• 11 Days
  • From $7,699
  • Airfare Included

Portugal & Spain Douro River Cruise

Tour Style:
Cruises
Activity Level:
Active
Highest Elevation:
2,631 feet in Salamanca
23 Meals:
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Board a beautiful CroisiEurope ship for an enchanting cruise down the golden Douro River to discover some of Portugal and Spain's most breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin by exploring the captivating World of Wine (WOW) District before settling into the Amalia Rodrigues for seven nights with ports of call in Porto, Regua, Vega de Terron (Spain), Barca d’Alva, and Pinhao. Glide through the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its picturesque beauty and often referred to as the "wine lover's paradise" due to its renowned port wine production. Revel in several included shore excursions, from guided city tours showcasing medieval wonders and grand palaces to tantalizing culinary experiences like a tapas tour in Salamanca. While on board, enjoy included meals, a beverage package, and live entertainment, such as immersive cultural experiences with a soul-stirring fado performance. Disembarking in Porto, drive to Obidos for before concluding with two nights in Lisbon, where iconic landmarks and time at leisure await.

Trip overview may vary by departure.

  • Day 1: Fly to Portugal
    Our journey begins with an overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Day 2: WOW District & Set Sail
    Upon arriving in Porto, our local guide greets us at the airport. We head across the river to the World of Wine (WOW) District, a vibrant cultural destination in Vila Nova de Gaia. Get to know your fellow travelers over a Welcome Lunch, then enjoy time to explore with included admission to any of the five museums: The Wine Experience, Porto Region Across the Ages, The Bridge Collection, The Chocolate Story, and Pink Palace. Later, we board our beautiful CroisiEurope ship, the Amalia Rodrigues, for a seven-night cruise with all meals included and meet the staff at an introductory cocktail reception.

    Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 3: Porto & Douro Valley
    This morning, our exploration starts in Portugal’s second-largest city as we drive across the famous 19th-century Dom Luis I Bridge. At Bolsa Palace, also called the Stock Exchange Palace, ascend a grand marble stairway to see the former Tribunal Room, Golden Room, and Arab Room, decorated in a Moorish Revival style. Next, we visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Francis, known as the Golden Church due to its lavish gold decor. Before reboarding the ship, our taste buds are treated to world-famous wine at a local cellar. This afternoon, gaze upon breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and vineyards as we cruise through the Douro Valley. We dock in the quaint town of Regua this evening.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 4: Vila Real & Vega de Terron
    Today’s shore excursion takes us to the tranquil town of Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces. Our guided tour features fascinating landmarks and a tasting of the region’s Cristas de Galo, a sweet artisanal pastry. We also visit The Mateus Palace, Northern Portugal’s most beautiful manor set among carefully curated gardens. The rest of the day is spent cruising into the heart of famous vineyards in Vega de Terron, Spain. Tonight, attend a traditional flamenco performance on board to witness the passionate music and dancing that is emblematic of Spain.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 5: Salamanca, Spain
    Delight in a full-day excursion to Salamanca today, where we take in some of the city’s most iconic sights and savor authentic Spanish tapas, featuring delicacies like patatas bravas and cold cuts paired with Spanish wine. After lunch, take time to explore independently before we return to our ship in the Portuguese village of Barca d'Alva.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 6: Pinhao, Portugal
    Soak up a leisurely morning lounging on the sun deck, swimming in the pool, or enjoying other onboard amenities. We dock in Ferradosa and drive westbound into the Cima Corgo region through terraced vineyards that cascade down the hillsides. Relish the flavors of world-renowned port wine during our stop at a local quinta (winery) and learn about winemaking traditions in the Douro Valley. We then meet our ship in the scenic town of Pinhao and attend the Captain’s Gala dinner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 7: Lamego
    Our morning begins with an excursion to Lamego, nestled in the Viseu District along the Balsemao River. Discover its rich cultural heritage on a guided city tour with sights of the 18th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, well-recognized by its white facade and Baroque 691-step staircase. We’re back on the ship this afternoon to continue our journey down the Douro and attend a moving fado show, an integral part of Portuguese culture.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 8: Guimaraes
    We dock back in Porto today and experience medieval Guimaraes, considered the birthplace of Portugal. A local expert leads our walking tour to see historical treasures, including 14th-century buildings and the stunning exterior of Our Lady of the Olive Tree church, the area’s most important religious building. We also visit the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, dramatically set at the top of Monte Latito. Later, we enjoy traditional folk entertainment aboard the ship.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 9: Obidos
    We disembark the ship in Porto this morning and drive to Obidos, where we have time at leisure to explore the well-preserved historic town. You may choose to stroll the captivating Rua Direita, peruse local shops, or sample Ginja — tart cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. This afternoon, we continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital, and check in to our accommodations. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind or venture through Lisbon at your leisure, perhaps scoping out the local dining scene or immersing yourself in the atmosphere of its historic neighborhoods as the city comes alive with energy.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Day 10: Lisbon
    Today, we embark on a guided tour to discover Portugal’s vibrant capital city perched on hilltops with awe-inspiring coastal views. We see the Monument to the Discoveries, Rossio Square, the Alfama District, Jeronimos Monastery, and the famous 16th-century Belem Tower. The afternoon is yours to visit museums, taste custard desserts, or shop for souvenirs. Tonight, we gather for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our adventures.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Day 11: Fly Home
    We return home this morning with wonderful memories of our time on the Douro River.

Post-Tour Extension | 5 Days

Add an incredible five-day extension to the Azores, where you can immerse yourself in Sao Miguel’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and unique island traditions.

Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travelers, who depart for home, as your adventure continues with a short flight to the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this captivating archipelago is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and time-honored traditions. Upon arriving in Ponta Delgada, receive a warm welcome from an English-speaking local guide, who accompanies you throughout your extension to share expert insights into the area’s history, culture and traditions. Start by soaking in some of the spectacular scenery on a Big Truck Tour* of Sete Cidades. Enjoy a stop at Pico do Carvao for sweeping views before continuing to Vista do Rei, where an overlook reveals the massive volcanic crater lakes below. Have your camera ready as you travel along the crater rim and explore the picturesque village of Sete Cidades! Next, visit a pineapple plantation to learn the unique growing methods that have made Azorean pineapples so famous. Later, check in for a three-night stay at the award-winning Hotel Marina Atlantico, ideally located near Ponta Delgada's marina. *A private vehicle will be used in lieu of the truck if there are less than eight passengers.

Attractions & Highlights
  • Big truck tour of Sete Cidades feat. Pico do Carvao viewpoint, drive along the Cumeeira crater rim

Today, discover the charm of Ponta Delgada on a guided walking tour through its historic center, where narrow streets are lined with elegant architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries. Along the way, see landmarks including the Portas da Cidade, the Gothic-inspired Sao Sebastiao Church, Campo de Sao Francisco, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperanca – home to the revered Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. After lunch on your own, travel into Sao Miguel's volcanic interior to Pico da Barrosa and stop at the breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint, overlooking one of the Azores' most pristine crater lakes. You then descend to the island’s picturesque north coast and visit the charming town of Ribeira Grande, renowned for its striking baroque architecture. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

Attractions & Highlights
  • Pico da Barrosa, Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint and Ribeira Grande
  • Walking tour of Ponta Delgada feat. Portas do Mar, São Pedro Church, Portas da Cidade, São Sebastião Church, Paços do Concelho, Campo de São Francisco, São José Church, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança

Your day begins with a journey through the gorgeous countryside to Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel's former capital. Next, continue to Furnas Valley, where you may enjoy an optional soak in the thermal bath at Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. Then, visit Caldeiras das Furnas, one of the Azores' most impressive geothermal wonders. This extraordinary landscape features fumaroles, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and thermal springs. Afterwards, savor a traditional lunch of Cozido das Caldeiras, an Azorean stew slow-cooked underground using natural volcanic heat. Later, continue through the village of Furnas before stopping at the Pico do Ferro viewpoint for sights of one of Sao Miguel's largest volcanic calderas. Today's final stop is Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe's oldest tea plantation, where you'll enjoy a tasting and tour to discover how this family-owned estate has preserved its centuries-old tea-making tradition for more than five generations. Returning to Ponta Delgada, the evening is at your leisure.

Attractions & Highlights
  • Furnas Valley tour feat. Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, Caldeiras at Furnas Lake, Pico do Ferro Viewpoint.
1 Excellent Meals
  • Lunch at local restaurant feat. Cozido das Caldeiras, a traditional Azorean stew that is slow cooked undergrouns using volcanic heat.

Board a flight back to Lisbon today, where comfortable accommodations await. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Revisit a favorite corner of this captivating city, taste more of the incredible food, stroll the cobblestone streets, or relax near the waterfront on this final evening in Portugal.

Return home today with incredible memories of Portugal and Spain to treasure forever.

What's Included

All Accommodations

  • 7 nights aboard CroisiEurope Amalia Rodrigues with complimentary Wi-Fi
  • 2 nights at Hotel Florida in Lisbon

Attractions & Highlights

  • Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Porto & Regua, Portugal; Vega de Terron, Spain; Barca d’Alva, Ferradosa & Pinhao, Portugal
  • Vila Nova de Gaia feat. World of Wine District & admission to 5 museums of your choice
  • Douro Valley scenic cruising
  • Porto guided city tour feat. Bolsa Palace, Church of Saint Francis & wine tasting
  • Flamenco, fado & traditional folk entertainment aboard the ship
  • Vila Real guided walking tour feat. Cristas de Galo tasting & The Mateus Palace
  • Salamanca guided city tour with tapas & time at leisure
  • Cima Corgo region wineries & tastings
  • Lamego guided walking tour feat. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church
  • Guimaraes guided walking tour feat. Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
  • Time at leisure in Obidos
  • Lisbon guided city tour feat. Monument of Discoveries & time at leisure

23 Excellent Meals

  • Welcome Lunch in Vila Nova de Gaia’s WOW District
  • Welcome cocktail reception aboard the ship
  • All meals & a beverage package included aboard the ship
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Salamanca
  • Captain's Gala dinner aboard the ship
  • Farewell Dinner in Lisbon

Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.