Portugal river cruises

Sun-drenched, culture-rich and endlessly beautiful, Portugal is one of the finest nations on the continent to explore slowly, delighting in every wonderful experience. On a river cruise in Portugal, you’ll find yourself winding through the picturesque Douro Valley, flanked by peaceful villages steeped in centuries of incredible history.

Our Douro River cruises have been specially designed to take you on an unforgettable journey through the postcard-worthy northern stretches of Portugal. The round-trip sailings from the ancient city of Porto weave slowly through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Douro Valley, with endless rows of peaceful vineyards gazing down over the water.

Where the Douro ends its journey and empties out into the Atlantic, Porto straddles the river – a city rich with a unique pace and many hidden treasures. From the subterranean wine cellars that have opened their doors for hundreds of years to the incredible architecture on show, there’s much to enjoy and explore here.

The relaxed beauty of Portugal’s Douro River entwines a rich winemaking history. Traditional wineries and vineyards have long enriched this beautiful part of the world, helping to shape local culture and drive Portugal’s economy.

To this day, traditional methods that have been used for centuries reign supreme, with the delightful family-owned businesses remaining true to their roots. During your Emerald Waterways river cruise, you’ll have the chance to explore this colourful history – from vineyard walking tours to tastings in the ancient wine cellars of Porto.

Whether you’re a passionate Port lover or new to this decadent aperitif, a Portuguese river cruise allows you to trace the journey of the drink from sun-drenched vineyard to subterranean wine cellar. Discover more about Port wine and the flavours of the Douro in our guide below.

Few countries in Europe boast Portugal’s depth of history. Since the Neolithic period, this Iberian nation has played a key role in the timeline of the continent – from the influence of the Celts, Romans and Moors to its seafaring power during the Age of Discovery.

Discover more of what you can expect to see on a Douro River cruise with our gallery showcasing the river’s main highlights.

With Portuguese and Spanish influences, Vega de Terron is a classic Douro Valley village – featuring all the hallmarks associated with northern Portugal. Find out more about this alluring destination in our in-depth guide.

Lisbon is a stylish capital and offers the perfect surrounds for relaxed exploration, with charming streets crisscrossing its squares and plazas. Traditional shops, bars and restaurants line the cobbled streets, welcoming you with rustic cooking, warming spirits and ornate souvenirs.

With monasteries, castles and museums aplenty to explore, a few days in Lisbon perfectly complements a river cruise in Portugal. Take in the ancient monuments of Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle, or discover a fine collection of contemporary art at the Museu Coleção Berardo.

 Tracing the legacy of fado is, of course, a must on your visit to the Portuguese capital, and perfectly accompanies an evening of Port wine tasting or an exploration of Portugal’s world-renowned desserts.