Embark on our Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley itinerary. Set sail from the UNESCO-designated city of Porto to discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. Visit picturesque villages and palaces; spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain; and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates. As you make your way back toward Porto, stop to explore the picturesque village of Pinhão and the pilgrimage site of Lamego. Then linger in Porto to experience its exciting blend of history and modernity, admiring iconic landmarks, contemporary architecture and enriching museums. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the De Souza Cardo Museum and the Palacio de Monterey, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Embark on our Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley itinerary. Set sail from the UNESCO-designated city of Porto to discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. Visit picturesque villages and palaces; spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain; and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates. As you make your way back toward Porto, stop to explore the picturesque village of Pinhão and the pilgrimage site of Lamego. Then linger in Porto to experience its exciting blend of history and modernity, admiring iconic landmarks, contemporary architecture and enriching museums. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the De Souza Cardo Museum and the Palacio de Monterey, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Enticing Douro (Smithsonian Journeys)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours*, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of experiences so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
*Not available in Portugal
Day 1 | Porto | After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B) |
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| | Porto Illuminations cruise |
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Arrive in Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that straddles the Douro River. Board the ship in the Vila de Gaia district, known for its historic port houses. After time to get settled, gather for a festive welcome reception and dinner on board. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Régua | Lunch at a local quinta |
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| | Mateus Palace & gardens visit |
|
| | OR De Souza Cardo Museum – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
Visit Coa Archaeological Park with a guided tour of the Coa Museum- Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
The gateway to Portugal’s UNESCO-designated Alto Douro Wine Region, Régua became an important stop in the wine trade as early as the 1700s. Sit down to a traditional Portuguese lunch at a nearby quinta, or country estate, sampling culinary specialties from the region. In the afternoon, tour Casa Mateus, an 18th-century baroque manor house surrounded by some of the most spectacular gardens in Portugal. Or choose to discover the works of famous Portuguese modernist and contemporary artists at the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, housed within a former monastery. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Vega de Terrón | Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare |
|
| | OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare |
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A morning excursion brings you to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where hundreds of panels of Paleolithic rock art were discovered during the construction of a dam in the 1990s. Dating back to between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago, the engraved figures depicting animals illustrate that the site was continuously inhabited for millennia. Examine this prehistoric art and learn more about the early humans who created it as you tour the site’s museum with a guide. Alternatively, meander through the picturesque lanes of Castelo Rodrigo, a fortified hilltop village, or opt to hike up to the village, enjoying stunning views of the Douro Valley along the way. Stay the night docked just across the border on the Spanish side of the Douro. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4 | Vega de Terrón | Salamanca excursion with Palacio de Monterey – Smithsonian Exclusive |
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Travel into Spain on a day trip to Salamanca, an ancient town built of golden sandstone that is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Step back in time during a guided tour of the old town, where the history of the city is told in architecture that ranges from Gothic and Moorish to Renaissance and baroque. Stroll through the impressive Plaza Mayor, framed by graceful arcades, and see elegant university buildings and the New Cathedral. Then step inside the Palacio de Monterrey, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture appointed with period furnishings and renowned works of art. Meet the ship back in Portugal this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Pinhão | Lunch at a local quinta |
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| | Local quinta wine tasting |
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Soak up the beauty of the Douro River Valley as you cruise between vineyard-striped hills to the picturesque village of Pinhão. Savor Portuguese cuisine and delight in local entertainment during lunch at a quinta. Later, learn about the signature fortified wine for which the region is known and enjoy a port wine tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Régua | Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting |
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| | OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting |
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Travel to Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, an 18th-century shrine set atop a zigzagging staircase of nearly 700 steps. Arrive at the church by road—or opt to climb the stairs instead on a guided hike—and admire its stunning azulejos, or traditional blue-and-white tiles. Descend to the heart of the town to sample local specialties, such as savory, filled pastries called bôlas de Lamego; presunto, or cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Sail back to Porto this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Porto | “City of Bridges” tour |
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| | OR Enhanced Port City Tour – Smithsonian Exclusive |
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Spend the day discovering this colorful waterfront city and its an exciting blend of old and new architecture built along the banks of the Douro. On a guided tour of the historic quarter, a World Heritage Site, visit the cathedral and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its elaborate azulejos depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Delve into local culture at Serralves, a contemporary art museum and park designed by Pritzker-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, and stop at the astonishing Casa de Música, a concert hall and masterpiece of contemporary design. Those seeking a more active excursion can join a guided hike today. (Meals: B,L,D)
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
Day 1 | Lisbon | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Lisbon | “City of Seven Hills” tour |
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One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belém Tower, a fortified 4-story tower made of limestone, and visit the late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Lisbon | Royal Sintra excursion with Pena Palace visit |
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Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron once called it “perhaps the most delightful village in Europe.” High up on a rocky peak, you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period. (Meals: B)
Day 4 | Lisbon | Transfer via motorcoach to Porto |
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| | Porto Illuminations cruise |
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Ride a motorcoach to Tomar and take in the Castle and Covent of the Order of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a brilliant work of 12th- to 16th-century architecture. Continue on to Porto and board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (B,D)
Day 5 | Régua | Lunch at a local quinta |
|
| | Mateus Palace & gardens visit |
|
| | OR De Souza Cardo Museum – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive
Visit Coa Archaeological Park with a guided tour of the Coa Museum- Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
The gateway to Portugal’s UNESCO-designated Alto Douro Wine Region, Régua became an important stop in the wine trade as early as the 1700s. Sit down to a traditional Portuguese lunch at a nearby quinta, or country estate, sampling culinary specialties from the region. In the afternoon, tour Casa Mateus, an 18th-century baroque manor house surrounded by some of the most spectacular gardens in Portugal. Or choose to discover the works of famous Portuguese modernist and contemporary artists at the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, housed within a former monastery. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vega de Terrón | Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare |
|
| | OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare |
|
A morning excursion brings you to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where hundreds of panels of Paleolithic rock art were discovered during the construction of a dam in the 1990s. Dating back to between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago, the engraved figures depicting animals illustrate that the site was continuously inhabited for millennia. Examine this prehistoric art and learn more about the early humans who created it as you tour the site’s museum with a guide. Alternatively, meander through the picturesque lanes of Castelo Rodrigo, a fortified hilltop village, or opt to hike up to the village, enjoying stunning views of the Douro Valley along the way. Stay the night docked just across the border on the Spanish side of the Douro. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Vega de Terrón | Salamanca excursion with Palacio de Monterey – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
Travel into Spain on a day trip to Salamanca, an ancient town built of golden sandstone that is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Step back in time during a guided tour of the old town, where the history of the city is told in architecture that ranges from Gothic and Moorish to Renaissance and baroque. Stroll through the impressive Plaza Mayor, framed by graceful arcades, and see elegant university buildings and the New Cathedral. Then step inside the Palacio de Monterrey, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture appointed with period furnishings and renowned works of art. Meet the ship back in Portugal this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Pinhão | Lunch at a local quinta |
|
| | Local quinta wine tasting |
|
Soak up the beauty of the Douro River Valley as you cruise between vineyard-striped hills to the picturesque village of Pinhão. Savor Portuguese cuisine and delight in local entertainment during lunch at a quinta. Later, learn about the signature fortified wine for which the region is known and enjoy a port wine tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 9 | Régua | Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting |
|
| | OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting |
|
Travel to Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, an 18th-century shrine set atop a zigzagging staircase of nearly 700 steps. Arrive at the church by road—or opt to climb the stairs instead on a guided hike—and admire its stunning azulejos, or traditional blue-and-white tiles. Descend to the heart of the town to sample local specialties, such as savory, filled pastries called bôlas de Lamego; presunto, or cured ham; and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Sail back to Porto this evening. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10 | Porto | “City of Bridges” tour |
|
| | OR Enhanced Port City Tour – Smithsonian Exclusive |
|
Spend the day discovering this colorful waterfront city and its an exciting blend of old and new architecture built along the banks of the Douro. On a guided tour of the historic quarter, a World Heritage Site, visit the cathedral and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its elaborate azulejos depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Delve into local culture at Serralves, a contemporary art museum and park designed by Pritzker-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, and stop at the astonishing Casa de Música, a concert hall and masterpiece of contemporary design. Those seeking a more active excursion can join a guided hike today. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11 | Porto | DISEMBARKATION |
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After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)