: "The Douro is beautiful to sail through - the steep vineyard terraces and quintas are absolutely spectacular."

    
  • Day 4

    Vega de Terron and Salamanca

    Spend a full day in Salamanca, Spain. You can tour the twin cathedrals and historic university or join a tapas tour for local food sampling. Visit Plaza Mayor between 4-5 PM when the sandstone buildings glow golden. Return to the ship for the gala dinner.

    
  • Day 5

    Senhora da Ribeira to Leverinho

    Visit Pinhão in the morning, the center of port wine production. Stop at the beautiful blue-tiled train station for photos. Spend the afternoon on the sun deck watching vineyards pass by. In the evening enjoy traditional Portuguese music and dancing.

    
  • Day 6

    Leverinho to Porto

    Take a final scenic morning cruise back to Porto. Get your camera ready for one last look at Porto's bridges. Disembarkation is at 9 AM. Book a late flight if you want more time in Porto.

    

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• 6 Day Northern Portugal Itinerary, incl. Porto and Douro Valley

  The Douro River cruise spans 6 days, stopping at 4 notable Portuguese destinations: UNESCO-listed Porto, historic Peso da Regua, Porto Antigo, and medieval Guimarães. Daily outings showcase Lamego's baroque sites, the Douro Museum, and Vila Nova de Gaia's wine cellars.

  

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  • Day 1

    Porto Embarkation

    Board your ship in Porto's Ribeira district at 5 PM. Get to Porto a few hours early to walk around the riverfront before boarding. The afternoon sun creates perfect lighting for photos of the Dom Luis I Bridge. Later, join the "Porto by night" excursion to see the city lit up from Serra do Pilar viewpoint, with beautiful reflections on the Douro River.

    
  • Day 2

    Porto to Régua

    Cruise through the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards in the morning. Watch from the sun deck as the ship navigates several locks. Visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego, but get ready for its 686-step baroque staircase. Bring water and good walking shoes, especially since summer temperatures often hit 95°F (35°C).

    
  • Day 3

    Régua to Porto Antigo

    Visit the Douro Museum in the morning to learn about local winemaking. The afternoon cruise shows off the valley's quintas (wine estates) built into the steep riverbanks. Try to spend time on the top deck between Régua and Porto Antigo. This part of the river has some of the best views of the whole trip.

    
  • Day 4

    Porto Antigo to Porto

    Cruise back to Porto in the morning. Take the vintage tram tour in the afternoon instead of the bus option. You'll get a more personal experience and see the city from different angles. Stop by the tram museum too. A local guide's tip: "Take Tram Line 1 from Infante to Foz. It follows the river and shows you places most visitors never see."

    
  • Day 5

    Porto and Guimarães

    Start your free morning at São Bento train station to see its beautiful azulejo tiles. Go before 9 AM to beat the crowds. In the afternoon, pick between visiting historic Guimarães, Portugal's original capital, or hiking in Vila Nova de Gaia. The Gaia trails are steep but offer great views of the river and access to port wine lodges.

    
  • Day 6

    Porto Departure

    The cruise ends after breakfast at 9 AM. If you have a later flight, leave your bags at the pier and check out the newly renovated Bolhão Market for local products. Take an Uber to the airport instead of walking Porto's hills with luggage. It costs about $25.

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• 4 Days in Douro Valley, incl. Porto and Pinhão

  4-day Douro journey from Vila Nova da Gaia to Porto aboard the Spirit of Chartwell. Visit Régua's Douro Museum, dine at Pinhão wineries, and explore historic Lamego while enjoying luxury accommodations and gourmet regional cuisine.

  

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  • Day 1

    Porto to Entre-os-Rios

    Board the ship at Gaia Pier across from Porto's historic center. Plan to arrive by 3:30 PM before the 4 PM embarkation time. A taxi from Porto Airport takes about 25 minutes and costs around $30. The ship sets sail at 6 PM toward Entre-os-Rios, passing under Porto's iconic iron bridges. Bring a light jacket for evening deck time since the river breeze stays cool even during summer months.

    
  • Day 2

    Entre-os-Rios to Pinhão

    The journey continues at 8 AM toward Régua through prime port wine territory. Your morning includes a cooking demonstration featuring local specialties like bacalhau and olive oil. In Régua you'll visit the Douro Museum. The walk from the dock takes about 10 minutes uphill, so wear good walking shoes. After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour cruise to Pinhão, the central point of the Douro wine region. Your evening includes dinner at a local quinta about 10 minutes from the dock.

    
  • Day 3

    Pinhão to Porto via Lamego

    Leave Pinhão at 7 AM for Régua, then take an excursion to historic Lamego. The town's sanctuary sits at the top of 686 steps but don't worry about climbing them. The tour bus drives you to the top. Return to the ship for lunch while cruising back to Porto, arriving at Cais da Ribeira in late afternoon. The final dinner includes traditional Portuguese entertainment. Ask for a window table to see Porto's evening lights.

    
  • Day 4

    Porto Departure

    Enjoy breakfast until 10 AM with departure by 10:30 AM. If you're staying longer in Porto, look for hotels in the Ribeira district. You'll be close to port wine cellars and excellent riverside restaurants, with easy access from the ship's central docking location.

    

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