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Douro River Valley Cruise

Discover Europe’s best-kept secret on this cultural journey through the finest wine regions of Spain and Portugal. Cruise past charming villages, terraced hillsides, and acres of ripe vineyards that make up the beautiful and dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley. Visit winemakers, explore Porto’s famous Ribeira district, and discover the legendary Spanish city of Salamanca before sailing back to Portugal to the fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo and historic Guimarães.

4.5
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from 417 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Uniworld
  • Ship: S.S. São Gabriel
  • Duration: 7 Nights
  • Departure: April to November
£3,149pp
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Highlights of the Douro River Valley Cruise Itinerary

This 7-night cruise meanders through the picturesque Douro River Valley, one of the world’s most famous winemaking regions. Savour romantic scenery, legendary vintages, and the culture and history of this fascinating river with the comfort of luxury accommodation and award-winning on-board dining.

Day 1

Porto

Embark your vessel in Porto, Portugal’s second city, and the location that gave its name to this country’s famous Port wine.

Day 2

Porto – Entre-Os-Rios

Guests can choose a guided panoramic tour of Porto, a colourful and cosmopolitan town on the Douro estuary. Visit the UNESCO-designated 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace with its Moorish-Revival-style Arab Room. Porto has Roman origins and is enclosed by 14th-century walls with medieval alleys and narrow streets. The tour includes Foz do Douro, the mouth of the river, with an elegant promenade inspired by French architecture. The other option is a coach journey to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. Enjoy a walking tour around this city with a rich history, cultural landmarks, and plenty of beautiful cafes and shops.

Day 3

Entre-Os-Rios – Regua

Learn about the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe, the fascinating geology of the area, and the history of winemaking, which dates back to Roman times, at the Douro Museum. There is also the option of a tour to Lamego, a unique town at the gateway to the Douro Valley noted for its sparkling wines. In the evening, follow winding roads with stunning views as you journey to a quinta to enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner.

Day 4

Regua – Pocinho – Vega de Terron

Visit Castelo Rodrigo, a village with a magnificent hilltop castle and incredible views. The area around Castelo Rodrigo is picturesque and noted for its honey made from wild lavender with flavours from the surrounding almond groves. Adventurers can discover their inner explorer, don hiking footwear, and visit an archaeological park, home to a collection of prehistoric carvings found by chance in the 1990s during surveying for a dam project on the Côa River. The designs date to around 20,000 BC and an expert guide provides all the detail.

Day 5

Salamanca – Barca D’Alva

Sail the dramatic landscape of the UNESCO-protected Douro River Valleys before arriving at the historic University town of Salamanca, known as ‘the Golden City’ for its sand-coloured buildings. Salamanca is home to several beautiful and historic churches and two cathedrals. With a guide, explore streets lined with magnificent baroque buildings and head to the University founded in 1218 with a chance to view its ornate interiors. Browse shops, dine at streetside cafes, and enjoy typical tapas or stroll Salamanca’s famous food hall.

Day 6

Barca D’Alva – Regua

Visit a local quinta, a Portuguese wine estate high up in the hills, and discover how Port wine is produced, a fascinating process that combines the most modern and traditional techniques. Sample some of the famous Port as you look out over the spectacular views of the Douro Valley. For the energetic, opt for a vineyard hike through a family-owned quinta where guests can see how the grapes are tended and the different varieties grown.

Day 7

Guimarães – Porto

Guimarães is a UNESCO world heritage site home to the first King of Portugal. It has a wonderfully preserved old town with pretty half-timbered houses, charming plazas, and a magnificent castle that perches high above. Explore this vibrant and cosmopolitan location with a guided tour, or guests can choose a bike tour from the Douro River to the sea with beautiful scenery and the chance to stop at pretty fishing villages before reaching the beaches of Gaia.

Day 8

Porto

Disembark the S.S. São Gabriel with the chance to explore Porto more before you head home.

About The S.S. São Gabriel

Purpose-built to showcase the Douro River and UNESCO-designated rivers valleys, the S.S. São Gabriel offers the perfect fusion of matchless luxury and comfort with award-winning international cuisine. Discover the Douro, a hidden gem in one of Iberia’s most beautiful locations with picturesque river scenery in Europe’s oldest winemaking region.

Brand Shape
  • Dining
  • Accommodation
  • Health & Fitness
  • Deck Plan

Dining

Dine indoors or on deck with a varied and tempting menu of regional and international cuisine highlighting local ingredients and fare. Choose tapas, bistro-style meals, or formal multi-course dining with an on-board wine cellar making the most of the Douro River Valley’s most famous bounty.

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Accommodation

Grand suites offer spectacular river views with spacious lounge areas creating a real home beside the water. Cabins on the Middle and Upper Deck all have French balconies. Décor is clean, crisp, and contemporary, with bold colours contrasting with pale creams and whites echoing the effect of the water to create chic yet relaxing interiors. Luxury en-suite bathrooms have a separate bath tub and shower.

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Health & Fitness

Dine, socialise, relax, or swim on the magnificent Sun Deck with ample space for all activities and luxury lounge furniture. Take advantage of the compact fitness suite or enjoy a pamper session in the spa, both located on the Madeira Deck.

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Deck Plan

Four passenger decks offer a variety of custom-designed accommodation and facilities with river views and luxury, the twin drivers of the S.S. São Gabriel’s design. Choose from a range of suites with luxuriously appointed public areas, comprehensive amenities, and dining options, all beautifully appointed with attention to detail that makes the best of river cruising.

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Douro Valley River Cruise Deals

Discover Europe’s best kept secret with Douro Valley River Cruise

Brand Shape
  • 2

    Countries visited

  • 1

    Choice of Ship

  • 3

    UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Highlights of the Douro Valley River Cruise

Explore Iberia’s best-kept secret, the River Douro, with a trip into the heartland of European winemaking on a voyage that showcases the best Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, culture, and wine. Enjoy guided excursions and luxury accommodation on this exceptional river voyage.

  • April to November
  • 7 Nights
£3,149pp

The Douro River Valley Cruise Review

“We cruise regularly, but this was a first for us. To be honest, we weren’t really aware of the River Douro but had a loyalty voucher as we are regular customers. All I can say is wow, wow, wow! What a stunning journey; it’s interesting and beautiful, with lots to see and do, but also tranquil and relaxing. We knew the vessel would be up to standard as we are regular Uniworld customers, but this voyage really was exceptional. Sssh…don’t spread the word too far; this cruise is far too special to become overrun with visitors!”

Helen and Andy Gatenby, South Shields

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Douro Explorer

Taking you to some of Europe’s most iconic regions – including the wine capital of Oporto – the Douro Explorer Cruise is the perfect gateway to your getaway.

Enticing Douro

Experience the unsullied beauty of the scenic Douro River Valley with its sprawling vineyards and native charm, complete with a spectrum of iconic local attractions.

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The Douro River Valley Cruise FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

I’m on a restricted diet because I have allergies. Can the restaurants on board accommodate this?

Our gourmet chefs adapt menus daily to reflect the beautiful produce in the areas we sail through and always offer vegan and vegetarian options. We can happily accommodate restricted diets. Just chat this through with our friendly booking team so we know your requirements before you come on board. Our award-winning cruise cuisine always focuses on fresh, local ingredients, regional recipes, and flavour.

Do I need a Covid vaccination to travel?

We recommend passengers have active Covid vaccination protection status. We follow the latest guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), plus take regional advice from authorities in the countries and regions we visit. All on-board staff are fully Covid vaccinated.

Will I need a visa for this cruise?

The Douro Valley River Cruise visits Spain and Portugal, and passengers are responsible for arranging their own visas before they travel. Our booking experts can talk you through the basics when you make your reservation. Just make sure you allow enough time to make your application, as there can be delays during busy holiday periods.

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