The Amavida cruise ship in the Douro River Valley, Portugal

Cruise the Douro River: Portugal and Spain

Quinta da Roêda, Douro River Valley, Portugal

Cruise the Douro River: Portugal and Spain

The Douro river and vineyards in Portugal

Cruise the Douro River: Portugal and Spain

Sail through the UNESCO Douro River valley

Days: 8 | From: $4,349/per person

  • Cruise on a boutique ship on one of Europe's most scenic rivers
  • Discover the cuisine and culture of the Douro River Valley
  • Explore with local guides, granting you insider access

Set sail from Porto, the “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its terraced vineyards and historic quintas perched on the hillsides. Sample wines from these estates and experience the long-standing traditions of Portuguese winemaking. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, the picturesque “White Village”; enjoy a traditional lunch at a local quinta in Pinhão; explore Lamego, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites; and admire the beauty of a centuries-old monastery.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Porto
    2 nights: tour Porto's historic old town, colorful buildings, and sample Port wine
  • Entre-os-Rios
    1 night: get a close look at rural village life
  • Régua
    2 nights: palaces, Baroque art, and taste local delicacies
  • Pinhão
    2 nights: Medieval villages and local wine

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Porto, Portugal

Welcome to Porto! Board your river ship, and as evening falls, take in the illuminated skyline of Porto during a scenic sail along the river.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

The AmaVida is a stylish river cruise vessel that sails along the Douro River through Portugal and Spain, offering an intimate and comfortable experience with just 51 staterooms. Most cabins feature outside balconies, and amenities include a sun deck with a heated swimming pool, a fitness center, massage and beauty salon, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. Guests enjoy regionally inspired cuisine and local wines in the main restaurant and a more intimate chef’s table venue. The AmaVida has décor reflecting classic Portuguese elegance

*Includes: Dinner

Day 2: Tour Old Town Porto

Set out on a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest landmarks; the main square, lined with shops and cafés; and São Bento Railway Station, famous for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

For a more active option, take a guided hike through Porto’s old harbor quarter and its winding medieval streets. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Port wine, Portugal’s most celebrated export, before returning to the ship for the evening.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sail to Entre-os-Rios

Say goodbye to Porto and journey to Entre-os-Rios, a charming village in northern Portugal. Meaning “between the rivers,” Entre-os-Rios sits where the Tâmega and Douro Rivers meet. Take in the riverside views and experience local life along the Douro with a traditional home-cooked lunch at a nearby quinta.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Palaces and Wine in Régua

Today you’ll travel to the village of Régua. Visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, a Baroque masterpiece known for its elegant 16th- to 18th-century furnishings, distinctive paintings, and intricately carved wooden ceilings. Learn about the history of Mateus Rosé wine and stroll through the palace’s beautifully landscaped gardens, considered among the finest in Portugal.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lamego and Pinhão

Travel to the town of Lamego, where you can visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies on a city tour or climb the 686-step “Holy Staircase,” beautifully adorned with white and blue tiles, on a guided hike. Both options conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), presunto (dry-cured ham), and espumante (Portuguese sparkling wine). Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local quinta.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Historic Pinhão and Wine Tasting

Take a leisurely walk to Pinhão Railway Station, one of the most picturesque stops along Portugal’s Douro Line. The station is known for its 25 blue-and-white tile panels depicting scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, visit Quinta da Roêda, a historic estate in the heart of the valley known for its centuries-old vineyards and terraced hillsides. Enjoy a scenic drive to the estate, followed by a wine tasting and a traditional family-style lunch featuring regional specialties.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Medieval Castelo Rodrigo

Begin the day with a scenic cruise from Pinhão to Barca d’Alva. From there, visit Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” for its abundance of almond trees. Take a walking tour through its medieval streets, lined with 16th-century facades and Manueline-style windows, or choose a more active option with a guided hike to the town. Both experiences conclude with a tasting of local favorites, including almonds, cheese, bread, and wine.

Accommodations: AmaVida , 7 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Disembark in Vega de Terrón, Spain

After a leisurely breakfast, disembark in the Spanish town of Vega de Terrón.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add time in vibrant Lisbon or along the enchanting coast of the Algarve before or after Douro Valley River Cruise. 

  • Add more time in Porto to explore quaint fishing villages, lush national parks, or dive deeper into cultural experiences like cooking classes, tile painting, foodie tours, and more.

  • Combine your time in Portugal with time in Spain. We are happy to tailor a pre or post itinerary that meets your interests.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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