Journey through Portugal's untouched picturesque Douro valley on this short break from Porto, home of the Port wine trade, upstream to the Spanish border
Sail the River Douro through an untouched landscape of high hills, vineyards famous for producing Port wine, and onwards through the amazing cliffs and gorges of the upper Douro river.
After exploring Porto, with an optional visit and tasting at a Port wine shippers, cruise upriver through the deepest lock in Europe to the riverside town of Regua. From there maybe visit Vila Real and the Solar de Mateus, famous for its portrayal on the Mateus wine bottles but also noted for beautiful gardens.
The ship calls at the riverside village of Pinhao, whose railway station has blue-tiled frescos of riverside scenes, before cruising upriver through stunning scenery to the Portuguese border. Next day join the optional excursion to Salamanca, noted for its beauty and architecture, before cruising back downriver to Porto.
Five nights accommodation on board on a full-board basis
Unlimited complimentary house wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks on board
Cruise itinerary as described
Welcome cocktail
Entertainment on board
Cruise Manager
Gala farewell dinner
Port taxes
Excludes
Cruise only prices do not include flights or transfers
Optional Excursions (must be pre-booked at least 4 weeks before departure or bookable on board subject to availability)
Gratuities
Personal insurance and expenses
Special Features
CroisiEurope is the leading French river cruise company. Their ships have a distinctly French flavour, the service and the food having received much praise from Blue Water Holidays customers. Staff and passengers come from many European countries and there may be other English speaking passengers on board.
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Day 1Porto (Portugal)
Embark your cruise ship in Porto from 5pm. This evening enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner onboard, followed by an optional coach tour of Porto by night.
Day 2Porto - Regua
After a buffet breakfast onboard, you may wish to join the optional tour of Porto, Portugal's second largest town, and one of Europe's most ancient and historic towns. Porto is the home of Port wine, with Port vineyards all along the Douro. There is a second optional excursion available - a tram tour through the city concluding with a tasting of some of the local specialties. After the tours, back on board for lunch and an afternoon of relaxed cruising as we admire the wonderful landscapes of the Douro Valley.
Day 3Regua - Pinhao - Vega de Teron (Spain)
Today there is an optional excursion to discover the formal gardens at the Mateus Palace and Vila Real. Enjoy an evening with a Spanish flair.
Day 4Barca d'Alva - Salamanca (Spain)
After breakfast on board there will be an optional tour of Salamanca, awarded world heritage status by UNESCO for its outstanding beauty and its Roman, Arabic and Christian architectural treasures. There is an additional optional excursion available - Salamanca by bike. Return to the ship in Barca d'Alva and cruise to Senhora da Ribeira. Dinner and gala evening on board.
Day 5Senhora da Ribeira - Ferradosa - Folgosa - Leverinho (Portugal)
This morning there is an optional excursion discovering the Porto wine route. Spend the afternoon cruising before enjoying an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
Day 6Leverinho - Porto
Early this morning our ship sets sail for Porto, where we disembark after breakfast.
POF: Kingdom of the Golden River ItineraryFor navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary
Dates and Prices
20 April 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Miguel Torga From: £1139pp
Main Deck Cat C
Cruise Only from£1139pp
Middle Deck Cat C
Cruise Only from£1286pp
Middle Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1334pp
Upper Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1368pp
05 April 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Amalia Rodrigues From: £1334pp
Middle Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1334pp
Upper Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1368pp
12 July 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Miguel Torga From: £1335pp
Upper Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1335pp
Upper Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1396pp
19 July 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Gil Eanes From: £1335pp
Middle Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1362pp
Upper Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1335pp
07 August 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Miguel Torga From: £1154pp
Main Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1154pp
Main Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1215pp
Middle Deck Cat C
Cruise Only from£1267pp
Middle Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1362pp
Upper Deck Cat B
Cruise Only from£1335pp
Upper Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1396pp
19 August 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Miguel Torga From: £1215pp
Main Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1215pp
Middle Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1362pp
Upper Deck Cat A
Cruise Only from£1396pp
05 October 2025 - Porto and back - Sailing on : Gil Eanes From: £1525pp
