The Douro (Spain-Portugal) - European River Cruise Routes

The Douro River is one of Europe's most western rivers, flowing through Spain and Portugal into the Atlantic Ocean. On a Douro River cruise, you'll see restored palaces, historic cities, steeply-terraced vineyards and picturesque rural villages along one of Europe's most charming and lesser-travelled rivers.

Over the centuries,the river has carved a spectacularly wild and scenic valley through the Portuguese Highlands. As a result, it has also created its own Mediterranean-like microclimate, making it perfect for growing olives, almonds, oranges, figs, peaches and the valley’s most famous produce, grapes. Most of us have heard of Mateus Rosé! Explore pousadas and quintas, pilgrimage sites and vineyards: the Douro Valley is the world’s oldest designated wine-producing region with Port being its most famous export.

This is probably one of the most comprehensive and enjoyable ways to see these areas of Portugal and Spain. You cruise the Douro River from Porto, the 'City of Bridges', on a wonderfully scenic path through deep-cleft gorges terraced with vineyards, past sleepy villages and a tranquil countryside of almond and citrus trees to the Spanish border.

All (I think) Douro River cruises start or finish the river section of their itinerary in Porto, founding place of Portugal's famous port wine, although most actually begin/end in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and visit Coimbra, Sintra and often Fatima. Drop into a local cellar and enjoy a glass (or two) while learning about making and trading port.

Typical excursions along the way might include the 14th C Alpenduranda Monastery, a visit to the famously baroque Casa de Mateus (still owned by the Count of Vila Real), Lamego's Gothic cathedral and 11th century castle, and a trip to the Spanish city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest (13th C) universities in the world (Copernicus taught here) and one of Europe's most impressive squares.

Typical Douro river cruise route

OUR ADVICE: concentrate on the ship you want to travel on and the route you want to travel, rather than the tour aggregator (of course, there's also price!). Be sure to check out our "Things to watch for" page too!

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