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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.
Cruise Line: Uniworld 
Ship: S.S. São Gabriel 
Duration: 7 Nights 
Departure: April to November 
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.
Embark your vessel in Porto, Portugal’s second city, and the location that gave its name to this country’s famous Port wine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disembark the S.S. São Gabriel with the chance to explore Porto more before you head home.
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.
Discover Europe’s best kept secret with Douro Valley River Cruise
Countries visited
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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.
Browse our Douro River Cruise holidays from some of the most iconic cruise brands in the UK
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.
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.
Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.
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.
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.
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.
Our mission at crui.se is to help you and your loved one’s book and experience the best cruise holiday imaginable. We’re different in that, our customers come first, not our suppliers or profit margins. Get in touch and let us help you set sail.
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Departing on the 14th of August sailing in a .
Lower Deck CabinPrice : £949 per person
