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Viking River cruise on the Douro river - Douro Acima

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  • Douro Acima

We loved our Portugal River of Gold Viking cruise. It was off season, which we were fully aware of... read more

viking river cruises douro

First the good bits. The crew were attentive, polite and helpful. Every where was clean and tidy... read more

viking river cruises douro

Viking River cruise on the Douro river

This was a smaller boat than our two previous Viking trips in China and northern Europe, but very nice. As always the service was excellent and the food and wine was flowing freely. For us wine lovers, the free wine at lunch and dinner is a real benefit. Short river in Portugal so you go out and back but see different things in each direction. Saw some lovely wineries, and small villages including a nice tour of a town in Spain just before we turned around. Nice amount of free time at each stop for those of you who like to shop or walk around on your own. Weather in early December was mostly good with two days of high winds and cold that wasn't ideal but manageable.

We where really looking forward to our first river cruise. The Douro river is beautiful also places you visit. Our problem was open dining didn’t exist passengers where pre tipping waiters to reserve large tables to sit with their group or same nationality and have all the attention for service and top ups of wine.Nearly all French balcony cabins are below waterline. The passengers who have already sailed with Viking have a cocktail party leaving first time passengers to be stay in their cabins as there is only one entertainment area . These holidays are over priced and geared up for tipping.

viking river cruises douro

We’re on our second Viking river cruise and the attached picture is from right now on the Viking Osfrid on 10/14/2017. Our top floor view after 5 nights on the ship, 3 of those days and nights have been of nothing but the ship next to us. No light, so sun no sky...just windows from another ship 2 feet away. I opened the door to take the picture and honest to god exhaust trapped between the ships poured into our cabin. Viking will lie to you they have private docks. We paid for a top cabin and the trip has been almost all tied to another boat with no view. This is real and happening now.

viking river cruises douro

As far as I can tell, the AMA boats and experience were the best on the river. The crew of the AMA Vida were exceptional and our experience focused on the food and wine of the region. We had the pleasure of cruising during the day, visiting the region in the morning or afternoon, and having time to explore in the evenings. Only negative was when our boat (that didn't run its engines at night) had to tie up next to boats that did. Fumes and noise. Hopefully, they will build more docks so this issue goes away.

This will be remembered as one of our best holidays - all thanks to Titan. The river boat was excellent - accommodation and dining on board really good. The staff /crew were lovely. The scenery magnificent and the days ashore visiting vineyards very interesting - what's not to like!!

viking river cruises douro

Our 8 day cruise from Porto/Salamanca/Porto with Emerald Radiance was an amazing treat to scenery which can only be seen from the river. The 5 locks involved in getting to the Spanish border are some of the biggest drops in water levels in Europe. The Valeira Dam has a lock 85 metres long, 23 metres wide and a difference in water levels of about 32 metres. The power station produces an average of 663Gwatts per annum. Either side of the dams are rocky escarpments which then slowly change to steeply sloping hills with vineyards galore. Certainly a trip to go on one's tick list.

viking river cruises douro

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Viking River Cruises Portugal: Traveling the Douro in Style

Penny Sadler Avatar

Penny Sadler

Viking Cruises Portugal include Viking Longship on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal.

Viking Cruises Portugal’s River of Gold nine-day cruise begins in Lisbon and ends in Porto . Along the way, you’ll visit the oldest university in Portugal , sample some of Portugal’s famous port wines, and feast your eyes on some spectacular scenery.

Due to the depth of the Douro River, the larger Viking European river cruise longships cannot travel on the Douro. Instead of traveling with approximately 200 passengers, you’ll travel with only 100 passengers, including the crew. This makes it a more intimate journey with the opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers (if you choose).

What Makes the Douro River Cruise Different?

The Douro Valley is the oldest delineated and demarcated wine region in the world. Though it has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years, it is still very rural.

There are no large cities along the Douro River aside from Porto. Regua is about 50,000 people, but at this time, there are no shore excursions in Regua. A Douro River cruise is more about enjoying the scenery and the small villages, quintas, and history of the region.

This makes the trip much slower-paced than a cruise on the Danube or the Rhine River. It’s more about relaxing and enjoying the scenery, which is spectacular, especially as you move farther north, where river access through the valley is more recent.

As the cruise line travels upriver, you’ll discover the real history of the Douro River Valley.

 Viking Cruises Portugal - Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon  and Coimbra

All Viking Portugal river cruise passengers meet in Lisbon and travel by bus to Porto to board the ship.

You can book pre-cruise extensions if you would like to stay longer in Lisbon. Viking Cruises takes care of the hotel booking. Daily excursions are included, just as they are onboard the ship. Note that there are several optional excursions to choose from in each port.

There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites on the Lisbon excursions, Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery . They’re known for their whimsical and exotic Manueline architecture, a blend of Gothic, Italian, and Flemish Renaissance influences.

Located on the River Tagus, Belem was originally a watch tower. Both pay tribute to Portugal’s maritime history and former status as a world superpower. Since they are adjacent to each other, this is a UNESCO double hitter.

On the way to Porto, the bus stops in Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal and home to the oldest university in Portugal. The university’s centerpiece is a gorgeous baroque library, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It houses more than 200,000 volumes; some are rare and very valuable.

Fun fact: The university keeps a colony of bats to eat the paper-eating bugs that attack the books. It is one of two libraries in the world that have a bat colony. But don’t worry, you won’t see any bats!

Arrival in Porto

The cruise part of the trip officially begins in Porto, once Portugal’s capital city. Your Viking longship docks in Villa Nova de Gaia just across from Porto. This is where all the big port wine houses are located. While not as scenic as Porto, Villa Nova de Gaia is a nice place to take a short walk.

There’s also the option to join an excursion to Graham’s port wine house for a seated tasting and dinner.

Porto is where you will officially embark on the ship and settle into your stateroom.

Viking Cruises Portugal - veranda stateroom on a Viking longship.

Staterooms 

There are three categories of staterooms: standard staterooms, French balcony staterooms, and veranda staterooms, and there are veranda suites.

Every stateroom is furnished in light and neutral colors and has ample storage under the bed for your luggage. There’s a table on each side of the bed, portals so you can stay connected to wifi, a desk, built-in drawers, and a good size closet.

In other words, ample room for you to unpack and enjoy your week on the Douro River.

Viking Cruises Portugal -  Exterior of Mateau Palace.

Vila Nova de Gaia to Lamego

The next morning the cruise ship sets sail for Lamego. From here, you’ll visit the lovely Mateus Palace and gardens, the very same palace that is depicted on every bottle of Mateus rosé wine. The family that owns the estate has been there for 400 years and the decor and architecture are fantastic.

In the afternoon, the excursion includes a visit to Quinta do Seixo, a famous winery. Aside from a tour of the winery and a tasting of the wines this is a fun vantage point to watch your Viking longship sail past on its way to the next port.

SheBuysTravel Tip:  The bus ride up the steep mountainside to the winery is not for the faint of heart! If you don’t like heights, sit on the other side of the bus.

Biking Cruises Portugal - Flamenco Dancers onboard the Viking Helgrim.

Cultural Experiences Onboard the Ship

The cultural experiences onboard the ship are always enjoyable. I’ve been on three Viking cruises, including the Danube, and I attend every scheduled event onboard. On the Douro River cruise, we had a lesson on cooking Portuguese pastry, a port wine-tasting experience, and afternoon tea, along with nightly music and dancing. There was even a flamenco performance one evening.

Viking Cruises Portugal - Vineyards in the Douro River Valley, Portugal.

Lamego to Barca d’ Alva

Barca d’ Alva is the last Portuguese town on the Douro River and is only a few hundred yards from the Spanish border. From here, the shore excursion is to Castelo Rodrigo.

Viking Cruises Portugal - Exterior wall of Castello Rodrigo, Portugal.

Castelo Rodrigo

Castelo Rodrigo is one of Portugal’s 12 historic parishes. There has been a castle or fortress here for centuries due to its proximity to the border of Spain. From the early 11th century until 1325, it was constantly besieged as it was fought over by both Portugal and Spain.

Throughout the centuries, Jews, Arabs, and Christians coexisted here. Today the village is tiny, with only about 1000 inhabitants. The ruins of the castle and the old church are all that remain of the town’s bloody past. The little chapel is especially beautiful, and there are fantastic views over the countryside from the castle.

The trip to Castelo Rodrigo is about an hour and a half, but the drive is broken up by a fun stop at what we in the US would refer to as a roadside cafe. It’s a nice stop for observing the life of people who live nearby as they get their coffee and meet with friends. The owner of the cafe will make you a fresh espresso or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, which is what they are known for.

Viking Cruises Portugal - People walking around Plaza Mayor Salamanca, Spain.

Salamanca, Spain

A day trip to Salamanca, Spain is one of the highlights of the cruise.

Salamanca was founded in 1134 but is wonderfully preserved. The golden color of the buildings in the center of the city makes it one of the most beautiful on the Iberian peninsula.

Spend time watching the world go by in Plaza Mayor, also known as the public square. Another thing Salamanca is known for its delicious pork, so find a tapas bar and order a nice tempranillo from Ribera del Duero or white wine from Rueda. This day-long excursion allows to time to wander on your own.

Note that the Douro River originates in Spain and travels west to the Atlantic Ocean. Cruise ships do not dock in Vega de Terron,  Spain, but in Barca d’ Alva, minutes from the border. It’s a two-hour bus ride to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca. Believe me, the bus ride is worth it.

Barca d’Alva

Barca d’ Alva is the last Portuguese town on the Douro River. The ship turns back to the west en route to Porto.

But first, a stop at Quinta da Avessada for an incredible meal and wine tasting. Due to the elevation of the town, Favaois, Quinta da Avessada produces mostly Moscatel de Favaois, a sweet wine that is made from Moscatel grapes that are grown nowhere else. Even if you don’t enjoy sweet wines, you’ll love the winery, the landscapes, and the food.

Viking Cruises Portugal - Beautiful white and blue tiles in Sao Bento train station, Porto, Portugal.

The final port of call is Porto, where the cruise began. Porto lends its name to the port wine produced in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Porto is a lovely old city, especially so for the beautiful tiles you’ll see almost everywhere. Be sure to visit the Sao Bento train station with its beautiful blue and white tiles telling the story of the Douro.

Porto is also referred to as the City of Bridges. There are six bridges in Porto, with the most famous Luis I Bridge named for the king of Portugal at the time of the construction of the bridge.

Of course there is so much more to see in Porto, but Viking Cruises  shore excursion orients you to the city. After that you can enjoy wandering on your own.

If you fall in love with Porto (and you will, it’s one of Europe’s most romantic cities), you can also have Viking Cruises arrange a post-cruise extension and spend some extra time exploring this historic European city in one of the world’s oldest wine regions.

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viking river cruises douro

Favorite Experiences in Portugal’s Douro Valley: Viking Cruises

To travel through northern Portugal’s Douro Valley is to immerse yourself in a landscape that has been carved by nature and man for centuries. Steep, rocky terrain is covered in terraced vineyards and orchards, such as cherry and almond trees, as far as the eye can see.

In recent years, the  Douro River Valley has emerged as one of the most desirable destinations in Portugal, in part due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beginning in north-central Spain, the Douro River’s journey takes it through Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean.   

A city in Portugal's Douro Valley, Bridge Barca d' Alva

Insider tip: Get up early to walk across the bridge and get some steps in. Or, enjoy some early morning reflections on the Douro River.

Wine production  and wine tastings are the top attractions in the Douro region, especially port wine. Though wine has been produced in the Douro Valley for 2000 years, it wasn’t until 1756 that the industry became organized and internationally known. 

 The further north you go, you leave the cities behind and discover small towns where people still live much as they have for centuries. The landscape becomes more dramatic and the distance between Quintas ( wine estates) grows farther apart. 

In May I experienced the Douro Valley with Viking Cruises on Portugal’s Douro River of Gold trip. 

Favorite Experiences in Portugal's Douro Valley with Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises Portugal’s River of Gold  

The cruise is a combination of travel by land and on the river. You arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city and have a couple of days to take tours and explore Lisbon before boarding a bus to Porto, where you embark on the cruise ship. There is one stop along the way to Porto, Coimbra. 

 If you’d like to learn about another popular Viking cruise check out  Danube Rivers itinerary, read this article.

Of course, this itinerary includes many optional shore excursions, but I couldn’t do them all. In this article,  I’ll share some of my favorite places and best experiences on Portugal’s River of Gold . 

Viking longship docked in the upper Douro Valley, Portugal

Barca de Alva the last Portuguese town on the Douro River and a few hundred yards from the Spanish border.

 Douro Valley and port wine

The Douro River Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The heart of this region is Peso da Régua, the largest riverside town in the Douro Valley. In the 18th century, it was a major hub for the area, eventually connecting the railway, road, and river. 

From Régua, traditional wooden cargo ships called rabelos were loaded with barrels of port wine and set out on the rough waters of the Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia; the port was unloaded and left to mature before being exported on larger ships to Britain. 

In 1988, Régua was recognized as the International City of Vineyards and Wine by the International Organization of Vine and Wine, based in Paris. If you’re a true port wine lover, visit the Douro Museum while in Régua.

In a nutshell, port is a fortified wine created when 16th-century British merchants added brandy to the local wine to preserve it during the travel to Britain. Port wine comes in many styles, from dry to sweet, ruby to tawny. Note that the only grapes used to produce authentic port are grown in the Douro Valley. 

cruise ships docked in Regua, Portugalphoto by penny sadler.

Viking Helgrim docked in Régua, Portugal.

Favorite Experiences on Viking’s Portugal River of Gold Cruise

Flavors of lisbon tour.

I enjoyed this tasty food tour of Lisbon’s Campo de Ourique neighborhood as much for the interesting neighborhood as the food. This is not a tour through a food market, nor is it in a neighborhood frequented by tourists. It’s a chance to get a glimpse of local life in a neighborhood with many older buildings, pretty tiles,  lots of trees, and a lovely shady park. By the time the tour was finished, I could imagine myself living there. 

If you’ve never tried Portuguese food, or even if you have, this tour is a nice introduction to some typical fare. It’s fun and educational, and each place is a unique, family-owned restaurant. There are no franchises. We also stopped at the revamped Campo de Ourique Market , a treasure trove of interesting local foods, spices, and gifts.

Food of Portugal on Explore Lisbon Viking Cruises tour

chorizo empanada, codfish with tomato rice fritter, and olive oil with tomato on housemade bread

Portuguese food is known for its simple yet flavorful approach, using local ingredients, such as cod, cheese, and smoked sausage. We made four or five stops, and in addition to local foods like ham, cheese, and cod cakes, we tried some Portuguese wines, beer, and a special liquor called Ginga . Ginga is a sweet liquor made from sour cherries. It is around 20% alcohol, so don’t let the sweet taste fool you.

The tour is capped by a stop in an atmospheric old cafe for a delicious, sweet treat, Portugal’s famed pastel de nata —an egg custard pastry accompanied by coffee. 

Tram 28 Lisbon Portugal

Inside tip:  Tran 28, an iconic image in photos of Lisbon, stops in this neighborhood. This is one of the best places to get a photo.

Food tours are the best way to see a neighborhood and get the overall flavor, pun intended.  As we walked, our guide gave us insights into the residents of the neighborhood, and insider tips, like how much it would cost to rent an apartment.  This tour was an optional excursion offered by Viking.

Music is one of the best ways to share culture. Even if you don’t know the language, music conveys the emotions so that you can understand the story being sung. What I remember most about Coimbra is the Fado music. Fado is sometimes called the music of the Portuguese soul. 

You may have heard about Fado in Lisbon… it is not the same as the Fado of Coimbra . In Lisbon, women sing Fado. In Coimbra, it is sung only by men, usually students of Coimbra’s famous university. The style in Coimbra is taken from the medieval troubadours.

Learn more about FADO, check out Quarteto Coimbra on IG. Or my You Tube channel . 

Cobblestones and colorful buildings Coimbra a stop on the way to Portugal's Douro Valley

Coimbra is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and was the birthplace of six Portuguese kings. In 1139, King Alfonso Henriques made Coimbra the capital city. The small historic center is colorful with cobbled narrow streets, many alleyways and steps, and side streets to explore. Everyone I spoke to on the ship said they wished we’d had more time in Coimbra. There are some interesting shops there, too. 

University Coimbra Portugal's oldest university

Coimbra is probably best known for its university. It is believed to be the oldest in Portugal and has been hosting students from around the world for 700 years.  A tour of the university includes the Baroque Library, which contains over 300,000 books. 

Fun fact: The university keeps a colony of bats to eat the book lice that attack the books. It is one of two libraries in the world with a bat colony. But don’t worry, you won’t see any bats!

Mateus Palace and Gardens

Mateus Palace & Gardens in Portugal’s Douro Valley

Mateus Palace and Gardens

You may recognize the Mateus Palace from the hallmark label on the bottles of Mateus rosé wine. But the wine is not made here. This is a very interesting story, but I’ll leave it for you to discover when you visit on your own!

The Mateus Palace is now a private residence but was formerly the home of the last count of Vila Real . The entrance to this stunning Baroque palace was designed by an Italian architect who wanted to create a dramatic and memorable entrance…he did. 

I enjoyed the tour of the palace and gardens much more than I expected. With such a grand entrance, you’re set up to expect something pretty fantastic inside, and the palace interiors do not disappoint. A tour of Casa de Mateus reveals the incredible architecture and priceless art objects that today would be impossible to produce either due to costs or lack of rare materials.

Details about the furniture and artifacts collected by the family are fascinating, but a walk through the gorgeous gardens and the cedar tree tunnel is equally captivating. There’s even a small vineyard. A tour of the house is with a guide only, but you can wander through the gardens on your own. 

View of the terraced vineyards of the Douro River Valley

Quinta do Seixo

Quinta do Seixo is the home of Sandeman. Once you reach the winery, you’ll recognize the image of Zoro wearing a black cape and flat-topped black hat called a sombrero cordobés . It’s the branding for Sandeman, an iconic image in port wine country.

The scenic ride to Quinta do Seixo is one that you’ll not soon forget. It includes some hairpin turns and edge-of-the-road views that are hair-raising, but it’s worth it for the spectacular views of the terraced vineyards and Douro River. 

The tour takes you through the winery, explaining the process of making port wine, the grapes used, fermentation, and storage. It’s a very basic tour, but it’s good if you don’t know much about the winemaking process. The tour ends in the tasting room and shop. The wine tasting includes a red and white port wine and an opportunity to purchase wine to go.  

ruins of the castelo rodrigo Portgual

Castelo Rodrigo

Castelo Rodrigo is one of Portugal ’s twelve historic parishes. Sometimes referred to as the original global village, it was a city that provided refuge for Jews, Arabs, and Christians. There is evidence that they all lived here peacefully for over one hundred years. I found this especially interesting in light of current events. 

The parish, located 2,200 feet above sea level, was under constant siege by the Spanish from the 11th to the 14th centuries. The ruins of a castle and the old church are evidence of the town’s bloody past. During the Spanish Inquisition, many Jews fled Spain for Castelo Rodrigo.

The little chapel is especially beautiful, and there are fantastic views over the countryside from the castle. Castelo Rodrigo makes a lovely day trip. There’s time to wander the narrow medieval streets and poke around the few shops that sell local goods made from cork.

This tour is a good way to see a lot of the countryside and learn some history. There’s also a stop on the way back for a scenic overlook of the beautiful landscape, and photo ops.

Salamanca , Spain

F ounded before the rise of the Roman Empire, Salamanca is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is known as the Golden City due to the color of the light reflected off the stunning sandstone facades. 

Salamanca is a city, like many in Europe, anchored by an important plaza. In Salamanca, the Plaza Mayor is a meeting place for all occasions. Just as Piazza San Marco in Venice , it has become one of the living museums of Europe. Just being outside, people-watching, and sitting at a table with a ringside seat is a unique experience to savor. 

Plaza Mayor Salamanca Spain

Aside from enjoying the spectacle in Plaza Mayor, my favorite experience in Salamanca was a visit to Casa Lis Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum . A former residence, it is an enchanting museum that houses an extensive collection of art nouveau art, stained glass, sculpture, paintings, pottery, and textiles. There’s a gift shop and cafe on site, as well. 

The other thing you must do in Salamanca is  find a seat at a tapas bar and enjoy the delicious Iberian ham Spain is known for, along with a glass of the local wines, perhaps tempranillo from Ribera del Duero or white wine from Rueda.

Fun fact: The port for this full day excursion is Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese town on the Douro River.

Vineyards at Quinta de Avessada Favaois Douro Valley, Portugal

Vineyards at Quinta de Avessada, by Penny Sadler

Quinta da Avessada & Favaois

During an excursion to visit the UNESCO-designated town of Favaios, you’ll visit the Favaois Co-op and taste the famous Moscatel de Favaois . 

Favaois, population 1,500, is also known for its bakery that still makes bread as it has been for centuries. During your visit, you’ll meet the sixth generation to carry on this tradition and you’ll get to taste the bread, fresh from the oven. They even give you butter and jam for it.

Part of the tour of Favaois is a visit to the Bread and Wine Museum,  which features both audiovisual and multimedia exhibits. Be sure to experience the exhibit which guides you through the aromatics of muscatel. 

Then, it’s on to the historic vineyards of Quinta da Avessada for a traditional Portuguese meal and more wine tasting. Take some time to enjoy the view over the vineyards and a sip of the sweet Moscatel wine. Made with Galego Muscat grapes and aged for eighteen months, muscat is a typical aperitif that can be drunk either before or after a meal. This was a really interesting excursion, and I wish we’d had a bit more free time in Favaois. 

Luis 1 Bridge Porto, Portugal

Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe…and currently one of the most popular. Located on the banks of the Douro River, Porto has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and a European Capital of Culture in 2001.

The second largest city in Portugal, it is known as the City of Bridges. Six bridges cross the Douro River; two were designed by the same Eiffel as the famous tower in Paris. The most known is the Luis I Bridge, named for the Portuguese king at the time of the construction.

Like Lisbon, Porto has a rich history and many architectural treasures. A walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and the riverfront provides many opportunities to admire this romantic city.

 Distinctive azulejos (decorative tiles) are a key architectural and cultural feature. The perfect place to study these tiles is the Sáo Bento train station in Porto. If you get the feeling you’ve seen this railway station before, well, maybe you have. A one-way ticket to Hogwarts, anyone?

Sao Bento Station Porto, Portugal

20,000 tiles tell the story of Portugal at the Sao Bento Train station in Porto.

Excursions in Porto

As with each port, Viking offers multiple options for excursion. In Porto, Viking excursions included Porto on Foot,  Porto City Hike, and a tour of a traditional fish cannery. That last one may give you pause, but one of Portugal’s biggest industries is fish canning.

 I did the City Hike Tour, which included a ride in the funicular. The Porto on Foot tour does not include this. The panoramic views are worth it and honestly, how often do you get to travel by funicular? 

port wine bottles Portugal

Port wine tasting

Viking offers an excursion with Graham’s Port wine to taste and learn more about Douro wines. I did not do this but I did try the wines on the ship and they are good! Many people who did take this excursion said they enjoyed it.

The ship docks on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro River, where all the big port houses store the wine before bottling and shipping. You can easily walk to many places for a tasting on your own if you prefer something less formal. I recommend Kopke , the oldest port wine producer in the Douro Valley.   I had a chance to meet one of the winemakers and experience a guided tasting of several vintages. They were all excellent. I’ll write more about that in a future article. 

Fun fact: Porto is the namesake of Portugal, not the other way around.

Ready to take a Douro River cruise?

The best time to take a Douro River Cruise is as soon as possible.  The scenery is spectacular offering unlimited breathtaking views. Due to the increasing number of cruise ships on the river in recent years, things are changing fast in the Douro Valley. And while all that tourism provides funds to keep some of these small historic places alive, it also irreversibly changes them. If you’re considering Viking Cruises Portugal’s River of Gold cruise, I suggest you go now. Go solo, go with someone else, just go.

Leave a comment if you’d like more information about any aspect of this trip.

All photos are copyright Penny Sadler unless otherwise noted. Viking Cruises sponsored my trip. All opinions and words are my own.

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Douro’s Valleys & Vineyards

  • From £3,245
  • 6 Guided Tours
  • 2 Countries
  • Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: +44 208 780 7998 or request a quote today., save £650 per person on 2024 river cruises, save £1,000 per person.

ADA Accessible Stateroom

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers. Strikeout prices reflect brochure pricing.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT:  Discount is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Free gratuities cannot be combined with any other special offer or discount. Excludes Mississippi river cruises.

All prices shown above are per person based on double occupancy.

Flight Upgrades: Club Europe/Business class upgrades from £350 per person (subject to availability).

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed include return flights from London in GBP and are per person, based on double occupancy. Cruise fares listed are valid for UK residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only as of 1 March 2023 and are subject to availability. Discounts are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions and booking conditions which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the booking conditions.

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Douro River Cruises

Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon. A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine.

viking river cruises douro

Portugal’s River of Gold

  • PRICE & BUILD

Highlights of Douro River Cruises

Portugal famously prospered during its Age of Discovery and you will find monuments to this vibrant era everywhere. Port wine, too, put the nation on the maps of travelers and oenophiles. A Douro cruise with Viking brings it all into sharp focus for you, providing rich insight into fascinating highlights such as these:

  • Lisbon’s stunning Manueline architecture
  • Lisbon’s Moorish-flavored Alfama District
  • Ancient universities in Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain
  • Port warehouses of Porto
  • Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Scenic vineyard-laden hills along the Douro River
  • Vila Real’s extraordinary Mateus Palace
  • The hilltop fortress town of Castelo Rodrigo
  • The tiny village of Favaios, nestled among picturesque hills
  • Port wine tastings at elegant estates

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Viking River Cruises

  • Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

  • Scandinavia
  • British Isles & Ireland
  • North America
  • Caribbean & Central America
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  • Quiet Season Mediterranean
  • Australia & New Zealand
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  • Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

  • Great Lakes
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Viking Cruises Begins 2024 River Cruise Season

Viking Cruises has begun its 2024 river cruise season aboard its Viking Longship fleet in Europe. She will sail various itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, and Elbe rivers.

“With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe’s iconic waterways.”

NEW WINTER ITINERARY

Treasures of the Danube will run from December 2024 to early March 2025, allowing guests to visit ports along the Danube River between Budapest and Passau.

Guests can also opt for the 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary, launched in December 2023, which travels between Amsterdam and Basel. Winter is a great time to visit these destinations as there are fewer crowds, better access to landmarks, and chances to experience local traditions.

2024 RIVER ITINERARIES 

Rhine Getaway  (8 days; Amsterdam—Basel) – Explore the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, and medieval towns. This journey includes stops in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel.

Danube Waltz  (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Experience the relaxing thermal baths of Budapest and learn the waltz at a Viennese dance school. Indulge in Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest, and admire the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley. Visit lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau and explore daily monastic life at Göttweig Abbey.

Romantic Danube (8 days; Budapest—Regensburg) – Explore Budapest’s Castle District and the famous Chain Bridge. Visit Göttweig Abbey and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Discover historic Salzburg and enjoy a concert featuring Mozart and Strauss in Vienna. This 8-day journey along the “Blue Danube” offers medieval towns, grand cities, and stunning scenery.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Experience Paris and the Normandy beaches. Explore Rouen’s Gothic architecture and Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. This voyage celebrates France’s history, art, food, and customs.

Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon—Avignon) – Experience a painting class in Arles, Roman Provence, Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, and Lyon’s culinary scene. Savor local wines, truffles, and chèvre cheese. This voyage along the Rhône showcases the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall.

Christmas on the Rhine (8 days; Basel—Amsterdam) – Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit in storybook villages. Enjoy yuletide treats, browse festive stalls, and admire the lights of Cologne. This voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer along the Rhine.

Danube Christmas Delights (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Explore cultural capitals, fairy-tale villages, and Christmas markets. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine and admire the Wachau Valley.

Christmas on the Seine (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Enjoy the holiday season in Paris and Normandy. Enjoy festive markets, regional dining, and seasonal treats onboard.

Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon—Porto) – Explore Lisbon, Coimbra, Salamanca, and Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine, fado singing, and a Douro River cruise.

Grand European Tour (15 days; Budapest – Amsterdam) – Explore Rhine Valley vistas, Austria’s Wachau Valley, Vienna’s culture, and Budapest’s cafes. This 15-day journey spans Europe’s iconic rivers.

Will you be sailing with Viking Cruises during their river cruise season? Let us know in the comments!

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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There's a new option for a river cruise through Portugal's wine country

Gene Sloan

Editor's Note

Avalon Waterways is the latest river cruise line to launch sailings on the Douro.

The Denver-based brand on Thursday unveiled its first vessel on the vineyard-lined river in Portugal, which has been one of river cruising's fastest-growing destinations in recent years.

Dubbed Avalon Alegria, the 102-passenger ship will sail seven-night voyages on the Douro out of Porto, Portugal, starting next week.

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

Stops on the voyages will include the river towns of Regua, Pinhao and Pocinho, which serve as gateways for visits to the many wineries and historic sites that line the Douro River Valley.

Avalon executives unveiled Avalon Alegria on Thursday during a naming ceremony along the waterfront of Pinhao that included an appearance by former "Saturday Night Live" comedienne Cheri Oteri.

Oteri served as godmother of the vessel during the ceremony.

"It's like my wedding day. I've never been so honored and flattered," Oteri told nearly 100 invited guests at the start of the ceremony after being escorted into the event on the arm of an Avalon executive.

Sticking with the wedding analogy, the Primetime Emmy Award-nominated funny woman joked that "tonight, if the ship's a-rockin', don't come a-knockin'."

Later in the ceremony, Oteri cut a white ribbon that sent a bottle of sparkling Portuguese Cava smashing against Avalon Alegria's hull.

Avalon tapped Oteri to christen Avalon Alegria because of her work bringing happiness and joy into the world as a comedienne and actress, Avalon President Pam Hoffee said at the event.

"Alegria" means "happiness" in Portuguese, Hoffee noted.

"When we named our ship happiness ... we couldn't have thought of a better godmother than Cheri Oteri," Hoffee said.

The ceremony mostly took place inside the ship's main lounge due to pouring rain outside. It was followed by a reception and gala dinner on board.

Built at a shipyard in Portugal, Avalon Alegria is part of Avalon's popular Suite Class of ships, which began debuting in 2011 and features a large number of extra-wide cabins called Panorama Suites.

Related: Why I still think Avalon Waterways has the best cabins in river cruising

Avalon Alegria has 37 Panorama Suites, which offer 200 square feet of living space. That's about 30% more square footage than the standard river ship cabin.

Avalon has long touted the Panorama Suites as a key difference between its vessels and those of other river lines in Europe that cater to North Americans. The suites make up nearly 80% of the cabins on Avalon's Suite Class ships and have several unusual features. Among them: floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows that stretch 11 feet wide and open up 7 feet wide.

Founded in 2004, 20-year-old Avalon is known for a young fleet of ships with a stylish, contemporary design, and Avalon Alegria is no exception. Public areas feature modern furniture, clean lines and lots of glass walls that flood the spaces with light.

Among the standout features of Avalon Alegria is the line's first decktop pool.

Avalon Alegria is notably smaller than the typical Avalon ship, as it was designed specifically to fit into the locks and under the bridges that line the Douro River.

Like other river cruise lines that cater to North Americans, including AmaWaterways, Uniworld River Cruises and Viking, Avalon has grown notably over the past two decades. With the addition of Avalon Alegria, it now has 15 ships in Europe. It also operates one ship in Asia on the Mekong River.

Attendees at Thursday's unveiling included leaders of some of North America's biggest travel agency groups, local officials, the ship's designers and builders, and Avalon executives.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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IMAGES

  1. Sailing The Douro On Viking’s Newest ‘Baby’ Longship, Viking Helgrim

    viking river cruises douro

  2. Viking Douro River Cruise 2023

    viking river cruises douro

  3. Viking River Cruise: Douro River, Portugal

    viking river cruises douro

  4. Viking Douro Ships

    viking river cruises douro

  5. Viking Douro River Cruise 2023

    viking river cruises douro

  6. Viking Europe Ships Overview

    viking river cruises douro

COMMENTS

  1. Douro River Cruises

    1-800-304-9616. *Free airfare on select departures of Grand European Tour, Capitals of Eastern Europe, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland and European Sojourn, plus select China, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Canada, Mississippi River, Great Lakes and Antarctica itineraries. Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe's oldest and most renowned wine regions.

  2. Douro River Cruises in Europe

    Enjoy a spectacular river cruise along the Douro River as it flows through the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Travel in style with Viking River Cruises. ... Port wine, too, put the nation on the maps of travelers and oenophiles. A Douro cruise with Viking brings it all into sharp focus for you, providing rich insight into fascinating ...

  3. Douro River Cruises in Europe

    Enjoy a spectacular river cruise along the Douro River as it flows through the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Travel in style with Viking River Cruises. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Special Offers; Call Viking on +44 208 780 7998. Menu. Rivers. Oceans; Expeditions;

  4. Viking River cruise on the Douro river

    Cruises on the Douro: Viking River cruise on the Douro river - See 93 traveler reviews, 891 candid photos, and great deals for Porto, Portugal, at Tripadvisor.

  5. Viking Douro River Cruise Reviews

    Viking Douro River Cruises: Read 75 Viking Douro River cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.

  6. Viking River Cruises Portugal: Traveling the Douro in Style

    August 21, 2023. Viking Longship on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. Photo credit: Viking Cruises. Viking Cruises Portugal's River of Gold nine-day cruise begins in Lisbon and ends in Porto. Along the way, you'll visit the oldest university in Portugal, sample some of Portugal's famous port wines, and feast your eyes on some ...

  7. Favorite Experiences in Portugal's Douro Valley: Viking Cruises

    In May I experienced the Douro Valley with Viking Cruises on Portugal's Douro River of Gold trip. PIN IT! Viking Cruises Portugal's River of Gold . The cruise is a combination of travel by land and on the river. You arrive in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city and have a couple of days to take tours and explore Lisbon before boarding a bus ...

  8. Douro's Valleys & Vineyards

    Journey through the Douro River valley and into the history of fine Portuguese wine. Surrounded by terraced hills, spot some of the area's quintas, clinging to the slopes. Experience Porto, where you can roam the port warehouses and take in the town's cultural heritage. Visit Régua, Barca d'Alva and Favaios, home to one of the last traditional bakeries in the Douro Valley.

  9. Viking Douro

    Ship Overview. Offering an exclusive season of Douro River cruises in Portugal, the Viking Douro, launched in 2011, is one of the newest ships to sail in the region. The ship, with 62 staterooms ...

  10. Viking Douro Reviews, Ship Details & Photos

    Viking Douro overview. Discover the magnificent Douro River Valley aboard the state-of-the-art vessel the Viking Douro. This intimate ship features staterooms and suites that one would find in an elegant boutique hotel. Each room offers guests hotel-style beds draped in fine linens, built-in closets, private baths, flat-screen satellite TVs and ...

  11. 25 BEST Douro River Cruises 2024 (Prices

    Madrid To Lisbon & Secrets Of The Douro. 124 Reviews. Leaving: Madrid. Cruise Line: Emerald River Cruises. No prices currently available for this sailing. Itinerary. Ship.

  12. Douro River Cruises in Europe

    Enjoy a spectacular river cruise along the Douro River as it flows through the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Travel in style with Viking River Cruises. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-800-207-7286 or Contact Your Travel Advisor. Menu. Rivers. Oceans; Expeditions;

  13. Douro Fleet Overview

    Douro River Cruise Ships. These intimate ships were custom built to sail Portugal's Douro River, with state-of-the-art engineering, deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. Like our Viking Longships, you can choose from a variety of stateroom classes, all with sweeping river views. Viking Hemming Viking Torgil.

  14. Viking River Cruises

    Viking Rivers Cruises isn't just a cruise line; it's your family for however long you are with them. Especially so with the Hemming because the entire crew is not only from Portugal but the Douro region. You cannot have a better advocate, a better guide, or a more gracious host than when you are in someone's backyard.

  15. Douro's Valleys & Vineyards

    Strikeout prices reflect brochure pricing. *All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers. Get available dates and pricing for Douro's Valleys & Vineyards river cruises. Book your 2025 Porto to Porto river cruise through Viking Cruises.

  16. Sailing on a Viking Douro River Cruise in Portugal: My Review

    The cruises on the Douro River though are completely unlike others I've experienced, in all the best ways possible. So if you're considering a river cruise but also looking for something a little different, I highly recommend learning more about the itineraries and programs Viking has put together on the Douro River.

  17. Douro River Cruises

    Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe's oldest and most renowned wine regions. Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon. A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine.

  18. River Cruises

    Journey with the world's #1 river cruise line. Award-winning Viking Longships. Owned & operated fleet, with the best docking locations in Europe and across the globe. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-800-304-9616 or Contact Your Travel Advisor

  19. Cruise Line Marks Launch of River Cruise High-Season

    Viking River Cruise (Photo Courtesy: Viking Cruises) ... Itineraries of varying lengths are offered on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, and Elbe rivers, typically from 8 to ...

  20. Douro's Valleys & Vineyards

    Cruise Douro's Valleys & Vineyards Journey through the Douro River valley and into the history of fine Portuguese wine. Surrounded by terraced hills, spot some of the area's quintas, clinging to the slopes. Experience Porto, where you can roam the port warehouses and take in the town's cultural heritage.

  21. Viking Celebrates Start of 2024 River Season in Europe

    Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain.

  22. Viking Cruises Begins 2024 River Cruise Season

    Viking Cruises has begun its 2024 river cruise season aboard its Viking Longship fleet in Europe. She will sail various itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, and Elbe rivers. "With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination," said ...

  23. There's a new option for a river cruise through Portugal's wine country

    Avalon Waterways is the latest river cruise line to launch sailings on the Douro. The Denver, Colorado-based brand on Thursday unveiled its first vessel on the vineyard-lined river in Portugal, which has been one of river cruising's fastest growing destinations in recent years. Dubbed Avalon Alegria, the 102-passenger ship will sail seven-night ...

  24. Rhone River Cruise Price Comparisons 2025

    Viking kicked off its 2024 river season in Europe and announced new winter cruises on the Danube. Read More » March 20, 2024 No Comments . ... We compare prices and what's included for cruise lines operating Douro River Cruises. The charts reflect cabin upgrades, what is not included and incentives offered in the summer and autumn seasons.