Douro River Cruises

Discover the Douro

The Douro River flows 897 km from Spain through northern Portugal to Porto. The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its terraced vineyards producing Port wine, dramatic landscapes, and charming riverside towns.

Key Facts

Length: 897 km (557 miles)
Countries: Spain, Portugal
Major Cities: Porto, Peso da Régua, Pinhão
Source: Picos de Urbión, Spain
Mouth: Atlantic Ocean at Porto

Best Time to Cruise

The Douro cruise season runs from March through October, with each season offering unique advantages:

Spring (Mar-May): Blooming almond trees, mild weather, fewer crowds
Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm weather, long days, vibrant atmosphere
Fall (Sep-Oct): Harvest season, grape stomping, autumn colors

What to See & Do

Must-See Highlights

Porto

Historic city with colorful houses, port wine cellars, and Dom Luís I Bridge.

Pinhão

Heart of port wine country with stunning vineyard views and historic train station.

Régua

Wine capital with excellent museums and access to vineyard estates.

Salamanca

Golden-stone Spanish city with one of Europe's oldest universities.

Cultural Experiences

Tour port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia with tastings
Visit Quinta do Seixo for stunning views and wine production
Explore Porto's Ribeira district with its colorful houses
Take a scenic train ride along the river from Pinhão

Douro Cruise Tips

Pack layers - Mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer
Bring sunscreen - The river reflects sunlight intensively
Try local cuisine - Like francesinha sandwiches and bacalhau dishes
Consider spring/fall - Avoids peak summer heat and crowds

Douro River Cruise Itineraries

Our Douro cruises typically range from 6 to 8 nights, with roundtrip voyages from Porto or one-way itineraries continuing to Spain. Most include visits to wine estates, scenic sailing through the valley, and time to explore Porto.