7-Day Douro Cruises

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Douro itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaDouro travel expert at TourRadar

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

  The scenic 6-day river cruise connects 4 Portuguese cities: Porto, Régua, Porto Antigo, and Guimarães. Visitors enjoy Porto's UNESCO center, Douro Museum visits, quinta wine tastings, and Lamego's cultural sites. MS Miguel Torga offers comfortable accommodation with all meals and drinks included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Porto

    Board your river ship in Porto by 5 PM. The beautiful city stretches along both banks of the Douro River, connected by the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. You can arrive early to explore the riverside Ribeira district. The narrow medieval streets are less crowded in the afternoon. Your evening city tour shows Porto's lights at night, with stunning views from Vila Nova de Gaia.

    
  • Day 2

    Porto to Régua

    Cruise through the Douro Valley in the morning, watching terraced vineyards climb the steep riverbanks. Get your camera ready for the locks, some with dramatic drops of up to 115 feet. Visit historic Lamego in the afternoon to see the baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. The sanctuary has an impressive 686-step ceremonial staircase. Take it slow and bring water, especially during summer.

    
  • Day 3

    Régua to Porto Antigo

    Visit the Douro Museum in Régua to learn about the valley's 2,000-year wine-making history. Make sure to join the traditional olive oil tasting at a local quinta. Remember to bring sun protection and water for afternoon cruising as the deck can get quite hot. Your evening includes local Portuguese music performances.

    
  • Day 4

    Porto Antigo to Porto

    Enjoy scenic morning sailing back to Porto. In the afternoon, choose between a walking tour of Porto's historic center (a UNESCO site) or a vintage tram ride. The tram takes you along the river to Foz do Douro where the river meets the Atlantic. Planning to explore on your own? Get an Andante card for easy access to trams and metro.

    
  • Day 5

    Porto & Guimarães

    Spend your free morning in Porto. Visit Livraria Lello bookshop right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid crowds. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Guimarães, Portugal's historic first capital, or go wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia. The wine walk includes visits to traditional port cellars but be ready for steep hills. End your day with folk entertainment and a farewell dinner.

  • Day 6

    Porto Departure

    Have your final breakfast onboard before leaving at 9 AM. Flying out later? Store your luggage at the cruise terminal and spend more time in Porto. The metro connects the cruise dock to the airport in about 40 minutes.

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