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Douro river cruises

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2025

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Discover one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers – the River of Gold - on our Douro river cruises 2025/2026

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.

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The Douro river ports

Porto

One of the most famous Douro River cities, Porto is well-known as the centre of port wine production. Step ashore and spend time seeing the sights, soaking up culture and enjoying a slice of local life in Portugal’s second-largest city.

Lisbon

The Portuguese capital plays host to a wealth of fascinating sights. From the 16th-century Belem Tower to the 12th-century Cathedral, its wealth of historical and cultural attractions makes this enigmatic city a must-see on a Douro cruise.

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Barca d’Alva

Close to the Spanish border, the village of Barca d’Alva may be small, but it’s full of charm. Take a stroll around the quiet streets, admire the old cottages and peer into the intriguing disused train station – all on a scenic backdrop of vine-clad terraces.

Pinhão

Pretty Pinhão is perched on a particularly attractive bend of the Douro. The numerous Douro Valley vineyards that cling to the terraces surrounding the town are renowned for producing some of the region’s best wines. Ambling along the waterside and indulging in a long lunch of locally produced food and wine is the order of the day in Pinhão.

Régua

Dubbed the gateway to the Alto Douro, Régua boomed as a centre for the port wine trade in the 18th century. Today port wine remains an important part of Régua’s identity. The town’s Museu do Douro is dedicated to the region’s wine-producing heritage.

Vega de Térron

Providing a gateway to the Spanish city of Salamanca, Vega de Térron is a small town with a quiet, rural ambience. From here, there’s the chance to spend the day exploring the nearby UNESCO-listed sights of Salamanca.

When to cruise the Douro river

Best explored between Spring and Autumn, cruises on Douro River, Portugal offer the chance to immerse yourself in the lush landscape of the region.

Spring

Springtime sees the valley begin to burst into life once more following the cooler winter months. Expect hillsides coloured white and pink by blooming almond and cherry trees. Temperatures during this time of year pleasant and there are fewer tourist crowds to contend with.

Summer

The Douro Valley weather in summer is typically warm. The region basks in glorious long, sunny days which also means this is the peak travel season. The terraced vineyards alongside the river become vibrantly green, and a lively atmosphere fills the region’s towns and cities.

Autumn

Delight in the lingering warmth of summer as the autumn brings a warm glow to the Douro Valley, Portugal. The scenery glows with golden leaves as the grape harvest season begins. This is an ideal time to take a Douro Valley trip for those looking for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

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.

Explore the gardens of Mateus Palace

Take the opportunity to stop off on your Douro Valley cruise and stroll among the lush gardens of the 19th-century House of Mateus. The work of Italian architect Niccolò Nasoni, the Baroque manor house is classed as a National Monument, and famously gives its name to the Portuguese table wine, Mateus Rosé. Discover its tranquil gardens replete with skillful topiary work and centenary camelia trees.

Visit 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. Its most popular produce, the Moscatel de Favaois, is a sweet muscat wine which is derived from the Moscatel Galego grape. Visit Favaios Winery for a guided tour of the cellar and tasting of the wine. Favaios is also known for the Four Corners Bread, which is made with wheat and rye, and leavened in wooden arches and baked in traditional ovens in which they burn branches and bushes from the surrounding woods. Visit one of the local bakery’s before travelling to Quinta da Avessada.

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.

Saga's Douro River Cruises

Our Douro river cruises are carefully thought out and our excursion programme is hugely varied, so you won't miss any of the Douro Valley's highlights. So, whether you want to see the sights or relax on board, or cruise as a single traveller, there is something for everyone.