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Set sail along The Douro River – Portugal’s River Of Gold

Hugging the Atlantic Ocean on the southern point of Continental Europe, Portugal boasts bustling riverside ports, colourful coastal cities, medieval castles, exquisite mountainous landscapes and rolling vineyards. Home to a vast history of civilisations - from Roman to Germanic; the Viking’s to the Moors - you’ll find a vibrant cultural identity that has been shaped by centuries of historical influences. A feast for the senses, Portugal offers an array of sights, sounds and tastes to behold: caramelised custard pastries, freshly-caught seafood, passionate Fado music, sweet Port wine and postcard worthy landscapes of rolling vineyards and architectural marvels.

Begin your journey in Lisbon, with its quaint trams and pastel-hued streets , before heading to the romantic waterside city of Porto to witness its grand cathedrals and taste its famed port wine. Then set sail down the Douro River, stopping to visit sites such as the exquisite Mateus Palace, the olive oil groves of Alto Douro and a day in Spain to discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca, all leaving you with memories that will linger long after your journey ends.

Exploring Portugal, The Viking Way

Experiences along The Douro River

We believe travel should be more than just a trip―it should be your gateway to personal enrichment. Our itineraries have been expertly curated to provide you with opportunities every day of your voyage to engage with your destination through its food, landscapes, culture and history. Here’s a little insight to what you will find on the River of Gold cruise.

Cosmopolitan Lisbon and the Jerónimos Monastery

Explore one of Europe's oldest cities on a panoramic drive, stopping at iconic landmarks including The Monument of the Discoveries, The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important landmark was born from the Golden Age of Discovery when Portuguese caravels set sail in search of new worlds between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Flavours of Lisbon 

Get to know Lisbon’s rich culture through its food during a walking tour. Portuguese food is known for its simple yet flavourful approach, using fresh ingredients, such as cod, cheese and smoked sausage. Sample authentic regional dishes, a selection of petiscos — small servings of tasty bites — and locally produced liqueur before finishing with a delicious, sweet treat, Portugal’s famed pastel de nata—a baked egg custard pastry.

Mateus Palace & Gardens 

Visit the extraordinary Mateus Palace, depicted on the famous Mateus Rosé label. This stunning baroque masterpiece was the home of the last Count of Vila Real; its pinnacled facade, grand stairway, richly appointed interiors and priceless objects on display will amaze you, as will the palace’s enchanting formal gardens. Then, visit one of the area’s port wine–making institutions, where you will stroll through the vineyard and bottling facility to learn how its unique port wines are crafted.

Cistercians & Wines 

Roam the 12th-century Saint John Monastery in Tarouca, a Cistercian landmark. See the charming houses of Ucanha charm with their stout stone walls and colourful wooden balconies. Then head to Casa de Santo António Britiande in Távora-Varosa for a wine tasting at a small quintas tucked into the hillside in the narrow valley. 

Porto on Foot

Admire the city’s noted architecture, such as the iconic Luís I Bridge, a double-decked metal arch that spans the Douro River. Walk across the upper level of the bridge to Porto Cathedral, a Romanesque landmark in the Old Town. Marvel at the blue and white azelujos tiles in São Bento station, then explore the Ribeira's riverfront. 

Favaios Bakery & Lunch at Quinta Avessada

Visit the small village of Favaios and one of the last traditional bakeries in the Douro Valley where bakers make bread the traditional way – in an oven headed with wood and old grapevines. Sample freshly baked four-corner bread and learn about the importance of wine and bread at the local museum. Continue to Quinta da Avessada, a century-old wine estate. Meet the dedicated vintners, tour the cellars and sample local varieties of port.

What our guests have to say

" The cities on this cruise may be glorious, but for me it was very much the diversity of landscapes along the river that was the biggest revelation ” – John W

“ Our first ever Viking Cruise and we could not have chosen a better way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. From the warm greeting at Lisbon Airport to the reluctant farewells to the crew of Viking Helgrim in Porto, our every need was met, even anticipated. ” – Jennifer G

PORTUGAL'S RIVER OF GOLD 10 Days | 8 Guided Tours | 2 Countries | From $6,495pp

For a limited time, save up to $2,000 per couple*

Discover Portugal with Viking

Portuguese culture, cuisine and architecture has been shaped by both its coastal location and its vast history of civilisations that date back centuries. With sweet Port wine, fresh seafood, grand cathedrals, colourful winding streets, the oldest wine region in the world and melodic Fado music, Portugal oozes a unique cultural identity that can only be experienced once there.

Designed to help you explore the most intimate nuances of Portugal both on board and onshore, our 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold cruisetour includes engaging excursions with expert local guides, insightful guest lecturers, regional cooking demonstrations and craft classes showcasing local traditions.

Your home away from home

Our Viking ships embody our signature Scandinavian design with a calming coastal palette, clean lines, blonde timbers and cosy areas bathed in natural light, create a soothing sanctuary. Your stateroom’s special touches make for a homely feel including heated bathroom flooring, smart storage solutions, on-demand movies and educational programs if you feel like a “night in”, high-tech soundproofing and plush robes and slippers.

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Portugal’s River of Gold

10 Days | 8 Guided Tours | 2 Countries

Lisbon to Porto

Cruise from $2,999

FREE International Airfare

Offer ends Apr 30, 2023

Call 1-800-464-3595 for details

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Welcome to Lisbon; we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Lisbon. Relax this afternoon and evening or explore the city a bit on your own.

After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of Lisbon. Guests sailing with us on Viking Osfrid or Viking Torgil will begin at Belém with a tour of Jerónimos Monastery, one of the most prominent examples of Portuguese late Gothic Manueline style of architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Tower of Belém, where you will stop for a photograph. Guests sailing on Viking Hemming and Viking Helgrim will enjoy a guided tour of the Maritime Museum, located in the monastery’s West Wing. This afternoon you may join an optional tour to explore more of Lisbon or get a taste of its cuisine. (Breakfast)

Have breakfast, then check out of your hotel and take a scenic ride to Porto. Stop for lunch in Coimbra, birthplace of six Portuguese kings and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Upon arrival in Porto, proceed to the dock at Vila Nova de Gaia to board your ship. Then, after boarding, you can relax and get settled in your stateroom. This evening, you can join an optional tour to experience culinary delights at Porto’s famed Graham’s 1890 Lodge and sample a selection of their award-winning ports. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning we sail along the Douro, arriving at Régua in early afternoon. Disembark for an excursion to Vila Real, site of the extraordinary Mateus Palace (the building depicted on the Mateus Rosé wine labels). This stunning baroque palace was the home of the last count of Vila Real; its pinnacled facade, grand stairway, richly appointed interiors and priceless objects on display will astonish you, as will the palace’s enchanting formal gardens featuring cedar-lined walkways, exquisite sculpted hedges and statuary and serene bodies of water. Visit one of the area’s iconic port wine–making institutions. See its vineyard and tour the facility to learn how these unique Portuguese products are crafted, then sample the libation in their tasting room. Rejoin your ship in Pinhão for dinner. (B, L, D)

This morning, we sail east along the Douro. See dramatic, sheer rock formations, picturesque terraced vineyards and graceful bridges and trestles along the way; you also pass through two of the river’s locks at the Valeira and Pocinho Dams. We arrive at Barca d’Alva, not far from the Spanish border, in mid-afternoon.

This afternoon, enjoy a tour to Castelo Rodrigo. Located approximately 2,200 feet above sea level and surrounded by almond trees, Castelo Rodrigo is one of Portugal’s 12 historic parishes; its streets are narrow and steep, and its houses still present 16th-century facades. Here you see Sinagoga Street, a remembrance of the Jewish community established by refugees from the Spanish Inquisition; you can visit the local church as well. As we ride back to our ship, we will stop along the way to admire panoramic views. (B, L, D)

Today you have a full-day excursion to Salamanca, Spain. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living museum that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages; yet it is also a cosmopolitan and multicultural city with a large population of international students. Take a ride through the Iberian countryside to Salamanca, then spend some time exploring the shops and cafés of the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) on your own. At the local market, enjoy sampling regional cuisine. Your guided city tour takes you to the Gothic House of Shells, 13th-century Salamanca University and the New Cathedral, built from 1513 through 1733. The Old Cathedral still exists and can be visited during free time. Rejoin your ship in Vega de Terrón. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, we sail west along the Douro passing some of the area’s quintas (vineyards), where you may catch glimpses of vintners tending their vines. After breakfast, disembark for a scenic drive up to the little village of Favaios, and make your way to one of the last traditional bakeries in the Douro River Valley. Discover how bread was made in the old days and how it tasted with a sample fresh from the oven. Explore a typical Portuguese village not yet discovered by the masses, then continue for lunch at Quinta da Avessada, a rustic centuries-old winery in the heart of the Douro Wine District (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and sample local fortified wine such as muscatel. Rejoin your ship in Pinhão and set sail to Régua, where you remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, disembark for a visit to Lamego, a small town known for its baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, dating back to the 14th century and still used by pilgrims today. Visit the shrine, decorated with exquisite tilework in the Moorish manner, and descend the grand baroque staircase. You also see the town’s Gothic cathedral and the ruins of 12th-century Lamego Castle, with its unusual vaulted cistern. Return to your ship for lunch and scenic afternoon sailing along the Douro as you head back toward Porto. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, take a city tour of Porto, a charming riverside community whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its graceful bridges, grand cathedral and romantic 16th- through 19th-century buildings nestled together on narrow cobblestone streets.

This afternoon you have time to explore Porto on your own, or take an optional excursion to Guimarães and its medieval quarter. Sample wines that have been in the making for generations at the historic Quinta da Aveleda estate, or soar over the historic “City of Bridges” on a thrilling helicopter sightseeing tour. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your time in the region with a 2-night extension to Braga, Portugal and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (B)

Air Pricing

Prices are per person for featured departures.

Airfare offers valid on all N. American gateways except Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City.

Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C. Many additional gateways available, air fares may vary; call for details.

Offer AT23:

Offer valid on bookings made from Apr 13 to Apr 30, 2023. Cruise from $2,999 per person based on select Dec 2023 departures of Portugal’s River of Gold in category F; subject to availability, other categories may be higher. Call for details. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Air does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All fares reflect cruise taxes, port taxes and fees. Book by Apr 30, 2023; pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires Apr 30, 2023.

FREE international airfare based on Jul & Nov-Dec 2023 departures of Portugal’s River of Gold. Call for details. Air prices are per person based on cruise or cruise tour check-in date and include transfers. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Airfares vary on other gateways and departures. Air offers not valid on Alaska, Hawaii, San Juan and Mexico City; call for details. Ask for Offer AT23. Offer expires Apr 30, 2023.

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Viking River Cruises Portugal: Traveling the Douro in Style

Penny Sadler

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

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

What Makes the Douro River Cruise Different?

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

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

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

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

Lisbon and Coimbra

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrival in Porto

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

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

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

Staterooms

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

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

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

Vila Nova de Gaia to Lamego

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

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

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

Cultural Experiences Onboard the Ship

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

Lamego to Barca d’ Alva

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

Castelo Rodrigo

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

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

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

Salamanca, Spain

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

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

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

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

Barca d’Alva

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what we did on our Portugal River Cruise with Viking

06/19/2018 By Traveling Canucks 29 Comments Categories: Europe Portugal Top Lists Travel Stories Travel Tips Trip Ideas World Heritage Site

City view of Porto from top of bridge, Portugal

River Cruise in Portugal’s Douro Valley

We’ve returned from a fun Portugal river cruise and have so many wonderful experiences and photos to share. A European river cruise has been on our travel wish list for years now, so we jumped at the opportunity to partner with Viking River Cruises for this Portugal river cruise .

There are so many European river cruises – why did we choose Portugal?

Well, the simple answer is that we had not yet visited Portugal. This is a new country for us. We also want to do something special to celebrate Cameron’s 40th birthday.

After learning about the Douro Valley and it’s famous wine region , a luxurious river cruise in Portugal sounds like the perfect adult only vacation. The cruise is called Portugal’s River of Gold . It’s a 10 day river cruise that begins in Lisbon and ends in Porto (learn more here ).

This post shares our experience on the Portugal river cruise, including land excursions.

We break down each day of the tour and provide information about what we did. We took this cruise in May 2018. Times and details may change for future cruises, so use this information as a guideline (when in doubt, contact Viking directly).

Watch this short video about our river cruise here .

Day 1 – Lisbon, Portugal

The River of Gold cruise itinerary begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant coastal capital. Our flight from Vancouver arrived at Lisbon International Airport at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

A representative from Viking was waiting for us at the airport. She was holding a red Viking sign so we easily identified her.

A private transfer took us from the airport to our hotel, the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa . This transfer is included – no additional payment required.

Although we arrived at the hotel before the standard 3:00 PM check-in time, our room was ready and waiting for us. We were thankful for this because it was a long and tiring travel day.

The first day is a free day on the cruise itinerary. This means guests have the opportunity to explore Lisbon at their own pace.

The only organized activity was an optional talk at 6:00 PM that reviewed basic details about the Portugal river cruise itinerary. The hotel has a table in the lobby specifically for Viking River Cruise guests, so there’s someone available to answer your trip related questions.

After a quick nap, we went to the rooftop bar at the hotel. The views from this bar are spectacular. We could have easily spent the entire evening there. However, we only have two nights in Lisbon, so we want to get our and explore the city.

Find out what we did in Lisbon Portugal .

Views from Sky Bar, the rooftop bar at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa .

Read this post to see more photos of Lisbon .

Day 2 – Lisbon, Portugal

A complimentary breakfast is provided at the hotel. The morning begins with an excursion to see Lisbon’s top tourist attractions.

We depart the hotel at 9:00 AM sharp and quickly learned that the wheels on the bus start moving at the specified time. Punctuality is very important.

The Lisbon city tour is a guided tour.

Guests on the Portugal river cruise are split into 3 separate coaches. There are about 25-30 people per coach. Each coach has an English speaking guide.

Guests are provided a QuietVox audio system so that you can hear what the guide is saying. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about Portugal’s history and culture.

First stop was the magnificent Belém Tower (above photo).

We spent about 30 minutes at Belém. We did not go inside the tower, we took photos of the outside only.

Belém Tower is arguably the most important tourist attraction in Lisbon. We did not actually go inside this 16th century tower but we were able to marvel at its unique Manueline architecture .

Navy Museum and Jerónimos Monastery

After Belém Tower we visited the nearby Navy Museum and Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It’s quite an impressive building (see above photo).

The Portuguese are very proud of their maritime history and achievements. The Portuguese Empire was one of the largest and longest-lived empires in world history, existing for almost six centuries.

The exhibits in the museum include historical paintings, archaeological items and several models of ships used in Portugal since the 15th century. This museum has over 17,000 items!

We spent about an hour at the maritime museum. The first 30 minutes was with our tour guide, the remaining 30 minutes was for us to explore on our own. Give yourself some time to walk down to the impressive Monastery (the domed tower at the far right of the above photo).

The bus departed the museum at 11:30 AM and passed the beautiful Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) before arriving at our next destination – the Alfama District.

The Alfama is is the oldest district of Lisbon.

It’s the only part of Lisbon to survive the great 1755 earthquake, so it retains some of its old world charm. Today, this historical district is famous for its labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, small squares and quaint cafes and restaurants.

We toured the Alfama for about 45 minutes. The tour concluded at 1:00 PM.

We had the option to take the coach back to the hotel or get dropped off in the city center. We opted to stay in the city and spend the afternoon exploring on our own.

Find out what we did here .

Related – Lisbon exceeded our expectations. Here’s what we did.

Optional Tour – A Taste of Lisbon

Viking offers optional tours at some of the locations. We decided to join the A Taste of Lisbon tour. The additional cost for this 3.5 hour tour is $69 USD per person.

The coach departed the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa at 3:30 PM. We had 12 people on the tour with us.

The food tour stopped at 3 locations and included small samples of local dishes.

The first stop had us sampling Portugal’s most popular pasty – pastel de nada (see photo below). The second stop included steak sandwiches and beer. The final stop included charcuterie with wine pairings. This was the highlight of the Taste of Lisbon tour.

We also visited the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte to check out the amazing views of Lisbon (see photo below).

We arrived back at our hotel at 7:00 PM.

The iconic pastel de nata – so delicious!

Day 3 – Coimbra & Porto

We departed the hotel in Lisbon at 8:00 AM. Guests are required to be packed and ready by 7:00 AM because the luggage needs to be picked up from your room and taken to the coach.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel is included (buffet style – typical European spread).

We drove for 3 hours before arriving at Coimbra , the country’s former capital and home to the historic University of Coimbra . The coach stopped for a bathroom and coffee break about half way between Lisbon and Coimbra. The coaches are equipped with wifi and bottled water is provided.

University of Coimbra

We arrived in Coimbra at 11:30 AM. We explored the medieval town for about 30 minutes before making our way to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world.

A highlight of the university tour is Joanina Library , an 18th century Baroque library that is home to 300,000 ancient books. We could not take photos inside the library.

That said, the photos we did see do not properly capture how incredible this library is. You have to experience it firsthand (there’s good reason why this university is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site).

The tour at the University of Coimbra is about 1.5 hours.

After the tour we had lunch at a nearby restaurant and were treated to a delicious 3-course meal with live traditional music (guitar and singing). The food was very good and the atmosphere was quite festive. We spent about 2 hours at this restaurant.

We got back on the coaches and made our way north to Porto. The final drive was about 2 hours. Most people had a siesta to sleep off the wine from lunch.

We arrived at the Viking river cruise ship in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto) at 5:00 PM.

Above – street scene in the city of Coimbra.

Joanina Library at the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ( see listing ).

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The courtyard inside the historical University of Coimbra. Quite the place!

Traditional port wine boat, Douro River, Porto, Portugal

Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

Our river cruise vessel, the Viking Osfrid , awaited our arrival at Vila Nova de Gaia, which is the south side of the Douro River (Porto is the on north side). The above photo was captured close to where the Viking ship docks. It’s technically not Porto but it’s close enough.

We boarded the ship and checked into our room. The process was fast and easy. Our luggage was delivered from the coach to our room. We had welcome cocktails at 5:30 PM and at 6:15 PM we were required to participate in a short safety drill. Basically, learn where your life jacket is located and how to use it in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Dinner was served shortly after the safety drill, around 7:00 PM. The captain took us up and down the Douro River on a sunset sail of Porto. After the sunset sail the ship docked at Vila Nova de Gaia for the evening.

We decided to get off the ship and explore Porto for a few hours.

Porto is such a photogenic city!

Night scene, Douro River, Porto, Portugal

Related – 30 Photos of Porto that will inspire you to visit

Day 4 – Full day in Porto

The included excursion on Day 4 is called Panoramic Porto . Breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The excursion departs at 8:30 AM sharp.

Similar to the Lisbon city tour , guests on the Portugal river cruise are split into 3 different coaches (the same groups as before).

The QuietVox audio system is provided so that we can learn about the places we visit (the devices are located in your stateroom – make sure you charge them every evening because you will use them every day).

First stop on the tour is the Porto Cathedral , one of the city’s oldest monuments.

It’s located on a hilltop and showcases incredible views of the old red roofed city.

After the cathedral, our group walked to the nearby São Bento Railway Station , famous for its detailed tile murals. There are approximately 20,000 azulejo tiles on the walls that date as far back as 1905.

After the train station we visited Porto’s most popular shopping district and had about an hour of free time. We enjoyed another delicious round of pastel de nata and coffee (Europeans know how to make great coffee!).

We visited Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (Church of Saint Ildefonso), an eighteenth-century church located near Batalha Square , before re-joining our group and making our way back to Vila Nova de Gaia.

The last stop on the tour was probably our favorite – we visited Sandeman’s port wine cellar to learn about the region’s famous port wine and sample the goods. The Sandeman location is a short walk from where the ship is docked in Vila Nova de Gaia.

See more photos of Porto, Portugal

Above – monument in front of Porto Cathedral.

Beautiful tile mural inside São Bento Railway Station, Porto.

Church of Saint Ildefonso, Porto, Portugal

The Church of Saint Ildefonso. Notice the detailed tile art on the outside of the church.

Sandeman cave, port wine cellar, Porto, Portugal

Inside the Sandeman cave, home to hundreds of barrels of port wine. It smells so good in here!

Exploring Porto, Portugal

We arrived back to the Viking Osfrid for lunch. Guests can join a few different optional tours at this time. Or, you can take a shuttle back to Porto’s main shopping district.

We chose the shuttle back to Porto and spent the afternoon exploring Porto at our own pace.

Our self-guided walking tour began at the infamous Dom Luís I Bridge, where we took hundreds of photos of this incredible city (more on that here ).

We wandered around the city for about 3 hours and made our way back to the ship by 6:00 PM. The city is quite hilly, so we definitely got our exercise. We enjoyed dinner on the boat at 7:00 PM.

Views of Porto from the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge, an iron bridge built in 1886. One of the key people involved in its design was Gustave Eiffel , the same man who designed the world-famous Eiffel Tower .

Day 5 – Régua, Mateus Palace and Pinhão

We began the Portugal river cruise up the Douro River on Day 5, passing several towns and villages along the way. The ship departed from Porto at 7:00 AM. We woke up slowly that morning and watched the world slowly pass us by from the comfort of our bed.

We made our way to breakfast around 8:30 AM and finished just in time to witness the ship pass through the first river lock on the Douro River. It’s a very interesting procedure.

These river boats were built for the tight locks on the Douro River. Our captain carefully guided the Viking Osfrid into the narrow lock with only a few inches to spare on each side.

We spent the rest of the morning enjoying coffee on the sundeck of the ship, soaking up the unique landscapes as we sailed up the Douro. Lunch was served at 12:30 PM.

We arrived at the town of Régua at 2:30 PM. The included excursion departed shortly after we arrived, at 2:45 PM. We were a little behind schedule because there was a delay at one of the river locks.

WATCH – Video from our Douro Valley River Cruise

Mateus Palace in Vila Real, Portugal

First stop on the excursion is to Mateus Palace , a beautiful baroque palace located in Vila Real. The drive from Régua to the palace took about an hour. We had a 30 minute guided tour followed by 30 minutes of free time to explore the beautiful gardens and chapel.

After Mateus Palace we boarded the coach and made our way to Quinta do Seixo , located in the Upper-Corgo in the heart of the Douro Demarcated Region . This region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (read the listing here ) because wine has been produced in the Alto Douro region for 2,000 years.

If you’ve been counting, that’s 4 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 4 straight days!

The drive up the hill to the Sandeman winery is a little harrowing. The tight switchbacks put our driver to the test, but he was up for the challenge. If you don’t like heights, you may not want to look out the window during this part of the tour.

The views from the Sandeman at Quinta do Seixo are spectacular – see photos below. We’ve been to wine regions in Europe before (read about our trip to the Mosel Valley in Germany ), but we haven’t see vineyards quite like these. The rows of grape vines stretch up the side of the river valley for miles.

The terraces reminded us of the ancient terraces of Banaue in the Philippines .

Viking Osfrid, Portugal River Cruise, Douro Valley

Régua to Pinhão

For those who decided to skip the excursion to Mateus Palace and Quinta do Seixo, they stayed on the ship as it sailed from Régua to Pinhão . The coaches met up with the ship in Pinhão at around 6:45 PM.

Our coach actually passed the ship while it sailed up river. The above photo was captured from the window seat of the coach. That is our ship, the Viking Osfrid.

Dinner was served at 7:30 PM. That evening, we enjoyed local dishes and the ship’s staff were dressed in traditional Portuguese outfits. Performers came aboard the ship and played live music while we ate. It was a very festive evening.

The ship docks in Pinhão for the night. We had the opportunity to explore the town in the evening but we were too full from dinner. We decided to enjoy some local wine on the sundeck instead. It was a fun day.

Above – ship docked in the town of Pinhão, located in the district of Vila Real .

Sailing up the calm Douro River. Views from the sundeck of the Viking Osfrid.

The variety of landscapes was unexpected. One minute we’re surround by wineries, the next minute we are sailing within a few meters of jagged rocks and steep canyons.

Panoramic views from Quinta do Seixo, home to the Sandeman brand of port.

Our big coach carefully made its way up these steep, windy roads.

medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal

Day 6 – Barca d’Alva and Castelo Rodrigo

The ship casts off from Pinhão at 7:15 AM. Like the previous morning, we take our time and enjoy the passing countryside from the window of our upper level stateroom.

We ate breakfast at 8:00 AM and made our way to the sundeck. The weather did not cooperate that day. It rained for most of the morning.

We arrived at Barca d’Alva at 2:15 PM and joined the included excursion that departed at 2:30 PM. We boarded the coach and made our way to the historical village of Castelo Rodrigo , a tiny medieval fortress town that retains its old world charm. The hilltop village is still home to about 60 people.

We had about 1.5 hours to explore the village, palace ruin and church of Castelo Rodrigo. The guided walking tour takes about 30 minutes. It’s not very big, so you can explore the village on your own.

We arrived back at the ship at around 5:00 PM. That evening we were treated to a cocktail party with a variety of colourful drinks to choose from. We ate dinner at 7:30 PM and went for a walk around Barca d’Alva afterwards. The town is quite small and there’s not a lot to do.

The ship docked at Barca d’Alva for two consecutive nights.

Palace ruins at Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal

Admiring the palace ruins at Castelo Rodrigo.

Palace Castle Fortress ruins at Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal

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Steep slope in the medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo.

Torre de Aguiar - Sparking White Wine, Portugal River Cruise

Sampling a glass sparkling white wine that’s manufactured in the region. It tasted like sweet almonds. We’re not sure if the white wine was mixed with the almond flavour? It was an interesting combination. We’ve never tasted anything like it before. It was a little too sweet for our liking.

Our coach stopped at this lookout point so that we could capture photos of these beautiful landscapes. You can see the Douro River in the far distance. That’s where the ship was docked while we toured the region.

Day 7 – Salamanca, Spain

This was the longest and one of the most memorable days on the cruise itinerary..

After an early breakfast on the ship, we boarded our coach at 8:45 AM and began a two hour drive to Salamanca , known for its ornate sandstone architecture and the Universidad de Salamanca (founded in 1134).

The Old City of Salamanca has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We arrived in Salamanca at 11:00 AM. We stopped for a coffee break about half way on the drive from Barca d’Alva to Salamanca.

The guided tour begins at Salamanca Central Market . We sampled a variety of cured meats fresh cheese, olives and wine. It’s a nice start to the afternoon. We then walked to the magnificent Plaza Mayor, considered the heart of Salamanca and said to be one of the most beautiful plazas in Spain .

You are given free time to explore Salamanca.

You may re-join the group for a guided walking tour at 2:00 PM or choose to discover Salamanca at your own pace.

We decided to enjoy a bottle of red wine and tapas at Plaza Mayor. It’s the perfect place to people watch and soak up the atmosphere. We visited during graduation season and there seemed to be a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties (we counted at least 10 different groups that were dressed up and ready to party).

If you travel to Salamanca, you must visit the incredible New Cathedral of Salamanca , built between the 16th and 18th centuries in both Gothic and Baroque styles. It’s one of the most impressive Cathedral’s we’ve visited. It is joined together with the Old Cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.

The coach departs Salamanca at 4:00 PM and arrives back at the ship at 6:00 PM. The ship remains docked in the town of Barca d’Alva for a second night.

Related – Why you should add Salamanca to your travel list

Outside Salamanca Cathedral. It’s so big that we couldn’t fit it all in the frame!

Inside Salamanca Cathedral. Nicole is dwarfed by the towering columns. This church is huge!

Above – the stunning architecture and detailed ceiling in Salamanca Cathedral.

Random sighting at Plaza Mayor. This girl was dressed up in a fat suit for her bachelorette party – we believe. Salamanca is clearly a university party town.

See more photos of Salamanca here .

Can you spot Nicole in the above photo? Hint – she’s looking left.

Enjoying tapas and red wine in Plaza Mayor.

Above – endless rows of Jamón Ibérico, Spain’s celebrated cured ham.

Day 8 – Favaios and the Douro Valley

The Viking Osfrid departs Barca d’Alva early, around 6:15 AM.

We arrived at Pocinho at 9:00 AM and disembarked the ship to join the included excursion to the historical town of Favaios , a village with a population of about 1,500 people that is known for one thing – its wine, Moscatel de Favaios .

The drive from Pocinho to Favaios took about an hour and passed through the region that was heavily impacted by the forest fires of 2017.

The first activity in Favaios was a visit to one of the last traditional bakeries in the Douro Valley. We sampled some fresh bread and learned how it’s made. Nicole tried kneading the dough but her bread did not make the cut. The baker was not impressed with her bread making abilities.

VIDEO: 15 Reasons you should visit Portugal’s River of Gold

After the bakery, we visited the local museum and learned about the region’s wine making process and its infamous Moscatel de Favaios. We then made our way to the Favaios co-operative, where the region’s wine makers work together to produce Moscatel de Favaios . Of course, we also had a wine tasting.

We left Favaios and traveled 30 minutes to Quinta da Avessada , an ancient site that has long produced one of the richest wines in the Douro wine region. We enjoyed a welcome glass of Moscatel before sitting down for a memorable 3 course meal. The owner is quite the character. He kept everyone laughing throughout lunch. We spent about 2 hours at Quinta da Avessada .

The coach travels through the Douro Valley on its way back to the ship.

The landscapes in the demarcated wine region are stunning. The never-ending terraces stretch for miles and miles – see the above photo.

We arrived at Folgosa at 3:30 PM and boarded the cruise ship. It sailed for about two hours before arriving at Regua, our final destination for the day.

We attended the Captain’s Cocktail Party at 6:00 PM before dinner was served at 7:00 PM. Because the ship is docked in Régua for the night, we decided to disembark the ship after dinner to explore the town. When we returned, we were treated to a special performance of Portuguese Folk Music by a local group called the Tuna Folk Show.

Making bread in Favaios, Portugal River Cruise

Nicole learning to make traditional Portugese bread in Favaios.

Above – Church in the town of Favaios, Portugal.

Wine on a vineyard in the Douro Valley, Favaios, Portugal River Cruise

Felicidades!

Douro Valley, Favaios, Portugal River Cruise

Above – inside the impressive Favaios Adega Cooperativa wine making facility.

Enjoying the region’s famous Moscatel de Favaios, similar to port wine.

Our host at Quinta da Avessada gave us a warm welcome and kept us entertained.

Douro Valley, Vineyards, Favaios, Portugal River Cruise

Day 9 – Régua and Lamego

We disembarked the ship in Régua at 9:00 AM and joined the included excursion to Lamego . The drive is 30 minutes. The tour is only 3 hours.

The clear highlight in Lamego is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies , a stunning 18th-century Baroque and Rococo sanctuary that sits on a hilltop with 686 stairs in front of it (see above photo).

You can walk up the stairs, as many pilgrims will do, or you can take the bus to the top of the church and walk down. That’s what we did.

After walking down the stairs in front of the Sanctuary of Our Lake of Remedies, we visited Lamego Cathedral (also known as Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral) and Museu de Lamego . Viking guests are given free admission to the museum. We spent about 30 minutes inside the museum.

We returned to the ship at 12:00 PM for lunch. The cruise ship departs from Regua and makes its way down the Douro River to Porto, the final stop on this Portugal river cruise.

We arrived at Vila Nova de Gaia at 8:00 PM on the Monday.

Sanctuary of Our Lake of Remedies in Lamego, Regua, Portugal

The 686 stairs in front of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.

Lamego Cathedral, Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Portugal

The beautiful Lamego Cathedral (Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral).

Admiring the exquisite rugs hanging on the wall inside Museu de Lamego .

Douro River Locks

The Viking Osfrid went through five different river locks while on this Portugal river cruise. This was the first time we passed through locks of this size. They are huge!

The lock at Carrapatelo Dam rises up 115 feet (35 meters) and the lock at Valeira Dam rises 109 feet (33 meters). We were told that these are some of the tallest river locks in Europe.

We have a few time lapse videos that we will post on our Facebook page soon. It’s a very interesting experience. We made sure to be on the sundeck every time we passed though one of these impressive river locks on the Douro River.

Valeira Dam, River Lock, Douro River Valley, Portugal River Cruise

Approaching the Valeira Dam

The river lock is located on the right side of Valeira Dam, in that big concrete box with the black door that resembles a garage door.

The ship approaches the lock and the door opens. It then enters the lock compartment and the doors close. The lock fills with water and this lifts the ship. Once it reaches the top, the opposite side door opens and the ship departs at the higher level (or lower lever if the ship is going down).

Above – inside the river lock. Views from the sundeck of the Viking Osfrid.

View of the Douro River from the top of Valeira Dam. It’s a long way up (and down)!

River Lock, Douro River Valley, Portugal River Cruise

Day 10 – Porto and Disembarkation

The portugal river cruise concludes in the city of porto..

Most of the guests disembarked the ship early in the morning and went straight to the airport. You can enjoy breakfast one last time on the ship. Viking asks guests to vacate the room by 9:00 AM so they can prepare the ship for the next cruise.

We decided to stay one extra night in Porto.

This was the right call for us. Otherwise, we would have had to disembark the ship at 4:00 AM to catch our 7:30 AM flight home.

Porto is such a cool city. We could have easily spent a few more nights there.

We disembarked the ship at 9:30 AM and took a taxi to the hotel. Our accommodations were booked separately. Because we were early, we left our luggage at the hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city.

On our final evening in Porto, we dined at a restaurant on the riverfront promenade. The Viking Osfrid was docked across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia. We watched guests taking photos on the sundeck, just as we did 7 days earlier. It was a moment of envy and nostalgia as the ship set off for its sunset sail up the river (see photo below).

We knew exactly what those guests were about to experience as they began their unforgettable Portugal river cruise up the Douro Valley.

Viking Osfrid, Porto, Portugal river cruise up the Douro Valley

Above – the Viking Osfrid sets sail up the Douro River.

What did we think of this Portugal River Cruise?

We thoroughly enjoyed our Viking River Cruise. In our opinion, we believe everyone should experience the luxury and simplicity of a European river cruise, at least once in their life.

We look forward to discovering new destinations with Viking River Cruises. Their service and attention to detail is top notch. We would recommend the Portugal’s River of Gold cruise. It exceeded our expectations.

With that said, we must disclose that we teamed up with Viking River Cruises in order to make this trip possible. Our cruise was complimentary. We agreed to share our honest, firsthand experience on this blog and social media channels.

Are you considering a Portugal river cruise?

Leave us a comment if you have any questions about this Portugal river cruise.

Related: Lisbon totally exceeded our expectations! Find out why.

Portugal’s River of Gold

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Exploring Portugal with Viking River Cruises

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Cruises | destinations | europe | portugal | travel.

Wander through Lisbon and Porto on a 10-day Viking River cruise on Portugal’s Douro River with history, architecture, wine, and food.

This summer, my husband and I took a 10-day cruise on the Douro River in Portugal – Portugal’s River of Gold. It was my third cruise with Viking River Cruises and a little different because it was one of their cruise tours, which means it combined cruising with touring Portugal via luxury motorcoach.

What's in This Article:

Introduction to Viking River Cruises

Viking is a family-owned company based in Switzerland. Their signature is creating cultural experiences for you as you travel. Viking will arrange your air travel to coordinate with your embarkation date. On this trip, I flew into Lisbon, and Viking had someone meet me outside customs. The driver gathered our bags, got us situated on a very comfortable bus, and took us to our hotel in the heart of Lisbon. Our Program Director, Sam Corbin, met us at the hotel, along with a team behind the Viking desk in the hotel lobby.

Viking River Cruise - Portugal - Douro River Cruise

The Viking Helgrim docked on the Douro River. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Having completed several cruises, I know this is a unique experience that really helps get the cruise off on the right foot. You have the Program Director who gets to know you and is with you throughout the cruise, along with Viking-dedicated staff who can help you with any questions. They have a welcome reception in the hotel, and there are several pre-cruise tours to help you discover your embarkation location.

Exploring Lisbon

After a long day of traveling, I was content to settle into my comfortable room at Tivoli Avenida Liberadade Lisboa . We had rooftop drinks at Sky Bar, where the views over Lisbon were breathtaking. Then, we went to the hotel’s main restaurant, Cervejaria Liberdade. The restaurant opens onto Lisbon’s main street, which runs in front of the hotel – Avenida Liberadade. The food was a perfect introduction to Portugal—we had a rice seafood dish that was possibly the best seafood I’ve ever eaten. They served everything in copper saucepans, and I regretted I couldn’t take it all away with me.

View from Sky Bar at Tivoli Avenida Liberadade Lisboa. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The next morning, we joined Viking on an included tour of Lisbon. Today, Portugal is a tiny country with a still-developing economy in the 21st century. However, it was the leader in maritime exploration in the 16th century, and you can experience that history in Lisbon.

We drove along the Tagus River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. We stopped by Belem Tower , one of the city’s original fortifications dating back to the 16th century.

Belem Tower in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We stopped at the massive and beautiful Jerónimos Monastery , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that began in 1501. I didn’t go inside the church because it was a Sunday morning, but we did go into the West Wing, which houses the Maritime Museum .

Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that began in 1501 in Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

I enjoyed exploring the museum and seeing the history we’ve grown up within the “New World” from an “Old World” perspective. There is also a lovely little café adjoining the museum, so it was a great spot for a mid-morning coffee.

Maritime Museum in Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Viking offered several optional tours that afternoon, but we explored Lisbon instead. We decided to begin with a late lunch and try one of the classic Portuguese sandwiches—a Francesinha. This is a meat lover’s sandwich. I discovered that the Portuguese have amazing seafood and incredible meats, particularly ham and sausage.

Exploring downtown Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The Francesinha—which means little Frenchie in Portuguese—is a relative of the amazing Croque monsieur in France. But this is even more over the top. It’s two slices of bread, stuffed with ham, beef, and two or three types of sausage. They top it with slices of melted cheese and top it off with a fried egg and a hefty portion of sauce. Of course, it’s always served with a side of French Fries.

Francesinha with egg is a traditional Portuguese dish. Photo by Argos42 via Wikimedia Commons

We walked out of the hotel. It was early afternoon, so it was not traditional lunchtime. We wandered down a few streets and discovered a local crowd at Dote. That’s always a welcome sign. We both ordered the traditional Francesinha Top, although I ordered a “mini,” which is a half sandwich. I was able to eat about half of the half. It was very good but rich.

We spent more time recovering from our jet lag, wandering the wide avenue, listening to music, and watching people go past on the warm summer Sunday. For dinner, we headed to Time Out Market Lisbon . I had heard such amazing things about this market and was excited to check it out. This is a bustling food hall, the kind of which we’re only just seeing arrive in the U.S. Time Out Market, created by the journalists who write Time Out Portugal , features 24 restaurants, eight bars, and about a dozen shops, along with market stalls for vendors selling meat, fish, fruit, and flowers. It is also a popular concert venue. We were there on a Sunday evening, so the vendors were closed, but the market was packed. At first, it was a little overwhelming, with all the restaurants around the sides and bustling tables in the center.

Time Out Lisbon is a bustling food hall in central Lisbon. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We realized that if you took the smaller hallway around the outsides, you could sit in quieter alcoves or even outside in the beautiful evening air but still enjoy the varied tastes of the market. We opted for Café de São Bento. This place has been a fixture in Lisbon for 30 years. They’re known for their beef and great local seafood served with Portuguese wines. I had an amazing shrimp and garlic dish. I ate every last drop of it, even though I’d had half of that sandwich about six hours earlier. Amazing flavor! I would go back to Lisbon just for that shrimp dish.

Shrimp in garlic from Café de São Bento. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We walked back to the hotel—about 2 kilometers, which I needed after all that food. It was a beautiful evening. Time Out Market is right across from the riverfront, and we walked up the hill through the pedestrian zone to the hotel. Musicians were playing on every corner, singers were at the dozens of little sidewalk cafés, children were walking past with ice-cream cones, and the beautiful moon cast its shadows as we walked slowly past the sights and sounds of Lisbon.

Visiting the University Town of Coimbra

We followed our directions the next morning and had our luggage ready by 7 a.m. Viking detailed everything in our customized itinerary. We knew which bus to take and what time we were leaving, and they carried our luggage for us. We started our day—which you can see is a pattern—with a huge breakfast at the hotel. The massive buffet breakfast is included in the stay. It featured beautiful fruits, yogurts, pastries, omelets, eggs, an impressive selection of juices, and more.

After breakfast, your bags were already on the bus, so we climbed aboard our luxury motorcoach and started our journey toward the Douro River, where we would board our Viking ship. However, we made a stop along the way in the small town of Coimbra. Coimbra is about two hours north of Lisbon and about an hour south of Porto, so it was a good stopover about halfway to our ship. I enjoyed exploring the small streets of this little town. It feels a bit magical.

We stopped to wander the streets of Coimbra in Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We visited the University of Coimbra , which opened in 1290 but was made famous recently because J.K. Rowling received her inspiration for Hogwarts from this historic school. The students wear long black capes as they walk through the beautiful campus. Our stop was at the university’s beautiful baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina.

Biblioteca Joanina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s no wonder when you explore it. I wasn’t allowed to take photos inside, but it was beautiful. There is a gorgeous brick ceiling, and old volumes line the walls. We were told that students still use the books in the library. What an honor it would be to research in such a beautiful space.

After the library, we climbed the bell tower to look over the city. We ended our tour in Saint Miguel Chapel. This beautiful little chapel dates to the 12th century. The classic tile throughout the chapel is breathtaking. It’s a quiet sanctuary that makes you feel peaceful and offers a few quiet moments.

S. Miguel Chapel at the University of Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Arriving in Magical Porto

We finished our afternoon in Coimbra and made the rest of the journey to our Viking ship, the Viking Helgrim . It was docked in Porto, and we spent two nights there. I believe Porto is one of my favorite stops in all of Europe. It has a unique charm that is different from most of Western Europe. I could see why J.K. Rowling found this a captivating and motivating city for weaving magical tales.

The Viking Helgrim is one of four ships custom-built for cruising the Douro River . They have the same Scandinavian feel of all Viking ships, but they are quite a bit smaller and offer a more intimate feel. The ship has only 53 staterooms, accommodating 106 guests at the most. The Viking Helgrim main deck has standard staterooms. The middle deck contains both Veranda staterooms and Veranda suites. The restaurant is also on the middle deck. The upper deck contains Veranda staterooms and suites, the reception desk, the lounge, and Aquavit Terrace.

Aquavit Terrace from the Viking Helgrim’s Lounge. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

There is also a sun deck with lounge chairs, tables, covered seating, and a pool. Every room has a nice bathroom, a 40″ TV, and there is free WiFi. The Viking Helgrim also included a small library with public computers, an onboard shop, and an elevator.

Enjoying a welcome Port wine spritzer on the Viking Helgrim’s Sun Deck. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Life Onboard the Viking Helgrim

We arrived late afternoon and settled into our Veranda Stateroom on the third floor. One of my favorite things about river cruises is that you can unpack on the first day and not have to live out of a suitcase for the entire trip. We unpacked and then went to the lounge for the evening happy hour. This was a great chance to chat with the bar staff, get to know other passengers, and settle in for our cruise.

All meals are included with a Viking Cruise. We sometimes get meals while we’re out and about, but I do like to take advantage of being able to eat on the ship. We did opt for the Silver Spirits package. If you do NOT get the package, free assorted hot teas and coffee are available anytime. You can enjoy house wines, beers, and soft drinks during lunches and dinners. We found that the Silver Spirits beverage package is well worth the cost. You get a bottle of sparkling wine in your cabin and a choice of premium local wines, beers, cocktails, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks, and juices throughout the day. There is also an open bar where you can enjoy cocktails or soft drinks during evening happy hour and entertainment.

Dinner in the Viking Helgrim restaurant had an amazing view, which my husband enjoys in this photo. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Our meals onboard included a selection of classics that the chef made available each day, including steak, salmon, and chicken. However, each evening, the chef served meals from the region. The Maître d’ always remembered my favorite wines for the meals and suggested a few stellar wines that I have added to my permanent list.

That first night, we had some great options. There is always a vegetarian option and usually a tasting menu. You are free to pick and choose or even order multiple options. I started my journey with the local grilled octopus with a Mediterranean vegetable salad. For my entrée, I opted for the poached Norwegian salmon.

We thought about walking into town after dinner but decided to relax instead. We simply sat on our ship’s upper deck and soaked up the music, people, and river around us. With champagne in hand, we toasted the end of the day in Porto and the beginning of the river portion of our journey. We couldn’t wait to begin exploring the next morning.

Sunset over Porto from the Viking Helgrim sun deck. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

I always look forward to breakfast on a Viking ship. Coffee and pastries are available early, but I prefer breakfast in the dining room. I am a huge fan of breakfast, and Viking wows me. Some mornings I would order eggs Benedict, or on others I would have the chef make me an omelet or over-easy egg. The buffet is available in addition to the chef’s station. It is filled with amazing flavors—fresh yogurt, fruit, vegetables, pastries, bread, and more. After a fresh veggie omelet that morning, we were ready to explore.

History of Porto

We were docked on the Gaia side of the river, where all the port producers are located. Across the Douro from us was old town Porto .

Looking out at the Douro River from the Viking Helgrim. Porto is to the left of the photo, and Gaia is to the right. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Porto began as a Roman settlement in the 4th century BC. Portugal was named for Porto; today, it is the second-largest city with about 240,000 people. It is often known as the “City of Bridges” because of the six bridges that link the two shores. Two of the six were designed by Gustave Eiffel years before he began working on the tower in Paris. The most remarkable is the Dom Luís Bridge, built by a student of Eiffel’s between 1881 and 1886. It connects Gaia to Porto and is a massive double-decker bridge. At its highest point, it is 146 feet tall. The bottom level has a pedestrian walkway where cars cross the Douro. The upper bridge has a pedestrian walk and is for the trains.

Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River connects Gaia and Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

My husband and I didn’t take the included tour because we wanted to explore independently. Knowing that the ship was docked all that day and didn’t leave until breakfast the next day allowed us to see things on our schedule.

Exploring Porto

We started out early by taking the gondola from right outside our ship to the second level of the magnificent Luís I Bridge. We purchased the gondola tickets (5€ per person or about $5.45 USD).

Taking the gondola to the second level of Dom Luís I Bridge. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The views of the city were spectacular. This is well worth the ride to see the sights.

Approaching Dom Luís I Bridge from the gondola. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We hopped off, took some photos, and slowly crossed the bridge. It is one of the most spectacular vistas anywhere.

Views of Gaia and Porto from the Dom Luís I Bridge with the Viking Helgrim docked at Gaia on the left side of the photo and Porto to the right. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

On the Porto side, we wandered. We took winding pathways that led past homes and tiny shops off the beaten path.

We wandered the winding streets in Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We marveled at the beautiful flowers growing everywhere. It was an interesting mix of homes, gardens, and abandoned buildings.

I loved the flowers growing everywhere; the fog hanging over the river each morning added an air of mystery. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We stopped by parks and looked at beautiful tiles adorning the walls. Eventually, we made our way back down to the banks of the Douro. We stopped in a café for coffee, sat down, and watched the people go past. We returned across the bottom of the Luís Bridge, past the scenic Rabelo boats, and strolled through the street vendors.

The Rabelo boats on the Douro in Porto, Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

One of the fascinating things I discovered about Portugal is that it is a leading producer of cork, so there are plenty of vendors selling cork products. The entire country is also filled with colorful tiles, so you can pick up items made from tiles. After lunch and a brief rest on our ship, we decided to head back into historic Porto.

Exploring Historic Old Town Porto

Viking ran two shuttle buses into the center of town. We decided to try the bus to see how it worked and made our way into the city center. I laughed that the gondola was quicker, but it allowed us to chat with some of our fellow passengers.

We wandered into the train station in the historic area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fans of Harry Potter might think it looks a bit familiar. I about half expected to see Hogwarts Express pull up in the station.

The train station in Porto inspired J.K. Rowling. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

It is a lovely, open station with beautiful tiles. And, a travel tip: it has very clean restrooms, so it is a great place to visit while exploring.

The tile walls inside Porto’s train station tell the area’s history. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We wandered through the shopping district and made our way to Livraria Lello. This charming bookstore opened in 1869 and would be amazing but is even more popular because J.K. Rowling frequented the store. There is always a long line to get inside the store and a charge that is refunded if you purchase something, so we peeped in the windows but didn’t go inside.

Downtown Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The Porto skyline is dominated by the bell tower of the Clérigos Church, but I didn’t go inside that one. Instead, I was drawn to a set of two smaller churches. The Igreja dos Carmelitas and Igreja dos Carmelitas stand at the corner of Rua do Carmo and Praça de Carlos Alberto. Igreja do Carmo sits on the outside corner. It has beautiful blue and white tiled walls extended all along the outside and we could hear music from inside. We stepped in just as someone was singing Ava Marie. I listened from the back for a few moments before continuing down the street.

Igreja do Carmo sits adjacent to another church, Igreja dos Carmelitas, in Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We made our way through the historic district, absorbing the culture and the atmosphere. I would love to return and have more time to explore. We decided that we had taken a gondola, a bus, and stairs, so we needed to descend using the Funicular dos Guindais . The funicular, built in 1891, sat unused for almost a century. It is now a great way to and from the top of the hill on the Porto side down to the Douro Riverfront and the lowest level of the Luís I Bridge. It takes about two minutes and costs 2.50€ (about $2.72 USD) per adult.

Starting out on the Funicular in Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The views going down were spectacular. It runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in winter or until 10 p.m. during the week and until midnight on weekends during the summer months.

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Preparing to Set Sail on the Douro

We had a long day, coming and going around Porto. Returning to the Viking Helgrim for the evening’s activities was great fun. We got back in time for happy hour in the lounge.

A cheer to end our explorations in Porto and prepare for our journey on the Douro River. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

We met our crew during the happy hour, including Captain Manuel Alves, whose father is also a captain on the Douro. We passed his ship later in the cruise. We met Executive Chef Peter Benko and the Maître d’ Manuel Gomez, a native of Spain who kept things running smoothly. We had an entertaining presentation by Program Director Sam, whom we met in Lisbon. His lilting British accent and positive attitude were a comfort throughout our trip. He explained everything that would happen the next morning when we set sail at 7 a.m. to explore the Douro.

Once again, we headed to the restaurant where my husband enjoyed the local specialty—grilled sardine toasts on rye bread—while I opted for the seared scallops. That night, I also ordered a delicious white bean soup and one of my favorite dishes from the cruise: black truffle risotto with refreshing lemon zest. The night’s dessert was my all-time favorite—a classic Orange Roll cake with Grand Marnier and sugar syrup. It’s a good thing I walk so much during the days when I take a Viking cruise!

After our dinner, we walked along the banks of the Douro River, soaking up the music that wafted through the night air.

Sunset casts beautiful colors across Porto. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Then we ambled back up to the sun deck, where we settled in for an evening in the cool air and chatted with other passengers. We were ready to set out to explore the magnificent Douro River.

The author Susan Lanier-Graham and her husband Bill on the sun deck of the Viking Helgrim in Porto.

The next morning, at about 7 a.m., we headed upstream into the beautiful wine country. In the Alto Douro Wine Region, wine estates lined the river, small remote villages welcomed us, and wildlife watching from the banks.

Cruising on the scenic Douro River in Portugal. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my time in Portugal as we sailed toward Spain along the scenic Douro River. I long to return to explore the area and soak up more of this great country.

Wander through Lisbon and Portugal as part of the 10-day Viking River cruise on the Douro River in Portugal. Lisbon is a lively city with a great food scene. Porto is a magical town on the banks of the Douro River. #MyVikingStory #vikingcruise #VikingRiverCruise #RiverCruise #Cruise #Europe #Lisbon #Porto #Portugal

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Portugal's River of Gold

Get inspired by the possibilities.
Build your ideal trip.
Tour the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Vila Real, site of the extraordinary Mateus Palace.
Explore Castelo Rodrigo, one of Portugal’s 12 historic parishes.
Enjoy Salamanca University and the New Cathedral in Salamaca, Spain
Wine Tasting
River Cruises
Small Ship Cruises
Archaeological Site Visits
European Union

Full Itinerary

Day 1: lisbon, portugal, day 2: lisbon, portugal.

1 Breakfast

Day 3: Porto, Portugal

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 4: Régua & Pinhão, Portugal

Day 5: douro river & barca d'alva, portugal, day 6: salamanca, spain.

1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 7: Pinhão, Portugal

Day 8: régua, portugal, day 9: porto, portugal, day 10: porto, portugal, viking cruises, dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 190 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and checks

See our general terms and conditions:

Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

Viking Cruises - Terms & Conditions - Viking Cruises

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
Port Taxes & Fees
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Excess baggage charges
Drinks, beverages and meals not included in the package
Optional shore excursions/tours/concerts

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Favorite Experiences in Portugal’s Douro Valley: Viking Cruises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Experiences in Portugal's Douro Valley with Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises Portugal’s River of Gold

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

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

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

Viking longship docked in the upper Douro Valley, Portugal

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

Douro Valley and port wine

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

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

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

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

cruise ships docked in Regua, Portugalphoto by penny sadler.

Viking Helgrim docked in Régua, Portugal.

Favorite Experiences on Viking’s Portugal River of Gold Cruise

Flavors of lisbon tour.

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

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

Food of Portugal on Explore Lisbon Viking Cruises tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

University Coimbra Portugal's oldest university

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

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

Mateus Palace & Gardens in Portugal’s Douro Valley

Mateus Palace and Gardens

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

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

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

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

View of the terraced vineyards of the Douro River Valley

Quinta do Seixo

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

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

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

Castelo Rodrigo

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

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

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

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

Salamanca , Spain

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

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

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

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

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

Vineyards at Quinta de Avessada Favaois Douro Valley, Portugal

Vineyards at Quinta de Avessada, by Penny Sadler

Quinta da Avessada & Favaois

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excursions in Porto

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

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

Port wine tasting

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

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

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

Ready to take a Douro River cruise?

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

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

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

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[…] wines have long been recognized by wine enthusiasts, especially port wine from the Douro Valley region. More recently the Lisbon wine region is attracting those who seek wine experiences closer to the […]

Portugal’s River of Gold

From $5,599
8 Guided Tours
2 Countries
Dates & Pricing
2024 2025 2026

Portugal’s River of Gold Map

Map of Portugal's River of Gold itinerary

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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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

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.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Lisbon

From $899 | 2 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $1,449 | 3 Nights

Post: Road to Santiago

From $849 | 2 Nights

Post: Barcelona

From $1,499 | 3 Nights

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Viking River Cruises 2024 Spain And Portugal

Viking River Cruises 2024 Spain And Portugal . May is the most popular month to cruise. Get available dates and pricing for douro's valleys.

Viking celebrates start of 2024 river season in europe. Price and availability is subject to change and is not guaranteed.

Enjoy Rich Beauty &Amp; History.

Get available dates and pricing for douro's valleys.

Flavors Of Portugal &Amp; Spain.

Explore seville, noted for the cathedral and the alcazar palace with its.

Journey Through The Douro River Valley And Into.

Images references :, sample the culinary delights of austria’s wachau valley..

Viking celebrates start of 2024 river season in europe.

Coimbra, Portugal And Salamanca, Spain.

Roam the port warehouses of porto.

Explore Two Of Iberia’s Oldest University Towns:.

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Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Viking River Cruises 2024 Pricing Software

Viking River Cruises 2024 Pricing Software . River, ocean, & expedition cruises around the world | viking®. For current fares, please call a viking expert:

For current fares, please call a viking expert: All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees.

For Current Fares, Please Call A Viking Expert:

New winter river voyage extends viking's sailing season on the danube river.

Call A Viking Expert, Or See Your Travel Agent.

Explore bordeaux like never before.

Price And Availability Is Subject To Change And Is Not Guaranteed.

Images references :.

Get available dates and pricing for portugal's river of gold river cruises.

To Learn More About Each Port Of Call And.

To learn more about each port of call and our..

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Viking Douro River Cruise 2023
We're going on a Portugal River Cruise with Viking River Cruises
Viking Portugal river cruise review
Viking Douro River Cruise 2023
Viking Douro River Cruise 2023
Portugal's River of Gold, 16 May 2020

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Portugal's River of Gold
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<i> fado</i> singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour ...
Viking Portugal River Cruise Reviews
1 - 10 of 75 Viking Portugal River Cruise Reviews. Overland Bus Tour. Review for a Europe - River Cruise Cruise on Viking Osfrid. NorwaySuz. 2-5 Cruises • Age 60s. Read More. Sail Date: December ...
Experience Portugal like never before on a Viking river cruise
Designed to help you explore the most intimate nuances of Portugal both on board and onshore, our 10-day Portugal's River of Gold cruisetour includes engaging excursions with expert local guides, insightful guest lecturers, regional cooking demonstrations and craft classes showcasing local traditions. Portugal's River of Gold.
Portugal River Cruises
8 days. 6 tours. 2 countries. £3,245 from. Learn More. Request a Quote. Raise a glass of port to the discoveries that await you in Portugal's Douro Valley, a historic and renowned wine region in Europe. Experience the soulful, haunting melodies of <i>fado</i> music and admire the picturesque landscapes of the Portuguese countryside.
Portugal River Cruises Europe
8 days. 6 tours. 2 countries. £3,245 from. Learn More. Request a Quote. Enjoy river cruises through Portugal. Discover Portugal' stunning countryside, spectacular cities and ancient towns. Explore Portugal river cruises in style.
New Offer
Offer valid on bookings made from Apr 13 to Apr 30, 2023. Cruise from $2,999 per person based on select Dec 2023 departures of Portugal's River of Gold in category F; subject to availability, other categories may be higher. Call for details. Prices are in US dollars and for US residents only.
Viking River Cruises Portugal: Traveling the Douro in Style
August 21, 2023. Viking Longship on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. Photo credit: Viking Cruises. Viking Cruises Portugal's River of Gold nine-day cruise begins in Lisbon and ends in Porto. Along the way, you'll visit the oldest university in Portugal, sample some of Portugal's famous port wines, and feast your eyes on some ...
Here's what we did on our Portugal River Cruise with Viking
Day 5 - Régua, Mateus Palace and Pinhão. We began the Portugal river cruise up the Douro River on Day 5, passing several towns and villages along the way. The ship departed from Porto at 7:00 AM. We woke up slowly that morning and watched the world slowly pass us by from the comfort of our bed.
Viking Reservation
Thank You for considering Viking for your upcoming sailing. Please note that this information is based on current availability and pricing as of March 30, 2024. Price and availability is subject to change and is not guaranteed.
Portugal's River of Gold
Expires June 30, 2024. Get available dates and pricing for Portugal's River of Gold river cruises. Book your 2024 Lisbon to Porto river cruise through Viking Cruises.
Exploring Portugal with Viking River Cruises
Wander through Lisbon and Porto on a 10-day Viking River cruise on Portugal's Douro River with history, architecture, wine, and food. This summer, my husband and I took a 10-day cruise on the Douro River in Portugal - Portugal's River of Gold. It was my third cruise with Viking River Cruises and a little different because it was one of ...
Portugal's River of Gold
Book your 2025 Lisbon to Porto river cruise through Viking Cruises. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-800-207-7286 or Contact Your Travel Advisor. Menu. Rivers. Oceans; Expeditions; ... Portugal's River of Gold From $5,599 | 10 Days | 8 Guided Tours ...
Viking: Portugal's River of Gold
Less Info. Pinhao, Portugal. —. —. The peaceful town of Peso da Régua, commonly known as Régua, overlooks the Douro River with the Serra do Marão mountains as a stunning backdrop. In 1756, the Marquês de Pombal proclaimed this city as the center of his newly demarcated wine region, and it has remained so since.
10-Day Portugal's River of Gold Cruise on Viking River Cruises
Call 1.406.541.2677. Take in the natural beauty and rich history of the Douro River. Experience Lisbon's renaissance, revitalized by trendy galleries and eateries. Explore two of Iberia's most historic university towns: Coimbra, Portugal, and Salamanca, Spain. Tour Porto's port warehouses and enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine, wine, and fado ...
Favorite Experiences in Portugal's Douro Valley: Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises Portugal's River of Gold . The cruise is a combination of travel by land and on the river. You arrive in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city and have a couple of days to take tours and explore Lisbon before boarding a bus to Porto, where you embark on the cruise ship. There is one stop along the way to Porto, Coimbra.
Portugal's River of Gold
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 ...
Avalon Alegria brings happiness to Portugal's Douro
River Cruising Travel advisors encouraged to jump into river cruise groups River Cruising Viking will bring winter sailings to the Danube River Cruising Uniworld to take delivery of a new ship, S ...
Viking Portugal Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Viking
1 - 10 of 75 Viking Portugal Cruise Reviews. Overland Bus Tour. Review for a Europe - River Cruise Cruise on Viking Osfrid. NorwaySuz. 2-5 Cruises • Age 60s. Read More. Sail Date: December 2023 ...
Grand European Tour
Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria's Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk's Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg's World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the ...
VIKING CELEBRATES START OF 2024 RIVER SEASON IN EUROPE
New Winter River Voyage Extends Viking's Sailing Season on the Danube River. LOS ANGELES, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking® (www.viking.com) today is celebrating the start of its 2024 river ...
Viking River Cruises 2024 Spain And Portugal
Viking River Cruises 2024 Spain And Portugal. May is the most popular month to cruise. Get available dates and pricing for douro's valleys. Viking celebrates start of 2024 river season in europe. Price and availability is subject to change and is not guaranteed. Enjoy Rich Beauty &Amp; History. Get available dates and pricing for douro's
Viking River Cruises 2024 Pricing Software
Viking Cruise Ships Viking cruises rivers, Viking cruises, 138 747 or request a quote today. To learn more about each port of call and. For Current Fares, Please Call A Viking Expert: Get available dates and pricing for portugal's river of gold river cruises. To Learn More About Each Port Of Call And. Explore bordeaux like never before.

Set sail along The Douro River – Portugal’s River Of Gold

Exploring Portugal, The Viking Way

Experiences along The Douro River

Cosmopolitan Lisbon and the Jerónimos Monastery

Flavours of Lisbon

Mateus Palace & Gardens

Cistercians & Wines

Porto on Foot

Favaios Bakery & Lunch at Quinta Avessada

What our guests have to say

PORTUGAL'S RIVER OF GOLD 10 Days | 8 Guided Tours | 2 Countries | From $6,495pp

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Portugal’s River of Gold

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Viking River Cruises Portugal: Traveling the Douro in Style

What Makes the Douro River Cruise Different?

Lisbon and Coimbra

Arrival in Porto

Staterooms

Vila Nova de Gaia to Lamego

Cultural Experiences Onboard the Ship

Lamego to Barca d’ Alva

Castelo Rodrigo

Salamanca, Spain

Barca d’Alva

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Here’s what we did on our Portugal River Cruise with Viking

River Cruise in Portugal’s Douro Valley

There are so many European river cruises – why did we choose Portugal?

This post shares our experience on the Portugal river cruise, including land excursions.

Watch this short video about our river cruise here .

Day 1 – Lisbon, Portugal

Find out what we did in Lisbon Portugal .

Read this post to see more photos of Lisbon .

Day 2 – Lisbon, Portugal

The Lisbon city tour is a guided tour.

First stop was the magnificent Belém Tower (above photo).

Navy Museum and Jerónimos Monastery

The Alfama is is the oldest district of Lisbon.

Find out what we did here .

Related – Lisbon exceeded our expectations. Here’s what we did.

Optional Tour – A Taste of Lisbon

The food tour stopped at 3 locations and included small samples of local dishes.

Day 3 – Coimbra & Porto

University of Coimbra

The tour at the University of Coimbra is about 1.5 hours.

We arrived at the Viking river cruise ship in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto) at 5:00 PM.

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Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto

Porto is such a photogenic city!

Related – 30 Photos of Porto that will inspire you to visit

Day 4 – Full day in Porto

First stop on the tour is the Porto Cathedral , one of the city’s oldest monuments.

See more photos of Porto, Portugal

Exploring Porto, Portugal

Day 5 – Régua, Mateus Palace and Pinhão

WATCH – Video from our Douro Valley River Cruise

Mateus Palace in Vila Real, Portugal

If you’ve been counting, that’s 4 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 4 straight days!

Régua to Pinhão

Day 6 – Barca d’Alva and Castelo Rodrigo

The ship docked at Barca d’Alva for two consecutive nights.

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Day 7 – Salamanca, Spain

You are given free time to explore Salamanca.

Related – Why you should add Salamanca to your travel list

See more photos of Salamanca here .

Day 8 – Favaios and the Douro Valley

VIDEO: 15 Reasons you should visit Portugal’s River of Gold

Flavours of Lisbon 

Mateus Palace & Gardens 

Cistercians & Wines 