douro valley portugal river cruise

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Douro River Cruises

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. 

183 Douro cruises with 105 reviews

Douro Experience 2024

Our Douro river cruise on A Rosa , was extremely pleasant and positive. All staff, food and sailing were enjoyable & dealt with English speakers well.

Gems of the Douro (Port to Port Cruise)

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

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

Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain)

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

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

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

We had an unforgettable time discovering the Douro Valley! Our program included a visit to a "Quinta", followed by lunch with a breathtaking view of the valley, and then a cruise with port tasting and tapas! In short, we highly recommend it.

Charming Portugal Highlights - 10 Days

All our guides were amazing that we had for our excursions and the customer service from Vania we received before and during our trip was exceptional. The hotels were always at great locations and on the boutique side, very close to everything and we felt very safe. We will definitely be using them again for future trips.

• Sightseeing

Best of Spain and Portugal (Classic, Summer, End Madrid, 15 Days)

• Coastal Walks

Best of Spain and Portugal (Classic, Summer, End Barcelona, 15 Days)

Enticing Douro 2024

Classic Madrid to Lisbon

Flavors of Portugal & Spain 2024 Start Porto, End Vega de Terrón

Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon

Reviews of douro cruises.

A very pleasant 8 day experience but really more like a five day cruise. The cruise information was incomplete, leaving out interesting opportunities along the way (Port museums and prehistoric rock art,) most particularly an excursion to Salamanca, which turned out to be a highlight for us. The food was good but not as interesting as Portuguese restaurants in Porto or even at home in Canada.

Excellent tour with great guides

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Popular Cruise Ships

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Douro Flusskreuzfahrten
• Français: Croisières fluviales Douro
• Español: Cruceros fluviales por el Duero
• Nederlands: Riviercruises op de Douro

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Villages and Vintages: Cruising the Douro River Valley

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• 2024 Classic
• 2025 Classic
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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private dinner with wine pairings at Quinta do Portal, a Douro Valley wine estate

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Port wine cocktail-making workshop

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Bicycle tour through Vinho Verde wine country

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

All private Tauck shore excursions –  $1,633 Value!

Seven nights on the Douro aboard ms Andorinha , designed for Tauck

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Discover the bohemian heart of the city that gave Port-wine its name... sail deep into the mountain landscapes of Portuguese wine country to find wine estates, lush vineyards, idyllic riverside villages, baroque castles, hilltop medieval ruins, and rock art from the valley's earliest inhabitants...

Portugal's golden douro river, home to our newest cruises, private wine-pairing dinner at quinta do portal, sample the bounty of the douro valley at quinta do portal.

Situated near the village of Pinhão in the Cima Corgo region of Portugal's Douro River Valley wine country, the family-owned wine estate of Quinta Do Portal has produced premium Port wine on this land since the latter part of the 19th century, and began producing fine non-fortified wines on a boutique winery model in the 1990s. Your visit to Quinta do Portal introduces you to the estate's vineyards and winemaking process, and includes a delectable wine pairing dinner featuring wines created on the estate.

Explore Pinhão by a town walkabout or a terraced vineyard hike

Hiking from provesende through terraced vineyards to pinhão.

The idyllic village of Pinhão, situated at a scenic bend of Portugal's Douro River, is considered the gateway to the quintas and large wine estates of the Douro River Valley, one of Europe's oldest and revered wine making regions. Enjoy a hike through some of the area's lush terraced vineyards on your visit to Pinhão and its stunningly beautiful landscapes.

Excursion choices include Prehistoric art at Museu do Côa

Discover paleolithic rock art at museu do côa.

A choice of sightseeing from Vega de Terron, Spain, includes the Museum of Art and Archaeology of the Côa Valley. During excavations for a dam on the Côa River in the 1990s, thousands of engraved prehistoric rock drawings were discovered along the river in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Archaeologists determined that these petroglyphs – originally created in the open air – dated to the Paleolithic era, between 10,000 to 22,000 years BC! The dam was eventually canceled, and 23 Côa Valley rock art sites became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. View and learn about this remarkable art on a visit to the high-tech Museu do Côa, rising over the valley.

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Portugal. You do not need a visa for the short duration of this journey.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact a Portuguese consulate or embassy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor onboard the riverboat. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

The riverboat is registered in Portugal. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S., please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact a French embassy or consulate to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.

To enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

The riverboat has four decks: Emerald, Ruby, Diamond and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond Deck and the Emerald Deck, which includes a stop at the Ruby Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks. Please note that in some docking locations, the gangway must be extremely steep, or involve steps instead of a ramp.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, restaurant, lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate of Portugal is among the warmest of any country in Europe. In spring and summer temperatures are extremely high, often reaching 85ºF (30ºC) and above, and most days are sunny. Throughout this region rainfall is minimal or non-existent during the summer months and very light in late spring and early fall.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers.  Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Valet laundry service is available at the hotel and on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. Category 5 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards. For other cabins, they are available by request from Reception.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents to be secured in the safe in your hotel room or cabin

The Tauck Experience

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Travel in good company, sophisticated, intimate ambiance onboard ship, distinctively inclusive.

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Douro River Cruises

DOURO RIVER CRUISE

Explore the dreamy Douro River and discover why its name translates to ‘River of Gold’ as you sail on our newest Suite Ship ®  -- the Avalon Alegria SM  . With 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites SM , the Alegria carries a capacity of just 102 passengers, giving you the room to relax and the space to savor the spectacular panoramas of Portugal’s Douro River. Here, vineyards cling to steep slopes along the river where 2,000-year-old traditions of winemaking are cherished in the charming villages in one of Europe’s oldest countries. Cruise your way by choosing our Douro River cruise with extra nights in legendary Lisbon before your cruise.

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• Porto :  The second largest city in Portugal, located on the coast, and the starting and ending point for most of our cruises through Portugal & Spain.
• Régua  & Vila Réal:  Located along the Douro River and home to gardens, palaces, and notable architecture.
• Braga:  Nicknamed the "Rome of Spain" for its notable religious architecture.
•   Salamanca :  This is one of Spain's treasured cultural centers, with architectural highlights of Roman, Arabic, and Christian influence.
• Ferradosa :  A historic city in Portugal where you can sample some of the delicious regional wine.
• Lamego:  An important pilgrimage site in Portugal for the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) and the Gothic cathedral.
• Pinhão :  Home to the Baroque Palacio de Mateus and Quinta da Roeda & Quinta do Seixo where you can sample their well aged wines.
• Guimarães:  A well preserved historic town with buildings dating back to medieval times.

10 Favorite Ports on the Douro River

European cruise: when to go, portugal overview.

• Architecture: You will be delighted by the Baroque and Gothic architecture that can be seen in the cathedrals, towns, and even residential architecture that hallmarks western Spain & Portugal.
• Wine :  The wineries of this region produce some of the most celebrated wine in all of Europe, and almost every cruise features wine tasting tours.
• Scenery:  The rolling hills and rugged valleys along the Douro River have been inspired artists for centuries. 

The Douro River Valley is where some of the most famous and flavorful wine in all of Europe is produced. There was once a time when Portugal had land holdings throughout the world, including a large portion of South America, Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean.  Because of this global conquest, Portuguese is the official language of nine countries. In addition to being Europe's oldest country, Portugal hosts the world's oldest bookstore and one of Europe's oldest universities. The country also holds the record as having the longest bridge in Europe.

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Journey across Portugal on a luxury Douro river cruise, where picturesque landscapes await.

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Experience the Iberian Peninsula on board a Douro river cruise. Observe the dramatic landscapes, losing yourself in the vibrant green hills of the Douro Valley, or spend your days relaxing in the Portuguese sunshine.

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Douro  river cruises

Journey across Portugal on a luxury Douro river cruise, where picturesque landscapes await.

• destinations
• douro river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Douro 

Experience the Iberian Peninsula on board a Douro river cruise. Observe the dramatic landscapes, losing yourself in the vibrant green hills of the Douro Valley, or spend your days relaxing in the Portuguese sunshine.

Uncover rolling vineyards, centuries of history, and bustling cities alike on a Douro river cruise

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Douro river cruise. Journey from Porto, where the origins of Portugal took shape, and along the river to the Douro Valley to discover famed vineyards, towering cliff faces, and stunning wildlife.

Discover the Douro River  

A vintage heritage.

Portuguese culinary wonders

Portugal through the ages

The stunning Douro Valley

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Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Douro river cruises offers  today.

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The best Douro river cruises

Besides its majestic beauty, the Douro Valley region is a dream come true for wine lovers who can wander around…

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 . It is meant, therefore, for people who are planning to stay a couple of days in Douro Valley or 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 25€ / 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€, and the 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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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!

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

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

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!

Embark on a 1-hour boat ride and be dazzled by the magnificent views of Régua.

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!

A wonderful cruise between Régua and São João da Pesqueira, three Visits and a regional lunch!

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

Surrender to the splendour of history in the crystal-clear waters of the Douro and its branch rivers.

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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Portugal & The Douro River Valley

The Douro River Valley has been home to a thriving wine industry for over 2,000 years. Take in its unique terraced vineyards, and sail past some of Portugal’s most enchanting regions on this spectacular tour.

• Enjoy a walking tour in Sintra
• Stroll the ancient grounds and library of Universidad de Coimbra, one of the world’s oldest universities
• Cruise the Douro Valley’s UNESCO recognized wine region and enjoy a port wine tasting
• Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, an important pilgrimage site

Portugal 3-in-1 Shore Excursion

Explore more of Portugal with this value-packed add-on

Folkloric Fado Show with Dinner

Enjoy an evening of Fado music and dinner

Activity level

• Very Active

Tour Includes

Sightseeing

• Douro River Valley
• Vega de Terrón
• Barca d’Alva
• Cais da Lixa

Cruise Accommodations

• River cruise aboard A-ROSA Cruises’  Alva

Hotel Accommodations

• Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
• All meals onboard ship
• 4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, and 1 Dinner on land portion
• A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

• To and from your hotel room and cruise ship cabin throughout your  tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Lisbon, Portugal

Your journey begins on an overnight flight.

If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, a representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Relax before your included welcome dinner at the hotel begins. (D)

Hotel Roma or similar

Hotel Santa Maria Fatima or similar

Start your morning in Leiria with a self-guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Batalha, commissioned in the 14th century by King John I. Continue to Coimbra, one of Portugal’s loveliest college towns. Enjoy lunch on your own before taking a guided tour of the library and grounds of Universidad de Coimbra, originally founded in 1290. The university is dazzling, and you will visit many of its most impressive sites, including the Great Hall, Baroque Library, and Natural History Collection. Arrive in Porto and enjoy an evening at leisure. You may choose to join us at an optional Fado dinner and show. (B)

Hotel Inn Porto Gaia or similar

Porto is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, and is a spectacular place to spend the day. First settled around 300 BC, it has since been captured by the Romans, the Moors, and even Napoleon; its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking city tour and an included port wine tasting at one of Porto’s many vineyards! After your free time and lunch on your own, board A-ROSA’s Alva to enjoy dinner on board before leaving port early tomorrow. (B, D)

Depart Porto this morning at 7:00 AM and watch the sights of Portugal drift slowly by on your first morning on the Douro. Take in sweeping views of the beautiful countryside of the UNESCO-listed Douro River Valley all the way to Régua. Blessed with near-constant sunshine, Régua has a colorful past as an epicenter of Renaissance-era port wine production and is now the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Return to the ship, then continue on to dock in Pinhão for the night. (B, L, D)

Add-On : Portugal 3-in-1 Shore Excursion – Guided Tour Of Lamego

Today we cross back into Portugal to spend a leisurely evening in Barca d’Alva. (B, L, D)

Enjoy the Medieval architecture and stunning views of Barca d’Alva in the clear morning light, then continue down to Pocinho and Pinhão. (B, L, D)

Add-On : Portugal 3-in-1 Shore Excursion – Guided walk of Castelo Rodrigo

Return this morning to Régua and visit Bitetos, a tiny village teeming with Roman-era ruins. (B, L, D)

Add-On : Portugal 3-in-1 Shore Excursion – Guided Tour of The Palace & Gardens of Mateus

After a quick stop in Cais da Lixa, pull into Porto for a full day in Portugal’s second largest city. Book lovers will enjoy the Lello Bookstore. Built in 1906, it’s where you’ll find Porto’s creatives and intellectuals. (B, L, D)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

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Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

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Alva Panorama Window Middle

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with drop-down panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

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Please ask your YMT Sales Consultant to check availability.

No, triples are not permitted.

You should arrive in Lisbon no later than 3pm.

No, not at this time.

Yes, this cruise tour will have a YMT cruise host on board the ship to assist guests.

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Call us for pricing, and remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Here are the pricing guidelines for reference: $ – Less than $100 USD $$ – Between $100 and $200 USD $$$ – More than $200 USD

Explore more of Portugal with this value-packed add-on that features three experiences: Stairway to Heaven of Lamego, Castelo Rodrigo and The Palace & Gardens of Mateus.

• Take a guided afternoon tour of Lamego, an elegant town and home to one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites. Explore the famous Santuario de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, a baroque church flanked by two 18th century towers.
• Take a morning tour of Figueira Castelo Rodrigo, one of Portugal’s most historically significant villages. Visit the ruins of the medieval Castle of Castelo Rodrigo, then explore a small medieval church before enjoying free time to discover the town on your own.
• Explore the palace and gardens of Casa de Mateus, which dates back to the early 18th century. After a 40-minute guided tour of the house and chapel, take a walk through the palace gardens inspired by the gardens of Versailles.

Note:  Book early and save $50 with code 24EROPT50.  Our discounted price for the optional shore excursion package offers a fantastic value. Excursion package tours cannot be sold individually. This offer is valid for 2024 tours only.

Duration: Varies

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Enjoy an evening of traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the soulful and nostalgic music that defines Fado. Fado comes from the latin word fatum, which means fate. Fado-style music focuses on topics such as love, pain, loss, and injustice in society. The slightly somber melody marches perfectly with the deep and romantic personality of the Portuguese people. Fado started in Lisbon in the early 19th century and quickly emerged as a popular form of entertainment in Coimbra and Porto as well. Your tour will begin in your hotel, where your tour manager and coach driver will accompany you for the evening. From there, you will be accompanied to a local restaurant to enjoy Fado music accompanied by a 3-course traditional meal.

• 3 course dinner with drinks
• Folkloric Fado music show (guitar and singer)

Roundtrip transfers

Duration: Approx. 5 Hours (Evening)

Activity Level: Easy

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Douro River Cruises Offer More than Just Wine: Live From Avalon Alegria

A Douro River cruise has become synonymous with a journey through Portugal's famed sweet, fortified wine.

It's easy to see why. On these cruises, which typically sail roundtrip from Porto, port wine is free-flowing onboard. Ashore, vineyards dot the scenic landscape of the charming Douro Valley. Even the shore excursions are mostly wine-themed.

If you aren't a wine-drinker or aren't especially interested in the wine-making process, you might be turned off by the thought of a cruise through wine country. Don't be.

I'm not a wine fan, and wine doesn't like me much, either, so when I was invited to join Avalon Alegria for a media sailing on the Douro River for its inaugural voyage, I wondered what I could find to keep me busy that didn't involve wine.

It turns out, there's quite a bit to do, and Avalon Waterways , famous for its Active & Discovery programming, might be just the right fit for cruisers looking for something beyond the wine.

Here's how non-wine lovers can enjoy the a Douro River cruise.

Look for Active Options on the Douro River

River cruises are becoming more active. Avalon Waterways has been a leader in the active river cruise space for years, thanks to its Active & Discovery cruises . These cruises are specifically aimed at the fitness-minded traveler, offering many active options in port each day.

On the Douro, Avalon doesn't offer Active & Discovery cruises, but it does offer active programming, with at least one active option in each port, as well as an "adventure host" who leads fitness and wellness classes onboard.

For our short four-night preview sailing (standard cruises are seven nights), we tried out kayaking on the Douro River, hiking through a vineyard and biking along the Atlantic coastline.

Our kayaking experience put us in inflatable two-person vessels, and we spent a short time on the water and exploring an island, where we learned about its mythology. Afterward, we had a mini picnic, with snacks like sausage, cheese and cornbread. It was a fun option and we thankfully caught a break in the rain while on the water.

Our hike was really more of a walk through a vineyard (more on that below), but our bike ride was a fun, though windy, 14-kilometer trip that was hosted by biologists who talked about the local animals and plants. It was a enjoyable way to learn about the region and get a little exercise.

It's worth noting the ship has no bikes onboard for guests to just borrow; the line's other European vessels have that option. This is because the terrain along the Douro is more treacherous and meandering than along, say, the Rhine and Danube .

Other cruise lines offer active adventures on the Douro as well, including AmaWaterways , which has an excellent partnership with adventure tour operator Backroads. The two partner on Douro River cruises as well as other rivers in Europe.

Learn more about what it's like to sail on a Backroads cruise .

Don't be Surprised if Wine Shows Up on Your Tour

On our sailing, Avalon offered a number of what it calls "Classic" and "Discovery" tours in the various ports we visited; these are in addition to the line's "Active" tours. Classic tours focus on cities and history, while Discovery excursions are more the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-dive-in-deep experiences.

(Other lines will offer similar options, with different designations.)

Read the description carefully and look for those tours that take a relatively broad approach to the region; these will get to you to the various castles, towns museums and the like.

Market visits are also a fantastic way to see the region and try local cuisine and produce -- you also will have the opportunity to taste port, if you choose.

We picked a hike for our cruise on Avalon Alegria, which ended up being more of a 1.3-mile stroll through a vineyard. At the end, we did get a tour of the vineyard's winemaking facility and were offered three ports to sample. It's not unusual to find that some excursions sneak at least a little wine in.

(If you do want to go "all in" on wine, check out our tips on sipping and sunning your way down the Douro River .)

We had fun exploring the vineyard, where we had a chance to talk to the workers there while they were out tending to the vines. We also picked fresh oranges from the tree and got some incredible views of the Douro Valley below.

Enjoy the Enrichment and Entertainment Onboard

One of the things river cruises do well is give passengers an opportunity to take in local entertainers, which sometimes is terrific and sometimes ... a little weird.

Thankfully on our sailing on Avalon Alegria, we had excellent entertainment, including a modern string quartet who beautifully tackled pop and classic rock hits. We also loved the guitar duo, which is played far more traditional Portuguese music, including the melancholic folk fado music.

Our abbreviated sailing didn't offer enrichment, but most sailings typically will. Yes, some of it will be around wine (tastings, the history of winemaking etc.) but you also might learn about things like how the country's ubiquitous ceramic tiles are made and why they've become such a symbol of the country. Or a cooking demonstration of the Portuguese sweet custards pastel de nata .

Drinks at the bar aren't restricted to wine, either; most ships feature a local beer (likely the uber-popular Super Bock lager), and cocktails could include regional spirits.

Stay Onboard to Enjoy the Ship and Scenery

Here's a secret: You don't have to get off in every port. Sometimes, just relaxing on the ship is the best way to enjoy a day.

The Douro Valley is breathtaking, and all of the scenic cruising is done during the day (ships are restricted from night time sailing). So if you stay onboard while everyone else is away, you can relax in the lounge, enjoy the scenery -- the ship might even sail to a new location, where it will meet passengers who have gone off on shore tours .

In the heat of the summer, nothing beats a pool on a river cruise ship. Space is small, and so are the swimming pools -- which a number of cruise lines offer. When you have the ship to yourself, you have free range in the pool (and of the sundeck bar, if there is one). You won't regret your decision to stay.

Extend Your Time in Porto and Enjoy This Charming City

If you're still feeling a little over-wined, you might want to venture out on your own in Porto , a beautiful little city where you can dine at incredible restaurants, shop to your heart's content and even explore by funicular.

On Avalon Alegria, we had an extra day at the front of the trip, but we wished we had more time, as most of that day was spent fighting the effects of jetlag.

You can extend your time on your own -- two to three days is probably about right. The city is easy to explore on your own, and most people in this tourism hub speak English. You can also hire guides or book tours through companies like Cruise Critic's sister site, Viator .

If you haven't had a chance, this is a great opportunity to pick up souvenirs, like the region's famed colorful tiles or cork products.

You can also grab a meal at some really outstanding restaurants -- try grilled sardines or salads de pulvo, a deliciously fresh octopus salad.

Also, don't miss the Lello Bookshop, which provided inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books.

Cruise lines (including Avalon) also often offer an extension to Lisbon as part of their Douro River cruises.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

On a River Cruise Through the Douro Valley, Finding a Real Taste of Portugal

By Marisa Meltzer

The vino in Portugal's Douro Valley is delicious, inexpensive, and plentiful. For just 10 euros at the Quinta da Pacheca vineyard, I had a flight of two wines and two ports. If that weren't enough, my waiter, Arsenio, came over and asked, “Do you like surprises?” I said I did, and he brought me a bonus 40-year-old port that was just slightly chilled. By that time, I was feeling no pain, even when I made my way down from the vineyard to the main road, where a large gate was closed and locked. Rather than walk back all that way uphill to the vineyard, I decided to embrace my sense of adventure (and generous buzz) and simply climbed over the gate in my Chanel ballet flats. After all, I had a cruise to get back to.

Canned fish and roe from Portuguese brand Comur

Colorful central Porto

This was my first river cruise, and it turned out it was almost nothing like an ocean cruise. I was on the new Scenic Azure, a 263-foot ship custom-built with 48 cabins to hold 96 guests and around 40 crew, with everything included except for, maybe, a haircut: drinks, butler service, gratuities, activities off the ship. I was on the 11-day Unforgettable Douro itinerary, a 310-mile trip from Porto, with its azulejo tile and thriving food scene, down the Douro River to the Spanish border, and back to Porto . It's intimate enough that the bartender in the Panorama lounge knows which guests prefer lemons in their diet soda. It's the kind of crowd where people who just met talk about President Macron's reelection prospects or about how this trip has a similar feel to cruising the Rhine. And with COVID-19, the benefits of cruising with a relatively small group of strangers do not need to be stated, even with the stringent policies that Scenic and the cruise industry as a whole have put in place.

One way a river cruise differs from an ocean cruise is the visual escape. Watching the sea churn below can be majestic, but there's an intense pleasure in slowly making your way up a waterway and constantly having new things to look at, like wine estates and rolling hills. It is also a better option for those who suffer seasickness.

Another delight was the ability to go places that would never be able to accommodate bigger ships. On my second day we docked in the village of Entre-os-Rios, about 20 miles inland on the Douro. Guests were invited to take a shuttle to see the medieval Ducal Palace, but I opted to simply take a walk around the tiny town, where I encountered fishermen and bougainvillea and cobblestone streets and hanging laundry. I sat by the river and wrote a poem, which is not something I usually feel creative or relaxed enough to do. I basked in the feeling of being alone, which on a cruise is miraculous. Later that afternoon we passed the Carrapatelo lock, the first of five locks we would make our way through, which felt a bit like being on a riverboat ride at an amusement park.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church in Lamego

I so enjoyed making my own way that this became the theme of my trip. I ended up on my gate-climbing adventure at the Quinta da Pacheca vineyard because one of the front-desk staff had told me that not only was it beautiful—and that they had a private jewel box of a chapel and a pet peacock and a wine barrel you could book a night in—but also that I could walk there from where we had docked in Lamego. In Régua, I wanted to shop not like a tourist but like a normal person. Tinned seafood is one of the trendiest foods in New York, where I live, and Portugal is where the best comes from. At a supermarket I bought cans of tuna belly, sardines in spiced oil, and octopus. At a shoe store I bought authentic leather fisherman sandals for just 29 euros.

When I wasn't snacking on marinated Brie or sardines or drinking Porto Tonicos (the Portuguese equivalent of an Aperol spritz), I was eating elaborate dinners of fish soup and Licor Beirão sorbet and bread with dried figs at the Table d'Or, a chef's-table experience with seven courses and sommelier-paired local wines. It was an excuse for indulgence: sleeping in; having a butler know that I wanted two Coke Zeros in my minifridge each day; sitting outside, reading in the abundant sun; eating walnut cake; drinking a glass of port from the Alto Douro Vinhateiro region while we sailed through it. But maybe the biggest indulgence was being able to go on a cruise and feel like I could make the trip entirely my own.

This article appeared in the December 2021 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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Douro Valley River Cruise

Journey through douro valley: wine tasting and river adventure.

EXPLORE ALL OUR WINE TOURS IN PORTUGAL

Overview of Douro Valley River Cruise

The Douro Valley is one of the most gorgeous wine regions in the world, and one of the best ways to fully appreciate it is to travel through it by river cruise. We have created this exceptional private tour for wine lovers looking for a luxurious wine-tasting day excursion from Porto. The Douro River is one of Europe’s most important wine rivers, on par with the Rhine, the Loire, and the Mosel.

The most beautiful part of the Douro is the stretch between Mesão Frio and Pinhão, where the vineyards precariously cling to the steep terraces on either side of the river, forming a landscape resembling giant steps. With such unique terracing, the majestic views here offer a glimpse into the rich viticultural tradition that has shaped this region.

Established in 1756, the Douro Valley is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a living testament to a rich history and culture that blends Anglo-Portuguese influences. The creation of Port wine itself can be traced back to a unique period of cultural fusion during the Napoleonic Wars when an embargo on French wine led to the rise of this distinctive fortified wine. This region is a mecca for wine aficionados and collectors, revered for its production of iconic vintages such as the mythical Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port of 1962.

Here, historic Quintas or wine estates, ranging from the famous Barca Velha to Quinta do Noval , have shaped the landscape and the viticulture. The region also boasts exceptional smaller estates like Quinta do Crasto , Quinta da Pacheca , and Quinta do Infantado , each contributing to a rich tapestry of Port and powerful dry wines. This complex interplay of history, culture, and viticulture makes the Douro Valley a magnet for those seeking the pinnacle of wine craftsmanship.

On this fabulous day in the Douro wine country, you will visit one of the finest cellars (enjoying a private tour and VIP tasting). Explore the Douro River in your private yacht and enjoy a spectacular lunch of regional cuisine and wines with the most beautiful view over the river.

If you are a couple or a small group of friends looking for a bespoke luxurious river cruise and wine tour from Porto, then contact us for more information on this tour.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Luxury Transportation: Enjoy the Comfort of a Chauffeured Mercedes
• VIP tour and tastings: at Top Douro Winery
• Gourmet Experience: Lunch and Wine Pairings
• Luxury Cruise: in Private Yacht along the Douro River

Discover the Best of Douro Valley: Personalized Wine Tour Itinerary Just for You!

Porto - Douro Valley - Porto

Discover the Beauty of the Douro River: A Scenic Cruise Through Stunning Wine Country

• Lunch with wines
• Privately Chauffeured Mercedes

At 9 a.m., your friendly and elegant chauffeur will collect you from your hotel in Porto city , and you will be swept away to the Douro Valley! Enjoy the 90-minute drive and enjoy the fabulous scenery; there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or use the amenities en route. You will arrive at Pinhão Quay, where your luxurious yacht will be moored with your attentive and knowledgeable hostess and skipper waiting to welcome you on board.

You will enjoy a splendid cruise, sipping chilled white port and admiring the spectacular views of the hills on either side of the river, which are meticulously terraced, featuring rows of grapevines carefully cultivated. The leisurely pace of the cruise affords you the luxury of time to truly appreciate the tireless dedication, unwavering perseverance, and sheer determination exhibited by generations of winery owners and their skilled workforce. This is a poignant reminder of how human effort and passion intersect to create something truly unique—Port wine.

You will disembark at Quinta da Gricha , one of the Douro Valley’s most picturesque estates renowned for producing Churchill’s Port and Douro wines. As you step onto the pier, your private guide will warmly welcome you before guiding you on an informative and engaging walk through the estate’s lush vineyards. As you walk, your guide will explain the pivotal role of the estate’s unique terroir in shaping its wines’ distinctive flavors and visit the iconic Gricha Fountain, the namesake of this storied estate.

Then, on to the lodge, which dates back to 1852 and houses the historic granite Lagares still used today. Here, we will arrange an exclusive tasting of the Quinta’s Dry Douro and Port wines, including their single variety Touriga Nacional and Grande Reserva, 30-year-old Tawny, and Vintage Port – exquisite!

By now, you will almost certainly have worked up an appetite; at least, we hope so because lunch is a spectacular feast of some of the best, mouth-watering regional dishes and desserts, perfectly paired with more Churchill’s wines. Weather permitting, lunch is served under the orange trees on the beautiful “Patio das Laranjeiras.” Enjoy a delicious lunch paired with estate wines with a spectacular backdrop of the Douro Valley.

After lunch, your luxury yacht will be waiting at the dock. Once you are back onboard, sit back and relax, soaking up some rays, and watch the world go by as you slowly retrace your morning voyage back to Pinhão.

Your chauffeur will wait for your arrival at the dock to transport you back to Porto, where your tour will conclude. Again, we hope you had a fantastic day in the wine country, and we look forward to seeing you again!

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More information

If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.

Cellar Tours

Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.

Our team specializes in crafting bespoke, custom-designed vacations, events, and incentives tailored to your unique tastes and preferences. Travel is not just about seeing new places - it's about creating unforgettable memories and indulging in the finer things in life.

As members of Slow Food, OTAVA (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals), we promote sustainable tourism and support local communities. We work closely with top-rated hotels, restaurants, and wineries to provide you with the highest level of service and attention to detail.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, let Cellar Tours be your guide. With our passion for food and wine, extensive knowledge of local culture, and dedication to exceptional customer service, we're confident we can exceed your expectations.

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Portugal’s River of Gold

• From $3,999
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Portugal’s River of Gold Map

Enjoy the Douro’s beauty & history

Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia’s oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. 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.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

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

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.

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

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:

• 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
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

6 Best Things to do in Douro Valley Portugal

L isted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Douro Valley Portugal is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Nestled in Northern Portugal, the valley is known for its beautiful lookout points, charming villages and abundant wineries. About an hour from the city of Porto, the Douro wine region can easily be visited on a day trip or a long weekend trip while visiting Portugal . Viking River Cruises also offers an intimate longship journey through the Douro.

Table wine and port wine are produced here and shipped all over the world. Spend the day exploring vineyards, crushing grapes with your feet or sampling local wines. In addition to wine tasting , visitors can take a river cruise on the Douro River, go hiking and visit a natural park. Plus, be sure to explore the valley’s villages. Read about these activities, and more, with our roundup of the 6 best things to do in Douro Valley Portugal.

1. Visit a winery

A trip to Douro Valley would be incomplete without a visit to a winery. Quinta da Pacheca in Lamego sits in the heart of the Douro Valley. One of the region’s oldest wine estates, Quinta da Pacheca is a winery, hotel and olive producer all-in-one. Wine lovers can take a guided tour of the winery, book a tasting, go grape stomping, participate in an olive harvesting experience and more. The wine hotel features traditional guest rooms or for something a little more adventurous, guests can go glamping in huge wine barrels.

In addition, Quinta Nova is another hotel and winery that goes way back. Here, visitors can go wine tasting, take a wine-making class, enjoy a vineyard tour at sunset and order traditional Portuguese food at the winery restaurant. Plus, there is a museum associated with the winery that preserves its history.

Quinta do Seixo

Visit Quinta do Seixo for beautiful views over the valley. This winery is part of the Sandeman brand, a popular port wine producer. Here, visitors can have a picnic in the vineyard, take a guided tour of the estate or book a tasting. Quinta do Vale Meao is another famous winery. In the city of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, this winery is family-owned and a great place to learn about Douro Valley wine production.

2. Take a boat tour through the Douro River

One of the easiest ways to see the Douro Valley is from a boat trip down the Douro River, which stretches from the Soria Province in Spain to Porto. In fact, wine was traditionally carried down this river in Rabelo boats, long flat boats, recognizable by the long oar protruding from the back. The wine was then stored in Porto wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Today, many boats make the same journey, this time carrying tourists as part of organized river cruises.

There are short boat trips that depart from Pinhão or longer ones that leave from Porto. Many tours include wine tasting and lunch. The longer tours from Porto typically make stops at some of the smaller villages along the river valley. Click here  to select the right tour for you.

3. Go to a lookout

The Douro Valley is known for its amazing lookout points. São Leonardo da Galafura is one of the most famous lookouts. Here, visitors will be greeted by stunning views of terraced vineyards, rolling hills and the meandering Douro River. There is also a chapel and a picnic area.

São Salvador do Mundo is another breathtaking viewpoint. It’s perched at the top of a hill, and although you can drive up part of the way, you’ll have to walk the rest, but the views are certainly worth the walk. The Valeira Dam, open countryside, lush greenery, rugged slopes and the beautiful Douro River are all visible from the viewpoint.

The Miradouro de Casal de Loivos is another amazing place to soak up the Douro Valley’s natural beauty. It’s located near the village of Casal de Loivos and can be reached by car. From here, viewers can look over Pinhão, the Douro River and several wineries spanning the hillside.

4. Visit the Douro International Natural Park

Immerse yourself in the valley’s untouched nature while hiking in the Douro International Natural Park. This protected area is close to the Spanish border and features a deep river canyon, majestic cliffs, olive trees and many different animal species, including wolves, wild boar, cave bats and Egyptian vultures.

For panoramic views of the canyon, head to one of the park’s many beautiful viewpoints. Penedo Durão is the best viewpoint for birdwatching and Miradouro de Penha das Torres is a great place to see the sunrise. If you’re not sure where to start your adventure to the Douro International Natural Park, book a guided tour, such as this one with Ambieduc .

5. Visit the Douro Museum

Dive into the valley’s history at the Douro Museu or the Museu do Douro. Located in the small town of Régua, the museum is housed in a historic wine warehouse on the riverfront. Exhibits showcase the history of the wine-making industry in the Douro Valley, and its impact on the local community. In addition, you’ll learn about the geographical features of the valley and why these are so well suited for producing wine.

After exploring the museum, enjoy a glass of wine at the on-site wine bar. Visitors receive one complimentary glass of port or table wine with their ticket. For those based in Porto, the museum can be reached by train from the São Bento Station or through a boat tour from Porto.

6. Visit the small towns

When you’re not wine tasting or soaking up the views, explore the charming towns scattered throughout the valley. The town of Lamego boasts a beautiful historic chapel sitting atop a grand staircase. The chapel, called the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, was constructed between the 18th and 20th centuries. It features a variety of architectural styles, including Baroque, Romantic and Gothic. The outside of the chapel is decorated in stunning blue and white tiles, called azulejos. Lamego is also home to other historical sites and museums, located just down the hill from the chapel.

Travel Train

If you love azulejos, be sure to visit Pinhão train station, built in 1937. Pinhão is also centrally located, close to many of the most popular wineries, making it a convenient place to stop. There is also a historical train that stops in Pinhão. There is wine and often entertainment on the train.

The train departs from Peso da Régua, another popular town in the Douro Valley. Since many boat tours also depart here, there’s plenty to do for tourists. for example, walk along the Régua pier, check out the town’s churches and grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.

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The ‘under the radar’ hotspot next to the cheapest city in Europe – famous for wine and natural river beaches

• Ryan Gray , Travel Reporter
• Published : 15:01, 30 Mar 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

HOLIDAYMAKERS have been urged to visit a holiday spot that goes "under the radar" next to one of Europe's cheapest city break destinations.

Porto in Portugal has grown in popularity in recent years due to its affordability and what it has on offer for tourists.

However, there's a place nearby that offers people a great place to dodge the throngs of visitors , while also enjoying the scenery and prices as well as providing plenty of reasons to visit in its own right.

The Douro Valley is the region surrounding the Rio Douro, with towns, villages, natural river beaches and more surrounding it.

The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history, most of which is wine-related.

In fact it is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and has been producing and supplying Port since the 1700s.

However, it's also well known for making drinks like Vinho Verde which are more popular with modern wine drinkers.

The valley offers plenty of places for people to sample its most famous product, however, the Quinta do Panascal was singled out by the Irish Independent , who said the region had "slipped under the radar" of tourists.

They wrote: "There are so many places to go wine tasting it’s almost impossible to narrow it down, but a trip to the Douro isn’t complete without a visit to the Quinta do Panascal, the 'Bentley' of Port wine vineyards."

The vineyard is the region's flagship wine producer and its Fonseca Vintage 1994 has been recognised by Wine Spectator Magazine as one of the best wines in the world.

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The Irish train station pub that's nearby beach and top fish & chip shop

Wine isn't the only way for people to refresh themselves in the Douro valley however, with natural beaches situated along the river.

Although they're scenic places set between the hills, far fewer people go to there than the nearby cities, making them the perfect place to dodge the crowds.

The Irish Independent continued: "During the summer the Douro offers a refreshing alternative to overcrowded European beach resorts, although the river remains a welcome refuge for those looking to cool down on a hot day in pristine waters.

"There are numerous natural beaches dotting the river but some of the best can be found at Lomba on the left bank of the river and Congida River Beach near the town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta."

Kayaking and paddle boarding are also options for people to unwind along the river.

An even better way to explore the Douro valley is via a boat trip, with many of the old Rabelo boats that used to transport wine, now transporting tourists.

Best staycation locations for 2024

The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.

A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy , and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.

The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene - if that's something you're after.

The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.

3. Isles of Scilly

Just off the Cornish coast, it's easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.

Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline , as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.

A two-hour tour with Magnifico Douro can be booked for €25 (£21.50)

The tour takes visitors from the town of Pinhão, travelling upstream towards Tua, taking in vineyards and the terraced fields and "unique landscapes".

Despite its beauty, and obvious reasons for tourists to visit, the Douro Valley for now remains relatively untouched by tourists.

However, that's unlikely to last.

Travel experts Lonely Planet wrote: "The rest of the world is beginning to discover what the Portuguese have known forever: the Douro region is simply one of the most glorious spots on earth."

Getting to the Douro Valley is relatively simple, with flights from the UK to nearby Porto available from around £70 return.

A room for two in the valley can be booked from £57 per night.

There are several other places in the UK and Europe that are well worth a visit, but often overlooked by tourists.

Shaldon in Devon is a relatively unknown seaside village that was named among the top 10 seaside staycations last year.

Sun-seekers can relax on the red-sand beaches on the banks of the River Teign estuary, one of which is only accessible via an original smugglers' tunnel.

There are long walking trails and hiking routes available, especially to work up an appetite for some of the delicious food on offer.

The town of Annecy in the south east of France is extremely popular with visitors because of its Venice-style canals and "fairytale" scenery.

However, just a stone's throw away is Talloires, which is often ignored by holidaymakers , despite it being just as picturesque as its more famous neighbouring town.

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Meanwhile, tourists in the UK often overlook this city - but they shouldn't.

And this seaside village is often unfairly ignored by tourists as well.

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Moscow as a city has been around since 1147. No visit to this bustling 21st century city is complete without the opulence of its most recognisable landmarks. Most cruises allow at least 3 days in Moscow to allow your own pace and independent discovery. Shuttle bus services between the ship and the centre are available on most itineraries.

polaroid style photo St Basils Cathederal, Moscow St Basil’s Cathedral with its multi coloured domes dominates the western end of Red Square. On your walk through Red Square to or from a visit to Lenin’s tomb cements in the mind the influence of the more modern past and the beginnings of Soviet Russia.

The best way to explore Moscow is by using the world famous Metro stations, which are a discovery in themselves. Where else in the world is the metropolitan underground transit system adorned with crystal chandeliers and artwork. You’ll never view a tube journey the same again.

Visit the Kremlin, a self contained 15th century city with palaces, armouries, 15th and 17th century cathedrals and a Medieval fortress. A visit to the Kremlin includes a tour of the Armouries museum home to treasures such as the Tsar’s coronation robes and the famous Fabergé eggs.

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