Douro River Cruise

Porto, Douro Valley and Salamanca

PORTO, VILA REAL, SALAMANCA, RIO TORTO VALLEY, LAMEGO & GUIMARAES

We’ll explore the Douro River from the port city of Porto through one of Europe’s oldest wine regions to Barca D’Alva. We’ll have three-and-a-half days to explore picturesque Porto with its lovely Old Town and visit a quinta, or wine cellar, where we can enjoy a wine tasting before we set sail through the vineyard-laced Douro Valley. We’ll tour Vila Réal and enjoy a pastry tasting, visit the beautiful Mateus Palace, and cross into Spain for a full day of exploration of dazzling Salamanca! On our return to Porto, we’ll visit two small towns set among the vineyards of the Rio Torto Valley, see the stunning Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary in Lamego, and take in the streets of Guimaraes, an incredible example of a medieval settlement and its transformation into a modern-day town.

Itinerary at a Glance

Tour Itinerary:

  • 1 night in Porto
  • 7-night Cruise from Porto to Porto
  • Porto
  • Regua
  • Vega De Terron
  • Barca D’Alva
  • Pinhão
  • Porto

Tour Highlights

  • Porto Historic Center Walking Tour
  • Guided Tour of Porto with Wine Tasting
  • Sailing through vineyard-lined Douro Valley
  • Flamenco Entertainment
  • Vila Real and Mateus Palace
  • Guided Tour of Salamanca with lunch
  • Wine Trails of Porto with port tasting
  • Fado Entertainment
  • Guided Tour of Lamego
  • Traditional folk entertainment
  • Guimaraes Excursion

Your Tour Includes

  • Optional round-trip airfare from the New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • Ground transportation in an air-conditioned motor coach
  • 1-night accommodation at a superior first-class hotel in Porto
  • 7-night cruise on the  Douro River
  • 21 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Local house white and red wine, beer, sodas, coffee/tea for all onboard lunches and dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager and local English-speaking guides throughout

Is this tour right for you? Find out What to Expect

Tour Itinerary

Flights

Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.

You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Day 1: Arrive in Porto

The Old City in Porto, Portugal

Arrive in Porto, Portugal today. Located on the steep banks of the Douro River, Porto is the country's second-largest city and northern hub. Check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodations: Porto Palácio Hotel & Spa or similar

Day 2: Porto

Day 3: Porto

Day 4: Vila Real and Mateus Palace Excursion

Day 5: Salamanca Excursion

Day 6: Rio Torto Valley Excursion

Day 7: Lamego Excursion

Day 8: Guimaraes Excursion

Day 9: Depart Porto

Guided Tour Pricing

We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.

What to Expect

Max Group Size: 30 travelers

Activity Level: Level 1

Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More

Pacing Level: Leisurely

Expect half-day tours most days with a free day in most cities to explore independently. There are few to no early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 4+ nights. Learn More

New in 2025: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders

A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2025, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.

For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.