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Douro river cruises

Discover one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers – the River of Gold - on our Douro river cruises 2025

Cruise on the Douro River, past UNESCO-listed wine terraces carpeting the surrounding slopes, and into what was once the heart of the ancient kingdom of Portugal. Along the way there’s plenty of opportunities to step ashore and explore.

Spend days out seeing the sights in the region’s cities such as Porto, Lisbon and Salamanca, sample fresh produce and Douro Valley wines, and wander the cobbled streets in small riverside villages.

The weather in Douro Valley is typically warm, with pleasant temperatures bathing the valley from spring through autumn – ample time to embark on a cruise along the Douro River and experience what the region has to offer.

Unique Douro river cruise experiences

Step off the boat and immerse yourself in the history, culture and local life of the region with these top Douro Valley river cruise experiences.

Mateus Palace has exquisite gardens

Explore Mateus Palace and Garden

Take the opportunity to stop off on your Douro Valley cruise and stroll among the opulent interiors and lush gardens of the 19th-century House of Mateus. The work of Italian architect Niccolò Nasoni, the Baroque manor house is opulently decorated with a large collection of notable pieces of art and antique furniture. Join a guide as you learn about the story of the estate, and discover its tranquil gardens replete with skilful topiary work and centenary camelia trees.

Vineyards in Douro Valley

Dine at a local wine estate

Wine has been produced in the Douro Valley for some 2,000 years. Over the centuries, the landscape of the Douro has been shaped by its terraced vineyards and white-washed farm estates known as quintas. Spend some time sampling the rich array of food and wine produced along the slopes of the river valley on a Douro Valley wine tour. Enjoy the opportunity to visit bucolic vineyards such as the 17th-century Quinta do Seixo, set in the heart of the valley, and linger over long meals paired with locally grown wine at charming estates.

Salamanca's Plaza Mayor

Spend the day in Salamanca

Hop over the border on a day trip to Salamanca. The UNESCO-recognised city hides a wealth of fascinating historic sites along with an enigmatic mix of culture and local life. Those looking for river cruises in Spain will enjoy spending the day exploring the history of this Spanish city. Salamanca has long been a hub for education and religion – its university, founded in 1218, is one of the oldest in the world. Join a guide as you stop off at the city’s impressive landmarks such as Plaza Mayor – Spain’s most beautiful city square – take a break for a local lunch and flamenco show, before visiting the architecturally rich Catedral Vieja, which was founded in the 12th century.

A Portuguese musical performance

Enjoy a Fado Show and Dinner

Fado music has long played an important part in the everyday life the region. With roots the area’s working-class community, no Douro Valley trip would be complete without experience a traditional fado performance. Arrive at Lisbon in time to see the city elegantly lit up for the evening and round up the day with a dinner and show in the city’s Old Quarter. Take your seat at Páteo de Alfama and enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner soundtracked by tantalising fado music performances. Accompanied by colourful choreography, the show tells the history of fado, from its 19th-centry origins when it was performed in local taverns, to its cultural importance in the modern day.

Saga's Douro River Cruises

Whether you’re after a jazz cruise or a special cruise for single travellers, our Douro river cruises are carefully thought out. Our excursion programme is hugely varied so you won't miss any of the Douro Valley's highlights.

Our return UK travel service is included on all river cruises.

A driver ready to pick up passengers outside a house, as part of our return UK travel service

Return UK travel service included on all river cruises

Our popular return UK travel service is the perfect way to get your trip on one of our Saga river cruise ships off to a great start, and it's included on all our river cruises.

Find out more
Three snapshots of guests joining our ship, Captain Kim Tanner and guests on an excursion

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