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Cruzeiros Douro

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1 Day Cruises

Douro Bridges Cruise

Douro Bridges Cruise with Fado

Porto - Régua - Porto (Downstream) Cruise

Douro Essence

Porto - Régua - Porto (Upstream) Cruise

Porto - Régua - Porto Cruise (with Visit)

Porto - Pinhão - Porto Cruise (with Visit)

Porto - Pocinho - Porto Cruise

Porto - Barca d'Alva - Porto Cruise

Régua - Pinhão (Upstream) Cruise

Régua - Porto - Régua Cruise

Régua - Pinhão - Régua Cruise (with Lunch)

Régua - Pocinho - Régua Cruise

Régua - Barca d'Alva - Régua Cruise

From the Heart of Douro to Favaios

Pinhão - Romaneira - Pinhão Cruise

Pinhão - Tua - Pinhão Cruise

Board on the famous Bridges Cruise: It’s a 50-minute tour between Porto and Gaia!

A Bridges Cruise with a guided visit to the wine cellars, wine tasting and a Fado show!

Find out the beautiful Douro landscapes by going on a boat tour between Porto and Régua!

1 Day Programme with 1 hour cruise in Rabelo boat, Visit with Wine Tasting, Traditional Douro Lunch and much more!

Board on the most popular Douro Cruise between Porto and Régua and return by bus!

On weekend enjoy the best cruise: a tour from Porto to Régua, a visit to a winery and wine tasting!

Come and get on board of a splendid cruise: a tour from Oporto to Pinhão with a visit to a regional “Quinta”!

Come and discover the best of Douro by having an unforgettable journey to Pocinho!

Come and meet all the Douro Portuguese region: an exceptional journey from Porto to the border!

Enjoy your afternoon on an amazing boat tour between Régua and Pinhão!

Delight yourself on a charming cruise from Régua to Porto!

This is a great opportunity on Douro river: A Cruise from Régua to Pinhão with a special lunch on board!

Go on a fantastic journey on Douro: a lovely tour by boat between Régua and Pocinho!

Go on board of an astonishing cruise between Régua and Barca d’ Alva and discover the best of Douro!

Enjoy a cruise between Régua and Pinhão and a delicious tasting of Favaios Moscatel.

Delight yourself with a splendid 1-hour cruise on a Rabelo boat, departure and arrival in Pinhão!

Board on a fantastic 2-hour cruise, from Pinhão to Tua, a tour really appreciated by boat!

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Douro River Cruises

• ITINERARIES

Welcome to the Douro River

A 2,000-year legacy of winemaking awaits you throughout Portugal's lush Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site… including the city of Porto, famous as the home of Port wine, carried in barrels along the golden Douro River aboard traditional rabelo boats, sailing past whitewashed quintas surrounded by vineyards…

Ms andorinha on the douro river, ms andorinha – a new riverboat inspired by the destination.

Purpose-built for cruising to historic quintas and villages along the golden Douro River from coastal Porto to the Spanish border, our newly built riverboat, ms Andorinha, offers spacious accommodations for just 84 guests, with 12 300-sq.-ft. suites plus more 225-sq.-ft. cabins, to maximize the onboard experience in every way. Add a small pool atop the Sun Deck, lounge and dining venues, plus built-in amenities designed to delight, and experience the advantages of a riverboat truly inspired by the destination.

The Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Winemaking traditions in portugal's douro valley.

White-painted quinta estates – sprawling farms surrounded by terraced vineyards – are a particularly popular feature of Portugal's historic Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its multicultural heritage, the unique grape varieties that grow in its fantastic climate, and a winemaking culture that stretches back centuries. The region entices with museums and historic sites in Porto, its chief port on the Atlantic… ancient monasteries and castles along the river… picture-perfect villages like Pinhão and Pocinho… and lush winemaking estates set within cliff-lined riverscapes.

Portugal's Rabelo boats

Only on the douro… the romance of the rabelo.

With a name that translates to "little tail" (for the long piece of timber extending from its stern that's used to steer it), the traditional wooden Rabelo boat carried passengers and cargo along Portugal's Douro River for centuries. Found nowhere else in the world, this flat-bottomed, shallow-draught sailboat became the fastest and most efficient way to transport casks of prized Port wine between Douro Valley vineyards and the city of Porto at the river's mouth. Although no longer used commercially, these iconic workhorses can still be seen plying the waters of the Douro today.

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Inspired by the Destination

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

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Douro river facts.

Find interesting Douro River facts – from key cities along its banks to history, culture, cuisine and more.

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Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

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Douro river cruise.

Explore the sunny Iberian Peninsula with world renowned cruise companies and set sail on the Douro river. Take in the charm of small riverside towns in  Portugal 's Vila Real district, while tasting local wines in the company of friends or family. Discover over 300 medieval castles in  Spain 's Castile and Leon mountainous region and unwind in Sintra with an unforgettable river cruise. 

198 Douro cruises with 100 reviews

From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)

Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Lisbon, 2024)

Gems of Porto & the Douro Valley with Douro River Cruise - 5 Days in Portugal

"Sergio was everything you wish for in a guide. Full of knowledge about Portugal's..."

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Charming Portugal Highlights - 10 Days

"Wonderful overview of Portugal where we saw quite a few special sites through the..."

Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon 2024

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Porto, 2024)

Classic Madrid to Lisbon

Gems of the Douro (Port to Port Cruise)

Delightful Douro

Delightful Douro with Lisbon - Regua

Country Roads of Portugal (Classic, Winter, 11 Days)

• Porto : The medieval architecture, colourful houses, infamous wine and art nouveau cafes highlight the wonders of this enchanting city.
• Lisbon : With its vibrant culture, sun-drenched terracotta rooftops and friendly locals, this city is the ideal base for your river cruise.
• Salamanca : Stroll past the golden sandstone buildings and timeless roads to the port of Vega Terron for your Douro adventure.
• Wine tasting : Sip fine wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of the timeless riverside landscapes.
• Cultural walks : Learn the secrets of the historic cities and the life of winemakers who treasure their hillside vineyards.
• Tradition : Time stands still on the Douro Valley where farmers still use their old-fashioned traditions for producing grapes into wine.
• Douro : Fall in love with the timeless traditions of the Douro Valley.
• Cruise ship : Board your cruise from the colonial terracotta city of Lisbon.
• River : Wake up early to the sound of birds singing along the banks.
• River Cruise : Cruise past the golden sandstone buildings of Salamanca.
• Portugal : Admire the beautiful beaches dotting the Costa Verde shoreline.
• Wine : Indulge in Porto's infamous wine at rustic art nouveau cafes.
• Travel : Travel to the citrus-filled Algarve region for juicy flavours.
• Train : Combine your cruise with a rail journey to beautiful Bordeaux.

Douro Cruise Reviews

"Sergio was everything you wish for in a guide. Full of knowledge about Portugal's..."

"Absolutely fantastic company to deal with, don't hesitate to use them! Mar 2023 •..."

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Popular Cruise Ships

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• Deutsch: Douro Kreuzfahrten
• Nederlands: Riviercruises op de D...

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What are the best Douro river cruises?

No wonder: besides its majestic beauty, the Douro Valley region is a dream come true for wine lovers who can…

No wonder: besides its majestic beauty, the Douro Valley region is a dream come true for wine lovers who can wander around some of its best vineyards . However, usually people who do not drink wine struggle a bit about what to do in Douro Valley besides drinking wine , which is why I am writing about the best Douro river cruises.

This article is about the short boat rides in Douro river, not about the week long ones . This is meant, therefore, for people who are planning to stay a couple of days in Douro Valley or even organising a day trip from Porto. If you are looking for the short boat rides in Douro river but in Porto , read my article about the best river cruises in Porto – one of the most popular activities in the city!

Classification of Douro river cruises

There are basically two criteria to classify the best douro river cruises:

• A) Typology: Douro river cruises can be either group activities (prices ranging from 12,50€ / person to 24€ / person) or private activities (prices ranging from 45€ / person to 60€ / person, depending on the size of your group).
• B) Starting point: Douro river cruises can either departure from Pinhão (my favourite spot) or from Peso da Régua.

Therefore, we are going to explore four different kinds of Douro river cruises, according to this Index:

Best GROUP Douro river cruises starting in Pinhão

There are some short Douro river cruises departing from Pinhão, the main city of the sub region of Cima Corgo, in Douro Valley. This is the river cruise that I enjoy the most, for several reasons:

• It’s a short Douro river cruise, and hence you can combine it with a wine tour & tasting at a vineyard and a lunch in Pinhão – this is exactly what we do on our iconic private wine tour and river cruise in Douro Valley . If you have rented a car , you can simply park it in Pinhão and walk to the deck.
• Whether you opt for a 1h river cruise (Pinhão – Romaneira – Pinhão) or for a 2h one (Pinhão – Tua – Pinhão), the views from the boat are simply stunning.

There are several tour operators making the best GROUP Douro river cruises. I personally recommend Magnífico Douro as the boats are in great conditions, the boat rides are cheap, and the staff is very friendly and professional.

They organise both 2h and 1h boat rides departing from Pinhão. You can simply buy the online ticket for the 2h Douro river cruise or the online ticket for the 1h Douro river cruise , depending on your time availability.

Price of the best GROUP Douro river cruises

Currently, a 1h Douro river cruise costs 12,50€, whereas a 2h Douro river cruise costs 25€.

Children up to 5 years old don’t pay anything.

Children from 6 to 11 years old have a 50% discount on the price of the tickets, as you can see when you buy the tickets online:

Schedule of the best Douro river cruises

The 1h Douro river cruise departures every hour, from 10h to 18h. During winter, there are no boats at 17h nor 18h.

The 2h Douro river cruise departures only at 10h45 and then at 15h, so make sure to grab your seat !

What is the size of the boats?

Magnífico Douro uses 7 traditional rabelo boats of different sizes, and for the regular departures it usually uses one of 4 boats. Depending on the number of tickets that they have sold for each schedule, they will use one of the following boats:

Dona Antónia – it is an electrical boat (the only one of its kind in the country!), with capacity for 34 passengers. It is 17,5 meters long.

Torga – with 17,5 meters long, it has capacity for 45 passengers. Touriga – with 17,5 meters long, it has capacity for 32 passengers. It is very similar to Torga. Socalcos – their largest boat, it is almost 24 meters long and it has capacity for 100 passengers.

Are there bathrooms (WC) on board?

What if it rains.

If it rains you cry and ask for your money back, because everyone promised you a sunny Portugal 😛 Jokes aside: I get this question MANY TIMES so I guess it a major concern of a lot of people.

But there is no reason to worry, not really. First of all, the boats are super safe. Second of all, all the boats have a covered area with sofas, proper windows and a ceiling, creating a small room from which you can still enjoy your river cruise without getting wet.

What are you talking about Sara, I don’t see a covered area on some of the pictures! That is because both the windows and the ceiling are removable and removed on sunny days. True story. In engineers we trust.

Do they sell drinks and food on board?

One thing that distinguishes Magnífico Douro from its competitors is that you can actually buy some drinks on board – mostly water and beer. However, no one sells food (so if you really need to eat, I suggest you bring some easy-to-eat snacks like dried fruits).

Are there audio guides available?

Another thing I love about Magnífico Douro is that, unlike its competitors, you don’t hear a shrill voice speaking through a megaphone for the entire boat.

Instead, you simply download their audioguide app (available on Play Store and Apple Store) on your smartphone – don’t forget to take your earplugs. The app is available in four different languages: English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

When you buy the online ticket to the best Douro river cruises, just select the language you want:

Best PRIVATE Douro river cruises starting in Pinhão

For those of you that dream about making a private river cruise but without breaking the piggy bank or having to eat pasta with tuna for the rest of the month, I have great news: there is a company in Douro Valley that makes affordable private river cruises !

Price of the best PRIVATE Douro river cruises

Currently, the price of the private 1h douro river cruise vary depending on the number of people that book this activity:

• If you are a group of two people, then the boat costs 120€ in total (so, 60€ / person).
• For a group of 3 to 5 people, each person pays 50€ / person.
• For groups from 6 to 14 people, each person pays 45€ / person.
• If you are traveling alone and book the boat just for yourself, the price is 100€.

Children up to 4 years old don’t pay anything.

Children from 5 to 9 years old pay 25€.

The affordable private Douro river cruise departures every hour from 9h to 19h.

There is only ONE boat doing this service, so hurry up and book your private douro river cruise !

The boat used for this private Douro river cruise is 172 meters long and it has capacity for 14 passengers.

Fun fact: the boat is called Unbelievable and it has two double cabins, a kitchen with dining room and a large room, with a control point and a set of windows that allow for a 360º visibility.

The exterior includes a large space at the bow and a raised and protected area at the stern, which accommodates a second command post.

Therefore, if it rains you have lots of space to take shelter onboard, do not worry!

I am afraid not, but you will be welcome onboard with a glass of Port wine.

I am afraid not, but the captain (A lady called Barbara) can answer any question you might have about the region.

GROUP Douro river cruises starting in Peso da Régua

There are shorter Douro river cruises that start in Régua, the main city in the Douro Valley, at the heart of the Baixo Corgo Sub Region. I don’t find these boat rides as beautiful as the ones departing from Pinhão (simply because the landscape from Régua to Pinhão is not as beautiful as the one from Pinhão upwards), but it might be more convenient to get these because Régua is more central than Pinhão.

Useful information

Honestly we never include Douro river cruises departing from Régua on our private tours in Douro Valley so I cannot be of much help in this particular case. However, I do know that the river cruise companies are located in Cais da Régua, in front of Museu do Douro (a famous wine museum).

GROUP River cruises that connect Porto to Régua / Pinhão

This one day Douro river cruises consist of a combination of a train ride from Porto to Régua, Pinhão, Pocinho or Barca d’Alva, followed by a boat ride down the river, or the other way around (going up the river by boat and then getting back to Porto by train). Usually there are welcoming drinks and lunch being served on board of the one day Douro river cruises, and there are also some programs that include a visit to a vineyard. Therefore you need to spend some time to find the right tour operator & program that meets your expectations.

This is the Douro river cruise that I like the least, for several reasons:

• It is a very lengthy day, starting at around 7h and ending somewhere around 23h. If you are traveling with kids or with elder people they might get tired half way through.
• Because you will be taking a combination of both train and boat ride you will loose the flexibility to visit the vineyards you are truly interested in. This happens because only a handful producers have their vineyards close to the train stations in Douro Valley (Régua, Pinhão and Pocinho).

Nonetheless, the one day Douro river cruises are still a popular choice for those who are not so much into wine tastings and would rather (and quite understandingly) spend the day just enjoying the views.

Tour operators

You can get your online ticket to the one day Douro river cruise Porto – Régua (the main city in the Baixo Corgo sub region) or get your online ticket to the one day Douro river cruise Porto – Pinhão (the main city in the Cima Corgo sub region).

The prices range from 67€ to 88€ depending on the tour operator, the length of the river cruise and other factors. The one day Douro river cruises that I just suggested cost 67€ (Porto – Régua – Porto) and 88€ (Porto – Pinhão – Porto), respectively. These prices may vary according to the season of the year.

Around 16h, but check the schedule of each tour operator of Douro river cruises.

Are there three days Douro river cruises?

I’ve been getting this question lately so I decided to update this article to include that information. First of all, it is important to distinguish between a three days Douro river cruise and a three day tour in Douro with a river cruise. Presumably, if you choose the first option you will be on a Douro river cruise for three days, whereas on the second option, you will be in Douro Valley for three days during which you will take a short Douro river cruise, for sure like the ones I mentioned above. These are two different value propositions. All private tours companies in Douro Valley, including myself, can arrange a short Douro river cruise as part of a day (or multi days) tour in Douro Valley. However, I don’t personally know any company arranging three days Douro river cruise. I found one when researching online (the things I do for you!), but honestly I never worked with them, never heard of them, so I cannot vouch for them. I hope I was able to cast some light!

How to get to Douro Valley

There are train connections from Porto to the major cities in Douro Valley: Peso da Régua and Pinhão. This is the best option if you just want to do a Douro river cruise and then come back by train. You can check the schedules on CP website . However, if you are want to combine a Douro river cruise with a visit to one of the vineyards in Douro Valley you definitely need a car. You can also hire a private guide like myself or, worst case scenario, use taxis from one place to another – but you will end up loosing a lot of time in the process if you choose this last option! Therefore, I recommend you to use AutoEurope to find the cheapest car rental deals.

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These New River Cruises Celebrate Black History and Culture Around the World

On the heels of its first sold-out Black heritage cruise in August, AmaWaterways is unveiling new trips in France, Portugal, Egypt and beyond

Daily Correspondent

In a bid to make travel more inclusive, one river cruise line is rolling out new sailings that celebrate Black history and culture around the world.

This week, AmaWaterways  unveiled a new “Soulful Experience” trip in Portugal for 2024. The  ten-day schedule includes seven nights of sailing on the Douro River, plus an additional three nights in Lisbon. Travelers will be able to learn about the history of the  Black and African diaspora in Lisbon while also immersing themselves in Portuguese wine, food and music.

The newly announced Portugal trip joins three other Black heritage itineraries the cruise line will offer next year. Two of the 2024 cruises will  sail the Rhône River in France between Arles and Lyon, with extra time spent in Paris, which the cruise line notes is “a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers.”

The other 2024 cruise will take place in Egypt. The  11-night trip includes seven days of sailing on the Nile River, plus four days in Cairo. Stops on the itinerary—which focuses on Egypt’s African history and regional foods—include Luxor, Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena. Travelers will also visit a Nubian village.

In 2025, the cruise line will once again offer Soulful Experience trips in Portugal, France and Egypt, as well as two new destinations:  South Africa and  Colombia .

To craft the itineraries, AmaWaterways worked with Black travel advisers in the United States and Black travel suppliers in the different destinations the ships visit, according to USA Today ’s Nathan Diller.

For example, in Paris, travelers can participate in an excursion focused on dancer, singer and civil rights activist  Josephine Baker . Other excursions include the Blachère Foundation in Bonnieux, France, where visitors can see African art, and the Tata of Chasselay cemetery in Chasselay, France, where guests will learn about the  Senegalese soldiers who fought in World War II, reports  Travel Noire ’s Rafael Peña.

“We are hopeful that through the demand for cruises such as these and the experiences they bring, more Black-owned businesses can be included in the mass selection of tour operators for international destinations,” Jazzmine Douse, AmaWaterways’ director of national accounts, tells the publication.

AmaWaterways  announced its first Black heritage cruise in June 2022. The inaugural trip sold out “almost immediately,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' executive vice president and co-founder, in a  statement . And when Black travelers eventually boarded the AmaKristina this August for the sailing on the Rhone River in France, “the tears came early,” writes  Travel Weekly ’s Nicole Edenedo, who joined the trip.

Historically, the river cruise industry has “catered to a predominantly white clientele,” writes Travel Weekly . But the success of the inaugural Soulful Experience cruise in France this year—and the demand for subsequent sailings in 2024—proves “river cruising is for everyone,” Douse tells the publication.

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Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

Douro Travel Guide Book cruises and activities

Experiences » Douro Cruises

1 Day Douro Cruises

The 1-day cruises in the Douro are among the cruises with the highest demand. Departing from the main cities on the river banks, these cruises take you along the Douro from Porto to the heart of the Douro Wine Region – classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.

These cruises pass through several dams and their locks, a unique experience in Portugal.

1 Day Cruises

2 Day Cruises

Historic Train

Mini Cruises

Environmental Cruises

Private Cruises

Rabelo Boats

Douro Cruise – Porto / Régua / Porto – Upstream

from 72€ / person

Douro Cruise – Porto / Régua / Porto – Downstream

from 65€ / person

Douro Cruise – Porto / Pinhão / Porto – Upstream

Visit to Wine Estate

from 85€ / person

Douro Cruise – Régua / Pinhão / Régua (with lunch)

Upstream and downstream by boat

71€ / person

Douro Cruise – Régua / Barca d’Alva / Régua

Cruise and Train

110€ / person

Douro Cruise – Régua / Pocinho / Régua – Downstream

95€ / person

Cruise Porto / Régua and the Miradouro Train

from 95€ / person

Douro Route – Cruise and Quinta da Pacheca

Visit and Wine Tasting

from 125€ / person

Douro by the Window – Porto / Régua / Pinhão / Porto

Cruise and Miradouro Train

99€ / person

Historical Trip to the Douro – Porto / Régua / Tua / Porto

Cruise, Historic and MiraDouro Trains

149€ / person

Cruise Régua / Pinhão and Historic Train

Cruise and Historic Train

115€ / person

Historical Pinhão – Pinhão / Tua / Pinhão

Rabelo Boat and Historic Train

70€ / person

Douro Cruise – Régua / Porto / Régua

Douro Cruise – Porto / Régua / Barca d’Alva / Porto

130€ / person

Cruise Douro Medieval – Régua / Pocinho / Régua

Visit to Torre de Moncorvo

98€ / person

Cruise Douro Vinhateiro – Régua / São João da Pesqueira / Régua

Visit to the São Salvador do Mundo Viewpoint

102€ / person

Douro Cruise – Régua / Pinhão – Upstream

30€ / person

Cruise Season

The regular cruise season starts in mid-March and ends in December. In the remaining months the dams are closed for maintenance so it is not possible to pass through the locks.

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Porto - Régua - Porto (Downstream) Cruise

Porto - régua - porto (upstream) cruise, 6 bridges cruise, bridges cruise and fado show, porto - pocinho - porto cruise, porto - barca d'alva - porto cruise, porto - régua - porto (with visit) cruise, porto - pinhão - porto cruise, douro essence, régua - pinhão - régua cruise, régua - porto - régua (downstream) cruise, régua - pinhão - régua (with lunch) cruise, régua - pocinho - régua (downstream) cruise, régua - barca d'alva - régua cruise, pinhão - tua - pinhão cruise, pinhão- romaneira - pinhão cruise.

Board an unique cruise between Porto and Régua, with lunch on board!

Discover the Douro on a cruise between Porto and Régua. Includes lunch and breakfast on board!

Enjoy a 50 minute cruise on a typical Rabelo Boat through the Bridges between Porto and Gaia!

Join us on a fantastic cruise with a visit to the Wine Cellars and watch a Fado show!

Venture out along the most beautiful route in the Douro Train Line and relax aboard an amazing cruise!

Board on the longest cruise and discover the entire length of the Douro River in Portugal!

Enjoy a cruise between Porto and Régua with a visit to a famous Winery in the Region!

Board on one of the most emblematic Douro cruises from Porto to Pinhão!

A day full of incredible experiences to discover the Douro Essence!

Relax on a charming half-day cruise between Régua and the beautiful village of Pinhão!

Board in Régua and enjoy a remarkable downstream cruise to Porto, returning by private bus!

Enjoy a fantastic cruise between Régua and Pinhão, with a typical lunch on board!

Discover the most grand landscapes of the Douro, on a cruise between Régua and Pocinho!

Enjoy a charming cruise from Régua to Spanish border!

A 2-hour cruise on a Rabelo Boat, through an incredible route that is not visible by road!

1 hour mini cruise in the Douro, a beautiful route not visible from national roads.

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Douro River Cruise Review – Plus Helpful Hints & Tips

• 12 November 2023

There are few journeys that intertwine the realms of tranquility, history, and breathtaking beauty as effortlessly as a Douro river cruise.

Flowing through the heart of Portugal and Spain, the Douro River has long been a lifeline of culture and civilization, nurturing vineyards and picturesque villages.

This article is an in depth Saga Douro river cruise review. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this wonderful cruise holiday.

Table of Contents

Douro River Cruise

Is the douro valley worth visiting.

Absolutely! The Douro Valley is awash with stunning scenery. From picturesque Porto to wonderful wine valleys, there is always a great view. Cruising the Douro Valley is a great way to enjoy it.

Author Bio – Melanie Newdick , Coach Holiday Expert

I am a coach holiday expert because;

• I have worked as a Tour Manager taking coach holidays for +30 years
• I have taken coach holidays to over 30 different countries, many multiple times
• I have taken over 8,000 guests on holiday all over the world
• I have trained other Tour Managers on behalf of holiday companies
• Taken private group tours, special event tours, alumni trips, first departure tours
• I was leading coach holidays to Europe before there were cheap flights!
• Check out my top money saving resources

This review is designed to help you understand more about this Douro River Cruise and to help you think about any areas where you might need more information before you book.

I do not work for the holiday company that operates this cruise.

I am merely sharing my experience of this cruise to help you understand a bit more what it is actually like.

Apart from the first one, the pictures and videos are my own that I took on this trip.

Douro River Cruise – Where is the Douro Valley?

• The River Douro actually starts in Spain. It flows West where it meets the Atlantic Ocean at the gorgeous city of Porto.
• It is 557 miles long.
• There are 15 dams along the river of which 5 are commonly passed through during a Douro river cruise.
• Scroll across the map below to see where the Douro River flows.

What is the Douro Valley Famous For?

The Douro Valley is UNESCO-listed because of its wine-making history and heritage. Not only is port wine made in the area (don’t miss a chance to visit a Port Wine Cellar in Porto), but Vinho Verde is produced here too. This wine is generally not exported as it doesn’t travel well. It has a very fresh and clean taste because it is classed as a ‘young wine’, although the name means green wine.

It is definitely worth trying!

So now we know a bit more about the Douro Valley area let’s jump into my in-depth review of this lovely cruise.

Douro River Cruise: Cruise Headlines

• 7-night cruise
• Door-to-door transport to departure point from anywhere in the UK and the same when returning home
• Travel insurance included (can be removed for a discount)
• 7 breakfasts
• 7 evening meals
• Saga cruise representative on board the cruise
• Return flights and transfers to the ship
• Captains dinner and drinks reception
• WIFI on board the ship
• Entertainment and activities on board

Included excursions as follows;

• Tour of Lamego
• Visit Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo
• Sightseeing in Salamanca
• Dinner at a local Quinta
• Casa de Mateus Palace
• A tour of Oporto including a port wine cellar visit

Douro River Cruise: Pricing

Departures from March 2023 to November 2023 from London Gatwick.

Departures from April 2023 to November 2023 from London Heathrow.

The cheapest departures are from London Gatwick with prices from £1559 per person (based on two sharing)

Douro River Cruise: Included VIP Transfers

• There are several options included with SAGA for getting to your UK departure for your flight to Oporto.
• You can choose a VIP transfer service with a driver which is available from your home or from that of a family or friend.
• You can also choose to travel by rail.
• If you want to make your own way free airport parking is included.
• If you choose an internal flight to get to your departure point from the UK you can also have your luggage collected from home and taken directly to your river cruise ship and returned to your home after your holiday.

Douro River Cruise: London Gatwick Departures

Flights depart Gatwick on TAP Airlines at 12.00 noon and arrive in Porto at 14.25

Return flights depart Porto at 08.55 and arrive in London Gatwick at 11.10

(Some flights depart at 21.40 and arrive in Porto at 23.55, and some flights return at 12.00 and return at 14.25. It would be worth checking this when booking.)

Douro River Cruise : London Heathrow Departures

Flights depart London Heathrow at 15.40 and arrive in Porto 18.00 on British Airways

Flights return at 18.50 Porto and arrive at London Heathrow at 21.05 on British Airways. You will have to check out from the ship in the morning before lunch so it may be worth checking what the arrangements are for the last day otherwise it could make for a long/wasted day.

Some flights depart at 17.20 from London Heathrow and arrive at 19.45 in Porto. Some flights return from Porto at 10.35 and arrive at 13.00.

Douro River Cruise : Solo Travellers

For Gatwick departures, the cost for single travellers ranges from £2586 to £6186 depending on the departure date. For the cheapest departure date, the single supplement is £1027.

Douro River Cruise : Deck Plan

• The restaurant where all meals are served in one sitting.
• This is the main entrance to the ship.
• The reception desk is located in the centre of this deck.
• Cabins starting with the number 2 are located on this deck.
• At the front of the ship is the main bar and lounge area which includes an open area at the bow of the ship for sitting outside.
• This is where most of the cabins are located – all the cabins start with the number 3.
• Access to the sun deck is from here.
• This is complete with loungers and is ideal for sitting and enjoying the passing views.

Take a look around the Douro Queen with this interactive tour and explore all the decks and some cabins for yourself!

Douro River Cruise : Cabins

There are 4 types of cabins on the Douro Queen.

Standard cabins are M and MA cabins. the MA cabins are 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. These are located at the rear of the ship. All standard cabins are on the main deck and on the same level as the reception and lounge.

UA cabins are on the Upper Deck. They are located at the rear of the ship. They are 300, 301, 302, and 303. The views from 300 and 301 are partially restricted – this is due to the design of the ship and if you look at the picture of the ship you can see the obstruction for yourself.

Upgraded cabins are on the Upper Deck and are most of the 300 numbered cabins. Most of them have a balcony.

To upgrade from a standard cabin to a UA cabin the difference is around £150 per person depending on the departure date and departure point.

Upgrading to a U cabin is around £350 per person depending on the departure date and the departure point.

Douro River Cruise : Things to Know About a River Cruise

• It may seem obvious to state but a river cruise is a very different type of cruise from an ocean cruise.
• Ships are generally much smaller. The maximum capacity on board the Douro Queen is 130 passengers with 30 crew.
• River cruises travel along rivers and rivers can be affected by water levels – the water can be too low that the ship can’t travel the designated route or it can be too high and the ship can’t get under the bridges.
• River cruises generally involve travelling through locks, which help ships deal with the changing height of the river as they travel. Locks crossings have to be booked in advance and there is often little or no spare capacity at busy times on the river.
• This can mean that if there is some sort of delay or issue somewhere along a sightseeing tour might be cut short in order for the ship to make the next lock crossing, as otherwise, it will be unable to complete the cruise. Of course, the Captain and the crew will do everything they can to avoid these sorts of problems, but at times they can be inevitable. This may mean that if you are out on the coach you may rejoin the coach at a different point for example because it may have had to move on while you were away.
• The Douro is a popular cruising river and as such there are lots of other ships travelling the route too.
• River cruise ships may moor up alongside each other. This can mean that you have to walk through several other ships to reach yours and it may also mean that your cabin window or balcony looks directly into a cabin on the adjacent ship.
• If you have paid extra for a balcony or an upper cabin to get a better view this might be an issue for you.
• River cruises don’t always cruise at night and moor during the day. Cruising can be done at any time.

Douro River Cruise : Day By Day

The cruise I am reviewing here is a SAGA Douro River Cruise . Here are a few headlines to know about the cruise itself;

The cruise travels along the Douro River from Oporto to Barca d’Alva and back again. The total distance between these two points is approximately 135 miles. As such it’s not a long cruise in terms of distance.

Most of the excursions are via coach and include a bit of travelling up and down the river. One of the trips is to Salamanca. This is approximately 2 hours each way by coach from the point where the ship will be moored.

As such it may be easier to think of this holiday as a touring holiday with some of the touring done by coach and some by the river cruise ship.

Douro River Cruise : Day 1

On the first day, you will depart from the UK and fly to Porto. Porto airport is located to the North of the city and on arrival you will be transferred to the ship which is moored at Vila Nova De Gaia.

The distance from the airport to the ship is about 14 miles.

On arrival, your luggage will be taken on board the ship and you will be checked into your cabin.

The ship will be exclusively for SAGA guests which could mean that around 130 people are arriving together. As such it can take a little time to get checked in at the airport, board the coaches and get checked in at the ship itself.

There may well be some time for you to explore Vila Nova De Gaia which is a pretty area where all the port wine cellars are located.

There will be an evening meal on board this evening and the ship will stay at Vila Nova De Gaia overnight.

Douro River Cruise : Day 2

Today the ship will cruise from Vila Nova De Gaia to Regua. The total distance travelled by ship is around 80 miles.

Not far from Vila Nova De Gaia is the first lock navigation. This is through the Crestuma Lever Dam. The height of the dam is 25 metres or around 82 feet.

Before arriving in Regua you will pass through the Carrapatelo Dam. The height of the dam is 57m or around 187 feet. This is quite an experience to travel through, and definitely, a moment to enjoy from the bar and the front area of the boat.

In the afternoon there is an included excursion to Lamego. Lamego is in the hills about 10 miles away from Regua.

The visit is to see the lovely Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. The shrine was built between the 18th and 20th centuries and it is still a very popular pilgrimage site with the most devout climbing up the nearly 700 steps on their knees. There is a beautiful baroque staircase and of course the sanctuary at the top of the hill. You have the option to walk down into the city of Lamego or to take the coach down in you prefer.

Check out this page on Lamego for a lovely view of Lamego looking back to the Sanctuary and an interactive map showing the attractions of Lamego.

Lamego is a small town with a pleasant square and some nice coffee shops and cafes to enjoy too.

After your visit to Lamego, you travel back to the ship by coach.

The ship then cruises from Regua to Pinhao. During this part of the cruise, you will pass through the Regua Dam. This dam is 41 metres or around 134 feet high.

The distance cruised from Regua to Pinhao is around 17 miles.

Douro River Cruise : Day 3

There is an early morning departure from Pinhao today and a morning sail towards Vega de Terron. The distance is only around 14 miles between the two places. During this part of the cruise, you will pass through the Valeira Dam which is 48m or around 157 feet high. You will also pass through the Pocinho Dam which is 49m or 160 feet high.

You will then arrive at Vega de Terron.

During the afternoon there is an included visit to Figueria de Castelo Rodrigo. This very pretty village sits on to of a hill. It has several pretty narrow streets with some cute cafes to enjoy while you visit too. There wll be free time to look around the village at your leisure.

The distance from Vega de Terron to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is around 21km or 13 miles. The roads are fairly small so this will take around 30 minutes to travel.

Bear in mind that this village is on top of a hill so the streets are not flat or level and involve walking over cobbles. There are steps to get up and down around the village as well.

This evening there is a Portuguese dinner on board the ship

Vega De Terron is really a pier area for Douro cruise ships to moor. There is not really any sizeable town or village around the area where the ship is moored.

Douro River Cruise : Day 4

After breakfast, there is an included excursion to the city of Salamanca in Spain which is across the border. It is around 121 km or 75 miles between the two. The first part of the journey involves a climb up over the hills. This part of the road is quite twisty but once out of the Douro Valley the road is straighter and more level. The journey takes around two hours and there will be some commentary during the journey about Spanish history.

Previously there were not any comfort stops en route to Salamanca but there was a comfort stop on arrival in Salamanca at a local hotel. It might be worth checking this information in advance if it is important to you.

Salamanca is a Unesco listed city in Spain. The city has one of the oldest universities in Europe and two cathedrals. The city has a pedestrianised area to make exploring even more enjoyable.

Around half an hour after arrival in Salamanca there will be a walking tour with a local guide to visit Plaza Mayor. The Plaza is deemed one of the finest squares in Spain.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant and there will be a flamenco show afterward so you can enjoy some traditional Spanish culture too.

Later in the day, you will take the 2 hour journey back to the ship which will be moored in Barca d’Alva which is a short distance downstream from Vega de Terron where the ship was moored during the morning.

The ship will stay moored at Barca d’Alva overnight.

Douro River Cruise : Day 5

This morning the ship will depart from Barca d’Alva and cruise towards Pinhao , arriving after lunch. The ship will pass through the Pocinho and Valeira dams again. The distance is around 62 miles.

After lunch, there is an included visit to Quinta do Seixo, a local winery. There will be an included tour of the estate and a chance to taste their port wines. This is a Sandemans winery with lovely views back down the Douro Valley and of the vineyards throughout the area too. It is only a few miles from Pinhao to Quinta do Seixo.

This evening there will be a dinner at a local Quinta with wine and entertainment included. This means dinner will be served away from the ship.

After dinner, you will return to Pinhao where the ship remains moored overnight.

Douro River Cruise : Day 6

There is an early morning cruise from Pinhao to Regua this morning which means another crossing through the Regua dam. The cruising distance is around 20 miles.

There is an included visit to the Mateus Palace , which will be familiar to you if you have seen the Mateus Rose wine label. The visit will be to the gardens with a chance to view the outside of the palace.

You return to the ship for an afternoon cruise between Regua and Entre-os-Rios where the ship will moor overnight. The distance is around 60 miles.

This evening there will be a Portuguese folk music show after dinner.

Douro River Cruise : Day 7

This morning the ship will cruise back to Oporto. During the cruise, you will travel through the Carrapatelo and Crestuma dams again. The distance is around 25 miles.

On arrival there is an included tour of Oporto which is famous for wine production but also served as inspiration for JK Rowling – if you see students from the University during your tour you will see why!

Most of the tour will be on the coach with some stops along the way. One of the places you will visit is Se Cathedral , where Phillipa of Lancaster married King Joao of Portugal in 1387.

You will also visit a port wine cellar and learn about the production and history of this delicious drink.

Your ship will remain at Vila Nova de Gaia overnight.

Douro River Cruise Day 8

This morning after breakfast you will disembark your ship and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

On arrival in the UK, you will be transferred home as per your arrangements with SAGA.

Douro River Cruise Additional Points to Consider

Discount if you don’t take the £20 included SAGA travel insurance.

• If you don’t take the SAGA travel insurance and use your own insurance cover bear in mind that the SAGA cruise assistant will probably not be able to help you in the event of an emergency that requires insurance assistance.
• Most insurance companies will not allow cruise or holiday representatives to talk with them unless they are the insurance company provided by the holiday company. This is because of data protection rules and regulations.
• Even if you have your own insurance it may be worth considering sticking with the SAGA insurance for this cruise given that the cruise assistant will be able to help you with claiming and making arrangements.

Cruise Assistant

• A cruise assistant is not a tour manager. They do not manage the tour or the itinerary in any way. This is all done by the product team in the UK who liaise with the ship directly. On board the ship there will be a Cruise Director who is responsible for everything on the cruise.
• The Cruise Assistant is really there to ensure everything runs as it should and to assist in case of emergency. They may be able to help with some issues during the tour but they cannot change the itinerary because of a delay or problem for example i.e. a lock crossing is delayed meaning the program needs to be shortened to make the next lock crossing.
• The pay for the Cruise Assistant reflects the fact that they are not expected to do the same amount of work and instead are accompanying the cruise.

Drinks Packages

• There are no drinks included in the cruise. There may well be an option to include a drinks package. This could cover local drinks and branded drinks depending on the price and package.
• These are not included in your price.
• When thinking of gratuities please remember that your SAGA Cruise Assistant is not included in the gratuities for the ship’s crew.

Douro River Cruise : Reviews

• The reviews for this cruise by previous SAGA guests are 7.9 out of 10 overall.
• The accommodation scored lowest at 6.6 out of 10
• The quality of visits and excursions scored highest at 7.9 out of 10
• Some people have scored this cruise lower despite saying in their comments they had a good time.

(These reviews were on the website in 2022)

Douro River Cruise – Professional Traveller Summary

• This Douro River Cruise is an ideal introduction to this particular part of Portugal
• The Douro is a beautiful river and this Douro River Cruise gives you a great combination of the beautiful city of Porto, with the rural countryside of Portugal too
• The Douro Queen will be chartered exclusively for SAGA for your cruise which is great
• Be prepared to be organised in terms of activities during your cruise – there isn’t a huge amount of time to explore on your own
• There are some lovely parts of the cruise where you can sit on the sun deck and just enjoy the countryside slipping by
• Don’t miss cruising back into Porto and going under the bridges – it might be early but it’s worth it for the view

Douro River Cruise Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Do You Wear On a Douro River Cruise?

On this particular cruise, there is no formal dress code. Some guests did change for dinner but not into anything formal, just something perhaps a little smarter from clothes worn during the day for walking etc. There is a Captain’s Dinner but this was smart casual rather than anything formal like dresses and suits. For exploring and activities good walking shoes are recommended. Portuguese kerbs and pavements leave a lot to be desired and can be very uneven and really high too. Getting on and off boats requires good footwear too. As the river level changes this can affect the angle of the boarding ramp so sturdy and supportive footwear is advisable. The sun get can get very hot so something to cover up with and a hat is also a good idea.

How Long is the Douro River Cruise?

Most cruises are around 8 days long. This gives time to get through all the dams and head further into the Douro river valley. This gives guests on board cruise ships a chance to explore some rural parts of Portugal as well as the lively city of Porto.

Where Do Douro River Cruises Start?

Most Douro River cruises start in Porto. That said the cruises actually start from a suburb outside Porto called Vila Nova da Gaia. This is on the opposite side of the Douro river to Porto itself. It is also where the port wine cellars are.

Further Reading

Check out this Portuguese Government site which gives lots more information on the navigation of the Douro River

Portuguese Government Site About the Navigation of the Douro River

If you have found this review of the Douro River Cruise useful then you might be interested in the following;

Detailed Review of Coach Holiday to Lake Garda – with lots of helpful tips

Australia Tours review – 2 coach holidays compared with detailed itinerary review and helpful tips and advice

If you want more help finding your perfect coach holiday then check out my Coach Holidays page

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The Points Guy

AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which of these popular river cruise lines is right for you?

Posted: November 26, 2023 | Last updated: November 27, 2023

Among the cruise lines navigating the rivers of Europe, Southeast Asia and Egypt are two of the best-known names in the industry: AmaWaterways and Viking .

Each brand is distinguished by its hallmark attractions, such as AmaWaterways' selection of always-complimentary excursions and Viking's consistently sleek Scandinavian-inspired interior design. But is there really that much difference between these major river cruise brands that it matters which one you choose?

The answer is yes. Some of the variations may even surprise you, so read on for a head-to-head comparison of AmaWaterways versus Viking.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Meet the river cruise lines

River cruise lines AmaWaterways and Viking launched within five years of each other. Both are helmed by well-known cruise and travel industry executives and feature fleets of modern river ships. Yet each takes its own unique approach to itineraries, tours and onboard ambience.

AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Vienna-born Rudi Schreiner, Germany native Kristin Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy, an American. The line has a fleet of 26 ships, with three new vessels launching in 2024 and 2025.

The brand's hallmark is offering multiple excursions, typically three or four per port, included in the cruise fare. These are usually a city walking tour, perhaps with a wine or culinary focus, or a bus tour to nearby sights. One "Gentle" group is dedicated to guests who need a little extra time getting around, and each port almost always includes a more challenging hike or bike ride for fitness-focused guests. AmaWaterways ships also carry bicycles on board, which are available for independent exploration.

The company is known for custom-designed ships with destination-inspired contemporary decor. Its public spaces feel like those you'd find in a locally owned boutique hotel. A key design innovation by AmaWaterways was the introduction of the "twin balcony," which consists of a French balcony and a full-size step-out balcony. This adds exceptional views and a sense of spaciousness to the cabins that feature them.

The Viking story started a few years before AmaWaterways. Launched in 1997 by Norwegian-born cruise veteran Torstein Hagen and several partners, Viking River Cruises was designed to be destination-focused and culturally immersive. Viking currently has 69 river ships, with two more scheduled to launch in 2024 and 2025.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

Viking's river cruise fares include one complimentary shore excursion in each port, typically a panoramic bus tour or guided walking tour. Guests may also choose from among a range of other extra-fee tour options, most with a cultural or culinary bent but some a bit more active.

The company grew its river cruise business by attracting mature travelers seeking a convenient way to explore multiple cities and countries in Europe. However, its brand recognition and growth greatly accelerated with the introduction of its first Viking Longship in 2012 and a successful marketing campaign around the launch of the Longships (including sponsorship of "Downton Abbey" on PBS Masterpiece).

Today, Viking's 55 virtually identical Longships, named for Nordic gods and goddesses (from Viking Agir to Viking Vili), represent a certain standard of European river cruising, and all feature light and airy Scandinavian design.

Unlike AmaWaterways, which remains strictly a river cruise company, Viking has expanded into ocean cruising. In 2015, the company introduced the 930-passenger Viking Star and now operates a fleet of nine identical ocean ships. In 2022, it added a pair of 378-guest, Polar-6-Class expedition ships. That means Viking fans can vacation around the world without leaving the brand.

The ships in AmaWaterways and Viking's river cruise fleets range from intimate (28 guests) to grand (386 guests), with the size differences most notable on rivers such as the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi.

AmaWaterways' 29 ships aren't entirely uniform, even the 20 in its popular European fleet. Those ships are either 360 or 443 feet in length and carry 140 to 196 passengers and 45 to 70 crew members, respectively. The majority (15 ships) carry between 152 and 162 passengers and 51 crew, while four smaller vessels accommodate either 140 or 144 passengers and 45 crew.

The outlier is 196-guest AmaMagna, which is the line's flagship vessel on the Danube. At 443 feet long and 72 feet wide, it is almost double the width of the average river ship without significantly increasing the passenger count. This has created an abundance of space that AmaWaterways has used to enhance the cruise experience. Cabins and suites are larger than on its other ships at 205 to 710 square feet versus 160 to 350 square feet. AmaMagna also offers passengers a choice of four dining venues rather than two, as well as five onboard bars, unique for a river ship.

On Portugal's Douro River, AmaWaterways has two ships, AmaDouro and AmaVida. Each accommodates 102 passengers and 38 crew. A third vessel, AmaSintra, will launch in early 2025.

In Egypt, AmaWaterways currently operates AmaDahlia, which carries 72 passengers and 62 crew. When a second ship, AmaLilia, launches in 2024, it will accommodate 82 passengers and 65 crew.

On the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, AmaDara is the cruise line's sole vessel. This ship, featuring French colonial decor and beautifully carved wood furniture, accommodates 124 passengers and 52 crew.

AmaWaterways also operates one vessel on the Chobe River in Botswana, and like AmaMagna , it's an outlier — but for the opposite reason. At just 150 feet in length, Zambezi Queen was designed in 2019 specifically for wildlife viewing and accommodates just 28 passengers and 22 crew.

In 2024, AmaWaterways will add South America to its portfolio when it begins cruising the Magdalena River in Colombia. AmaMagdalena will carry 60 passengers and 30 crew.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

As for Viking, the company's fleet of 55 identical Longships is ubiquitous along Central Europe's major rivers. At 443 feet in length, each accommodates 190 passengers and 53 crew members.

On Portugal's Douro River, Viking operates four smaller ships. They carry 106 passengers and 33 crew members. On the Elbe River in Germany, the cruise line has two ships, Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla, each carrying 98 passengers and 33 crew.

On the Seine River in France, Viking's four identical ships, all built in 2020, accommodate 168 passengers and 46 crew.

Viking's fleet on the Nile River in Egypt currently numbers four ships, with two more in the pipeline. The two newest — Viking Osiris and Viking Aton — were launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Each accommodates 82 passengers and 48 crew members. The similarly sized Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek are set to join them in 2024 and 2025. Two smaller ships, Viking Ra (2017) and MS Antares (2007), carry just 52 and 62 passengers, respectively, with crew staffs of 55 and 75.

In Asia, Viking operates just one ship. Viking Saigon, which debuted in 2022 and accommodates 80 passengers.

Viking's largest river ship is actually cruising stateside. Viking Mississippi, which debuted in 2022 and is 450 feet in length, accommodates 386 guests and 147 crew.

If you do the math, you'll see that while both AmaWaterways and Viking's main European river ships are 443 feet in length, Viking's ships carry 30 additional guests. That means Viking ships will be a tad more crowded and cabins slightly smaller (135 to 205 square feet versus 160 to 235 square feet) to accommodate. (However, suites on Viking vessels are generally a bit roomier.)

AmaWaterways also has a slightly better crew-to-guest ratio on its core European river fleet: 51 crew members for 156-162 guests versus Viking's 53 crew members for 190 guests. Both cruise lines offer excellent service, however, and any discrepancy will most likely be felt when a Viking ship is sailing at capacity, and the ship's sole dining room is full at mealtimes.

Who is on board AmaWaterways and Viking?

Several factors play a role in the passenger mix aboard these competing river cruise lines. For one, Viking's ships are adults only (passengers must be at least 18), while AmaWaterways welcomes multigenerational families. That's not to say that you'll find kids running amok on the latter's ships, but you might share your river cruise with parents and teens or grandparents and younger children (the minimum age is 6) during summer and spring break.

The most obvious difference to the casual observer, however, will be the age and fitness level of each line's core clientele.

Viking is highly popular with Americans — especially older Americans age 65 and above who like the cruise line's consistency and emphasis on easy sightseeing by bus. More active passengers might find themselves frustrated by the pace of guided walking tours, but they can always book excursions coded as "moderate" or "demanding" rather than "easy" to lessen the odds of being slowed by fellow passengers who aren't as speedy.

AmaWaterways is also popular with U.S. travelers but attracts a slightly more international demographic that's also perhaps a bit younger — and fitter. Why? Not only does the cruise line offer active hiking or biking excursions in most ports, but its ships also have a Wellness Host on board leading morning and afternoon yoga, meditation and fitness classes. Guests who book AmaMagna can even play pickleball on a full-size court.

AmaWaterways also partners with bike touring company Backroads to host groups of cyclists on board, typically 30 to 40 at a time, for lengthier and more challenging bike rides than on its normal itineraries.

Wine lovers are another core group for AmaWaterways, which in 2024 will host more than 70 wine-themed cruises highlighting different wineries (mostly U.S.-based but also some European wineries on Rhone itineraries) that have been invited to bring their wine club members on board for tastings, lectures and special excursions. Some groups buy out the entire ship, but the average is 70 to 80 passengers, or about half the ship's capacity. That means you could be sailing with a large group that's keenly focused on wine.

Cabins and suites

Because 19 of AmaWaterways' core European ships fall into two size categories, accommodating 144 to 162 passengers, cabin and suite design is consistent across most of the fleet. Each of the generously sized rooms features a flat-screen TV and a bathroom with a roomy shower.

Fixed window cabins on the lowest deck are 160 square feet, French balcony cabins are 155 to 170 square feet, twin balcony cabins (with both a French balcony and step-out veranda) are 210 to 235 square feet, and suites are 300 to 350 square feet. The company's two Douro River ships, AmaDouro and AmaVida, feature similarly sized cabins and suites.

While the general theme uniting the accommodations across AmaWaterways' European fleet is contemporary design with destination-inspired touches, suite decor is unique from ship to ship. In general, cabin decor has become lighter and brighter with each new (or newly refurbished) ship, with interesting textures and patterns replacing more traditional fabrics.

In 2017, AmaWaterways also launched the first river ship (AmaKristina) with connecting rooms, designed for multigenerational families or groups of friends traveling together. Six additional ships (AmaLea, AmaMagna, AmaMora, AmaLucia, AmaSiena and AmaDahlia) now also have this feature.

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

Viking Longships are each a carbon copy of the others, so passengers know exactly what they are getting when they book. Cabins are more compact than those on AmaWaterways' ships but have an airy ambience featuring light woods, neutral fabrics and a well-designed bathroom with a heated floor.

Standard cabins are 150 square feet and have a small window just above the water line. French Balcony cabins are a snug 135 square feet, but feature wall-to-wall sliding glass doors. Veranda cabins are 205 square feet, while veranda suites are 275 square feet. The two Explorer Suites are 445 square feet, including a 270-degree wrap-around veranda.

For slightly larger accommodations, river cruisers should look to AmaMagna, as its double-width design allows for roomier accommodations. Its two top balcony categories offer a generous 474 and 710 square feet of space, similar to the square footage of suites on many ocean ships.

Dining options on AmaWaterways vs. Viking

There's no question that you will eat well on a river cruise. Both AmaWaterways and Viking have culinary programs designed to appeal to a wide variety of food preferences, including vegetarian. You can expect to enjoy classic preparations as well as destination-focused dining highlighting regional cuisines.

AmaWaterways, which is the only river cruise line that's a member of the prestigious culinary organization La Chaine des Rotisseurs, offers a la carte dining from menus that change daily for both lunch and dinner, as well as full-service breakfast from menus rather than a buffet. Options range from eggs Benedict or omelets to smoked trout or avocado toast.

Guests who prefer a lighter, more informal breakfast or lunch can skip the Main Restaurant and opt to enjoy a small selection of options served in a central buffet in the Lounge.

Sit-down lunch menus in the Main Restaurant feature a selection of appetizers served family-style and main course options that include at least one local preparation, such as goulash in Budapest or wiener schnitzel in Vienna. Dinner menus are more extensive and include three or four appetizers/soups and three or four mains (with well-conceived meat or fish options and delicious vegetarian dishes). There are two hard-to-resist dessert choices, along with seasonal fruits and a selection of cheeses.

All AmaWaterways ships also feature the Chef's Table, an intimate space (it seats 28) located at the back of the ship and offering panoramic views. Passengers can reserve a shared table here to enjoy a beautifully prepared multicourse meal at no additional cost.

In addition, AmaMagna offers two more restaurant options: Jimmy's for casual, family-style dining and Al Fresco for vegetable-forward menu options served in an outdoor setting.

AmaWaterways serves an excellent selection of complimentary wines (most from local vineyards along your river cruise route) and beers with both lunch and dinner, as well as a selection of complimentary mixed drinks, wines and beers during the nightly predinner Sip & Sail cocktail hour. Sparkling wine is also available during breakfast.

Viking's dining experience is also designed to offer plenty of options. At breakfast and lunch in the Main Restaurant, passengers can select items from the buffet — which typically includes freshly made pastries, cheeses, smoked salmon, oatmeal, fruit and eggs — and/or order off of the day's menu (buttermilk pancakes, eggs Benedict and more).

Lunch is similar, with buffet selections available as well as a menu with daily selections (soup, salad and two main options) plus always-available dishes (such as salad Nicoise and burgers). The lunch menu does not always have a locally inspired dish, but Viking guests can enjoy their midday meal while surveying local surroundings by opting to dine alfresco on the Aquavit Terrace. This aft space is popular on days when the weather is good and offers much of the same menu as the Main Restaurant.

It's at dinner that Viking's chefs inject more local flavors into the menu, with a suggested three-course Regional Specialties Tasting Menu (chicken paprikash as the main in Hungary, for instance). These offerings are complemented by a daily selection of two starters, two mains (always with a vegetarian selection) and one dessert. In addition, guests can choose from a Classics menu with always-available favorites.

Viking also serves unlimited complimentary wine and beer with both lunch and dinner, but the selection is a bit limited. Passengers wanting more options can purchase a Silver Spirits drinks package to enjoy a wider choice, including the sommelier's selection of wines, which are often excellent local varietals. The package also includes cocktails and other beverages, which can be enjoyed at any time.

Viking does not host a complimentary evening cocktail hour, but on certain days it does offer free wine tastings on the Aquavit Terrace.

What's on board

Most of the real estate aboard river cruise ships is taken up by guest accommodations, the main restaurant and the lounge, leaving little room for any fancy attractions beyond a small gift shop.

But AmaWaterways has managed to add a perk: a heated pool or hot tub on the Sun Deck of most of its ships. However, passengers who require an elevator can only access the two main decks, not the Sun Deck or the lowest deck.

In addition to their cache of bicycles, AmaWaterways ships also offer a wellness program, led by an onboard Wellness Host. Classes on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge consist of morning yoga, meditation or core strengthening and afternoon stretching or active walks. Every ship also has a small fitness center and a massage room. AmaMagna also has a full-size pickleball court.

Entertainment-wise, guests can expect nightly music by a piano player/DJ as well as guest performances by locals that range from folkloric song and dance to contemporary music.

Shipwide Wi-Fi is complimentary, but there is no internet center.

Viking's Longships don't feature pools or any wellness/fitness activities beyond a walking track and small putting green, but they do have a library with a good selection of books and an internet corner with laptops guests can use (shipwide Wi-Fi is free as well) and a small gift shop.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

The Sun Deck features a shaded sitting area, as well as solar panels and an herb garden that allows chefs anytime access to fresh ingredients. Elevators on Viking ships also offer access to the middle decks but not the Sun Deck.

Viking's entertainment is similar to most river cruise lineups and features a musician or DJ as well as local performers with a folkloric, classical or contemporary style.

AmaWaterways and Viking itineraries

River cruise itineraries, especially in Europe, don't vary that much from line to line. The cruise season is mainly from late March to mid-December. Certain rivers are more popular — namely the Danube, Rhine and Rhone — and most cruise lines, including AmaWaterways and Viking, visit the same key ports.

AmaWaterways offers 33 different itineraries in Europe on the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne, Douro, Main and Moselle rivers, as well as the waterways of Belgium and Holland. Cruises last five to 14 nights.

As of 2024, the company is offering February and March sailings aboard AmaMagna ("Magna on the Danube") on the Danube and AmaLucia ("Captivating Rhine") on the Rhine. Yes, the weather will be a bit nippy, but there will be fewer crowds, and the cruise fares will be hundreds of dollars lower than in warmer months.

The river cruise line does not only sail in Europe. In Egypt, the company features one Nile River cruise itinerary, "Secrets of Egypt & the Nile." It includes a three-night hotel stay in Cairo and a seven-night cruise.

It also offers two seven-night itineraries on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.

AmaWaterway's seven itinerary options in Africa all combine a three- or four-night cruise on the Chobe River in Botswana with land stays in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe or Tanzania for a total of 10 to 17 nights.

In late 2024, AmaWaterways will become the first upscale river cruise company to sail the Magdalena River in Colombia. Its two new seven-night itineraries include the "Magic of Colombia" itinerary from Barranquilla to Cartagena and the "Wonders of Colombia" cruise from Cartagena to Barranquilla.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Viking offers 29 different itineraries in Europe on the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Garonne & Dordogne, Douro and Elbe rivers, as well as the waterways of Belgium and Holland. While most sailings, lasting seven to 16 nights, are from early March to mid-December, Viking has added a 10-night "Treasures of the Rhine" itinerary between Amsterdam and Basel for 2024, with dates in January and February.

Viking also offers river cruises beyond Europe. In Egypt, Viking offers one itinerary, the 10-night "Pharaohs & Pyramids," featuring four nights in Cairo and a seven-night Nile cruise. Its itinerary through Vietnam and Cambodia is the 14-night "Magnificent Mekong" from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, which includes an eight-day river cruise and hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.

Finally, the new Viking Mississippi cruises five itineraries in America's Heartland. These range from seven-night roundtrips from New Orleans to 21-night journeys that cover the mighty Mississippi's entire 2,350-mile length from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bottom line

While both AmaWaterways and Viking do have a lot in common — similar itineraries and pricing, excellent cuisine and a generally casual dress code — their differences will matter to certain travelers, especially those who prioritize active wellness or multiple included tour options ... or perhaps even both.

Choose AmaWaterways if you want a slightly more inclusive cruise fare, a good selection of regional wines and a passenger mix that's a bit younger and more international. Choose Viking if you appreciate airy, modern design and enjoy traditional guided tours focused on history, culture and cuisine.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Douro River Valley

8 days | porto to porto.

4.3/5   115 reviews

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An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers.

As you follow the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port. Explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. In Salamanca, Spain, you’ll see the city’s famous university. Return to Portugal with a visit to the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo and historic Guimarães. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!

Uniworld also offers an 11-day version of this itinerary, featuring additional excursions in Lisbon and Coimbra. Click here for more information.

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Porto (Embark)

Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro.

Porto, Entre-os-Rios

Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose to explore Portugal on foot or by panoramic drive.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Choose between...

Porto panoramic tour.

Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Take in the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, seeing its famous Moorish Revival-style Arab Room, during your panoramic tour. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously...

Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Take in the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, seeing its famous Moorish Revival-style Arab Room, during your panoramic tour. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously profoundly urban and moodily romantic. Colorful multistory townhouses sheathe the hills that climb precipitously from the Douro estuary, medieval alleys snake through UNESCO-designated neighborhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls—which were erected on Roman foundations—and baroque church towers crown the hilltops. The river itself cuts through the city on its way to the ocean, marked by a series of iconic bridges along the way. It meets its final destination at Foz do Douro, a district whose name translates to "Mouth of the Douro." Our tour will take us all the way here, where you can admire the passeio alegre with its promenade inspired by French architecture, see the Castelo do Queijo that juts out over the Atlantic, and drive down Boavista Avenue.

Do as the Locals Do: Porto Walking Tour

Depart by coach for Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where we will begin our long walk around town. Cross the upper level of the Ponte Dom Luis, Porto's eye-catching bridge, and arrive at the Cathedral "Sé." From there, we'll walk to the Sao Bento Station to see its famous azulejos murals, which...

Depart by coach for Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where we will begin our long walk around town. Cross the upper level of the Ponte Dom Luis, Porto's eye-catching bridge, and arrive at the Cathedral "Sé." From there, we'll walk to the Sao Bento Station to see its famous azulejos murals, which portray the city's rich history. After that, head up the hill to Santa Catarina Street, a bustling shopping street full of beautiful cafes, shops and historical landmarks. To fuel our jaunt around Porto, we'll then stop at the Bolhão Market for a taste of an important local treat and one of the city's biggest industries: canned fish. Finally, we'll make our way to the Clérigos Quarter on the way back to the ship through Ribeira.

Entre-os-Rios, Régua

Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum.

Featured Excursions

Douro museum.

The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Why? What makes Port the wine it is? Learn about the region’s unique geology and winemaking history—Romans planted vines in this region 2,000 years ago—at the Douro Museum. Exhibits laid out in buildings...

The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Why? What makes Port the wine it is? Learn about the region’s unique geology and winemaking history—Romans planted vines in this region 2,000 years ago—at the Douro Museum. Exhibits laid out in buildings that were once home to Port winemaker Real Companhia Velha let you see how the process of making Port evolved over the centuries: You’ll find the tools of the trade and even a rabelo (a boat that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto) on display. An interactive map shows where the quintas are and how the region developed; and by sniffing vials of concentrated fragrance, you can learn to identify the many aromas that a good Port exhibits. It’s fun and informative—plus you can sample some regional Douro wine.

Lamego Heritage Tour

Discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. Lamego is known for a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of “Remédios," planted on top of one of the city hills and reachable by a gorgeous staircase with 686 steps. During this experience,...

Discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. Lamego is known for a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of “Remédios," planted on top of one of the city hills and reachable by a gorgeous staircase with 686 steps. During this experience, you’ll discover the importance of Lamego’s heritage to the valley. This is a very important area for the production of delicious sparkling wines and cold cuts, which you’ll be able to taste in the cozy and regionally typical atmosphere of a place called Presunteca , or the “Ham Library”.

Nights Out: Quinta Dinner

Travel up winding roads with spectacular views—and breath-stealing drop-offs—for a traditional dinner bursting with regional flavors. Your hosts: the owners of a local quinta , a Portuguese analogue for the French "chateau" or English "estate."

Régua, Pocinho, Vega de Terrón

Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.

Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley

Ready for an expedition worthy of Indiana Jones? Today’s your chance. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Côa River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer and aurochs that span eons. The oldest images etched into the...

Ready for an expedition worthy of Indiana Jones? Today’s your chance. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Côa River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer and aurochs that span eons. The oldest images etched into the schist walls around the river date to approximately 22,000 to 20,000 BC, with younger carvings ranging from the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages to the 17th century—images that represent human interaction with the natural world for more than 30,000 years. Learn about this amazing area and see the original rock art for yourself when you visit the Côa Valley with your knowledgeable guide. It will be an illuminating adventure. Note: Exploring these sites will require sturdy hiking footwear and considerable physical fitness: You’ll take a four-wheel drive down dirt roads and hike into rocky and hard-to-access locations.

Castelo Rodrigo

Ride through wonderfully scenic countryside—the region is noted for its honey, which derives its flavor from the fields of wild lavender and the almond groves you’ll pass—to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both a castle and the village it shelters. The castle ruins stand high atop...

Ride through wonderfully scenic countryside—the region is noted for its honey, which derives its flavor from the fields of wild lavender and the almond groves you’ll pass—to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both a castle and the village it shelters. The castle ruins stand high atop Marofa Mountain, telling the tale of border strife and Portugal’s struggle for independence in a single structure. Construction on the citadel began in 1209 under the auspices of the king of Leon, but it became part of Portugal within a century—though its local lords sided with Spanish rulers from time to time over the next four centuries. That’s why the palace adjoining the castle lies in ruins: Outraged citizens destroyed it after its lord sided with Castile. Take in the amazing view from the ancient stone walls, then step down through the tiny cobbled lanes of the village, passing the old pillory, the Manueline church, and the town’s market square. It’s not all history, of course. You’ll also get to sample delicious local treats, such as honey, almonds, olive oil and cheeses, and a newly restored tea-house invites you to relax over a cup of tea or a cool drink.

Vega de Terrón (Salamanca), Barca d’Alva

Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.

Featured Excursion

Salamanca - the golden city and spain's oldest university.

Called the “Golden City” for its tawny sandstone buildings, Salamanca boasts a dozen beautiful and historic churches, including two cathedrals: the new one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and can only be entered from the New...

Called the “Golden City” for its tawny sandstone buildings, Salamanca boasts a dozen beautiful and historic churches, including two cathedrals: the new one, built in the early 16th century, and the Old Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and can only be entered from the New Cathedral. Walk with your guide through Plaza Mayor, lined with wonderful baroque buildings, to the university, which was founded by Alfonso IX in 1218. The ornate plateresque façade is stunning, and the interior rooms you see are equally beautiful. You'll have time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor or enjoy a bite to eat on your own before we drive back to the ship. Your guide can recommend some excellent places to dine, whether you're looking for a typical tapas lunch or want to stroll the stalls of Salamanca's food hall (one of Spain's best).

Barca d’Alva, Régua

Head ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.

Local Quinta Guided Tour with Tasting

As you journey through the hills to a local quinta, a prestigious Port wine estate, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. The stone terraces curving around the steep slopes hold soil that is largely the creation of human intervention: People have...

As you journey through the hills to a local quinta, a prestigious Port wine estate, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. The stone terraces curving around the steep slopes hold soil that is largely the creation of human intervention: People have laboriously broken up the native silver schist stone over the centuries and turned it into usable sandy earth; it’s called “anthroposoil.” The process of producing Port wine is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity; the steepness of the slopes requires that grape vines be tended almost entirely by hand, but the wine itself is made using the most modern techniques. You’ll tour the state-of-the-art facility and sample some exceptional Ports in a tasting room whose wall of windows looks out over spectacular views of the Douro Valley.

Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta

Although many Port wine estates are owned by international corporations nowadays, the tradition of the family-owned estate remains strong. Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are...

Although many Port wine estates are owned by international corporations nowadays, the tradition of the family-owned estate remains strong. Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are tended and grapes harvested. Although some 80 varieties of grapes are approved for the creation of Port, six grape varieties dominate. Discover which ones are grown here and learn why.

Régua (Guimarães), Porto

Explore Guimarães, the town where Portugal was born. Its well-preserved architecture and stylish young residents make it a pleasure to visit.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Guimarães City Tour

“Portugal was born here.” So the sign on the city wall proclaims. Guimarães was home to the first king of Portugal, Afonso I, who managed to win his kingdom’s independence in the 12th century from neighboring suzerains. The wonderfully well-preserved Old Town, with its...

“Portugal was born here.” So the sign on the city wall proclaims. Guimarães was home to the first king of Portugal, Afonso I, who managed to win his kingdom’s independence in the 12th century from neighboring suzerains. The wonderfully well-preserved Old Town, with its unique architecture (houses here combine granite with half-timbering) and charming little plazas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; overlooking it is the grand castle that appears on Portugal’s coat of arms. Rove with your guide from the castle toward the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and to the splendid Monastery and Church of Our Lady of Oliveira and the 14th-century Gothic Padrão do Salado. But remember that despite these historic beauties, Guimarães has the youngest population of any city in Europe, so the pedestrian area is full of lively and fun cafés and shops.

Masterpiece Collection Providing the most all-inclusive luxury to our guests is the heart and soul of our brand and that will never change. Yet sometimes our guests want something that goes even "above and beyond" our included experiences. In light of this, we now offer guests a curated selection of optional excursions, available for an additional charge.

Let's go: porto to the sea bike tour.

The Douro River begins to open up from Porto as it makes its way to the Portuguese coast. Follow the river all the way to the sea and keep biking along the coastline for the most scenic cycling route this region has to offer—and that’s saying a lot. As you go, you’ll pass by the fishermen’s village of Afurada, bike the beaches of Gaia and break for coffee and a treat at the Esplanada do Alex.

*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 48 hours prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 48 hours they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.

Porto (Disembark)

If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Porto Airport for your flight home.

What's Included

• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

• 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Guided “Do as the Locals Do” program
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions

Accommodations

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic S.S. São Gabriel
• Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites with hotel-style beds, draped in fine linens with a choice of pillows
• Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

• 2 countries: Portugal & Spain
• Multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
• Captivating onboard local entertainment

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