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Douro River Tours & Trips
19 Douro River trips. Tours from 7 tour companies. 10 reviews.
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19 Trips match your criteria (1 - 19 shown)
By Intrepid Travel
premier
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by night with an expert guide, a Premium Exclusive Experience. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.
- Taste the best of local cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia, and take a wine-tasting tour in the Douro Valley.
- Spend two nights in a converted 18th-century mansion for your Feature Stay in Seville, and enjoy the best of the Douro Valley at a fabulous hotel nestled within the famous wine-growing region.
18 days$579 / day
By Intrepid Travel
premier
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Visit local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley during an Exclusive Experience, stopping off for a lunch made with regional delights.
- Get an insight into Fado – an atmospheric amalgamation of music and poetry, during a soul-stirring and intimate live show in Coimbra.
- Spend a night in the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley – your Feature Stay accommodation takes you into the heart of the region. Enjoy outdoor pools, excellent onsite restaurant and unforgettable views.
8 days$515 / day
By Avalon Waterways
none
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Highlights
- Onboard welcome reception
- Choice of guided sightseeing in Porto or guided sightseeing in Braga and Guimarães
- Choice of guided sightseeing in Lamego or farm visit with tasting or wine painting class
8 days$487 / day
By Avalon Waterways
none
Why we love them
They combine the assurance of working with a large cruise operator with the warmth and personal service of a boutique provider.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Highlights
- Welcome to Lisbon
- Guided sightseeing, see Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
- Excursion to Palàcio Nacional de Sintra
11 days$436 / day
4/5 Great
100+ reviewsLodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Highlights
Spain and Portugal—two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. Your affordable tour of Spain and Portugal reveals their fascinating highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll stay in Lisbon and Porto. Tour highlights include a guided visit to Toledo, a treasure chest of art and historical architecture. In Granada, enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Alhambra complex*, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings. In Avila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating walled city founded in the 11th century, you’ll visit St. Theresa's Convent, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Admire the Moorish architecture in the historical city centers of Cordoba and Seville, both gems of Andalusia, and get to know Madrid, the elegant capital city of Spain, built on a plateau in the heart of the country. In Portugal, visit Lisbon with a Local Guide and see the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama, and Porto's cathedral, built on a panoramic terrace overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Local Guides - experts in the cities' histories and cultures - will highlight the unique sights and tell you about local culture and history. All of this and more—including an olive oil farm visit with tastings—await you on this fabulous and affordable Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travel lovers. NOTE: *Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
13 days$192 / day
By AMA Waterways
preferred
3.7/5 Great
39 reviewsLodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Highlights
- Explore Lisbon
- Discover Guimaraes and visit UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
14 days$325 / day
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Douro River Reviews
We were so surprised that they perfectly understood
We went to Portugal to celebrate our 20th Anniversary and some friends recommended us Pablo and Nina´s services. We were so surprised that they perfectly understood ...
We had were extremely well balanced, excellent pairing
We liked the cherry and berry fruits coming through with gentle tannins. The spanish wines we had were extremely well balanced, excellent pairing with the steak we h...
wine lovers so it was a must to do a wine trip
This was our fourth time in Spain so we were looking for something a little different. We are huge wine lovers so it was a must to do a wine trip through the best wi...
Enjoying its wines, history and peaceful sorroundings
This trip was exactly what our group was looking for, visiting the heart of Ribera del Duero, enjoying its wines, history and peaceful sorroundings. We are glad Pabl...
Douro River Tour Selection Trips
- The Douro River provides a natural border between Spain and Portugal for nearly 70 miles (112 kilometers) along the river’s route. Many Douro River cruises embark or disembark in Lisbon or Porto, Portugal or in Madrid, Spain. Due to the proximity of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, many itineraries create an experience exploring both or all three countries, with a few river cruises and tours offering experiences that will focus all of your attention on Portugal.
- Many wineries in Portugal don’t offer walk-in tastings. Book a wine cruise or tour or make appointments at select wineries ahead of your visit.
- During the warmer months – June through August – in the Douro Valley, the sun is bright and hot. Pack a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen along with comfortable casual clothes, jeans are perfect, and comfortable walking shoes.
- During wetter months – November through February and some lighter rain from March to May – pack a small umbrella or rain poncho to help you stay dry. This way it will be pleasant as you enjoy strolling through Porto’s hilly cobblestone streets, the vineyards, historical sites, and the trails in the Douro International Natural Park.
- When exploring one of the many monasteries, such as the Alcobaça Monastery, churches or other religious sites, it is customary to cover your shoulders and bare legs.
Additional details
Douro Valley vs Douro River - What's the Difference?
There’s more than one way to enjoy the Douro valley and river. What’s your pleasure? Floating through the “enchanted valley,” on the “river of gold,” or simply falling under the spell of the valley entirely traversing its land?
The Douro River
If floating past centuries old vineyards and stopping off in quaint villages to taste the food and wine, exploring historic sites, or taking a day hike through the Douro International Natural Park sounds appealing floating down the “river of gold” on a Douro River cruise might float your boat.
The Douro Valley
If taking a slower pace driving, strolling or pedaling through the Douro Valley, known as the “enchanted valley,” stopping at your leisure at wineries, towns, historical sites, and nature reserves sounds delightful then a tour of the Douro Valley might suit you.
What To Wear on Your Douro River Cruise
During the warmer months – June through August – in the Douro Valley, the sun is bright and hot. Pack a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen along with comfortable casual clothes, jeans are perfect, and comfortable walking shoes.
During wetter months – November through February and some lighter rain from March to May – pack a small umbrella or rain poncho to help you stay dry. This way it will be pleasant as you enjoy strolling through Porto’s hilly cobblestone streets, the vineyards, historical sites, and the vineyards at the quintas or trails in the Douro International Natural Park.
When exploring one of the many monasteries, such as the Alcobaça Monastery, churches or other religious sites, it is custom to cover your shoulders and bare legs.
Weather in the Douro Valley
Summer months – June through August – is hot in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit during the day with lows at night ranging from mid- to high-50s Fahrenheit.
Winter months – November through February – is wet with average temperatures in the high 50s Fahrenheit during the day and mid- to high-40s Fahrenheit.
Perhaps the best time to travel is during the shoulder seasons – September and October and March through May. There might be more travelers in the Douro Valley in September and October during harvest season, but the experience might be worth it. Travelers to Portugal, particularly to the Douro Valley, in March through May might experience light showers.
Best time to take a Douro River Cruise
The best times to take a Douro River Cruise or tour the Douro Valley for food and wine lovers is during crush season in September and October. During the harvest you can participate in the creation of the wine to simply enjoy tasting it.
The fall and spring are also wonderful times to explore the valley or float down the river to experience the estate wineries (quintas), castles, churches and monasteries, and natural wonders.
While the valley and river can be traversed throughout the year, peak travel times are in May and June and again in September and October.
What Languages are Spoken In Portugal?
There are two official languages spoken in Portugal: Portuguese and Mirandese. Portuguese is spoken by 250 million people worldwide. Mirandese is spoken by about 15,000 around the frontier city of Miranda do Douro.
Note that english is not commonly spoken in Portugal.
Spanish and Portuguese are both romantic languages and may sound similar at first, they are two very different languages. The majority of Portuguese people do not understand Spanish.
Learn some common phrases and have a language app handy.
What are the Physical Level Requirements for a Douro Valley tour?
The Douro Valley is majestic with its steep inclines and impressive with its medieval edifices surrounded by millennium old cobblestone streets. Be prepared for hilly terrain when traversing through vineyards and steep inclines in medieval castles, monasteries, narrow city and town streets, and quintas (winery estates) with few if any aides to help scale the terrain.
The Douro Valley, especially in the wine regions and Douro International Natural Park, is increasingly becoming a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly cyclists and hikers. Activity and fitness levels vary from casual walkers to extreme outdoor adventurers.
What to Pack for a Douro River Cruise tour to the Douro Valley?
During the warmer months in the Douro Valley, the sun is bright and hot. Pack a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen along with comfortable casual clothes, jeans are perfect, and comfortable walking shoes. During wetter months, pack a small umbrella or rain poncho to help you stay dry. This way it will be pleasant as you enjoy strolling through Porto’s hilly cobblestone streets, the vineyards, historical sites, and the trails in the Douro International Natural Park.
Safety
Portugal is highly ranked as a safe destination for travelers with the common exception of pickpockets in the most popular tourist destinations Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto.
Where does the Douro River flow?
The Douro River is the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Known as the “river of gold,” due to its hue at sunset, the Douro River originates in Porto’s sister city Duruelo de la Sierra, Spain.
The river winds its way through the Douro Valley, famous for the sweet wine, Port wine, and other red wines, to Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, before entering the Atlantic Ocean. The river runs from East to West for 557 miles (897 kilometers), with nearly 70 miles (112 kilometers) of the river providing a natural border between Spain and Portugal.
Douro River Cruise Routes
A majority of Douro River cruise routes, especially 6- to 8-day itineraries, embark from and return to Porto, Portugal, and offer one day to explore Salamanca, Spain. Many of the 11- to 14-day Douro River cruise itineraries embark either from Lisbon or Madrid.
The 6- to 8-day itineraries mostly stop in Regua, Coimbra, Pinhao, Óbidos, Évora, Guimaraes, Braga, and Sintra with slight variations depending on the cruise line. Cruises that follow 11- to 14-day itineraries spend the first two to three days in Lisbon, Portugal before embarking to Porto and the Douro Valley where the ships stop at Bitetos, Foz,Guimarães, Régua, Pinhão, Barca D’Alva, Entre-Os-Rios, and Salamanca, Vega de Terrón, and Madrid, Spain.
Classic Ports of Call Along a Douro River Cruise
- Porto
- Lisbon
- Regua
- Pinhao
- Guimarães
- Salamanca, Spain
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