Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · River cruise

Discover the Douro

Seven-night Douro River cruise from Porto through Portuguese wine country

Illustration of Discover the Douro

Vacations By Rail's Discover the Douro is an eight-day, seven-night river cruise that departs from Porto and concludes in Guimarães, combining the appeal of a comfortable floating hotel with guided exploration of Portugal's Douro Valley and neighboring Spain. The voyage aboard MS Gil Eanes includes daily meals, drinks at dinner, and a full program of escorted excursions and city tours led by a dedicated Tour Manager and Cruise Director. Days alternate between time cruising and exploring ashore: Days 2 and 3 feature guided tours of Porto, a port wine cellar, and the baroque Mateus Palace near Vila Real. Day 4 takes travelers by coach into Spain for a tour of Salamanca's historic center and Plaza Mayor. Day 5 includes a wine tasting along the Porto wine route, while Day 6 centers on Lamego and its celebrated Baroque cathedral. The final days include medieval Guimarães and a free morning in Porto to explore independently. The pace is relaxed, with one or two guided activities daily and time to rest aboard ship.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a river cruise, not a rail journey; train travel is not part of the itinerary.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the from-price.
  • The optional Gaia Cable Car in Porto is payable locally and not included.
  • A free morning in Porto on Day 7 is unguided; the cable car and other activities are at your own cost.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Ship (Porto)

    To Porto, where our ship awaits boarding

    Arrive in Porto and transfer independently to the waterfront to board the ship. Welcome drink, first dinner on board, then a panoramic evening coach tour of Porto including the São Bento railway station.

  2. Day 2overnight: Ship (Régua)

    Discovering Porto & Régua

    Guided tour of Porto's streets, azulejo-tiled townhouses, churches and the iron bridge, plus a wine cellar visit to sample port wine. Rejoin the ship for lunch and cruise to Régua. Dinner and entertainment on board.

  3. Day 3overnight: Ship (Vega de Terrón)

    Visiting Mateus Palace and Gardens

    Disembark and travel by coach to the 18th-century Mateus Palace, its grand halls, chapel and 16th-century winery. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Evening flamenco performance with dinner.

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship

    The Golden City of Salamanca

    Coach excursion into Spain to Salamanca (founded 1218). Guided city tour of the House of Shells, Plaza Mayor and other landmarks, plus lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon before returning to the ship for dinner.

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship (Pinhão)

    The renowned Porto wine route

    Cruise downstream to Ferradosa, then an excursion along the Porto wine route to São Salvador do Mundo and São João da Pesqueira, including a tasting at a local quinta. Rejoin the ship in Pinhão for dinner with fado-themed entertainment.

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    Baroque splendor in Lamego

    Morning guided tour of Lamego and its Baroque cathedral, famed for the 700 decorated steps leading to its doors. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon sailing back towards Porto.

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Exploring Porto and Guimarães

    Free morning in Porto (optional Gaia Cable Car, payable locally). After lunch on board, a guided tour of medieval Guimarães, known for its 10th-century buildings and castle gardens. Farewell dinner with traditional folk entertainment.

  8. Day 8

    Traveling home

    Breakfast on board, say goodbye to the crew, disembark and begin the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Porto's azulejo-tiled townhouses, churches, and iron bridge, followed by a port wine cellar visit.
  • Day 3Coach excursion to the 18th-century Mateus Palace near Vila Real, touring its grand halls, chapel, and 16th-century winery.
  • Day 4Guided tour of Salamanca in Spain, including the House of Shells and Plaza Mayor, with a traditional Spanish lunch.
  • Day 6Morning visit to Lamego and its Baroque cathedral, reached by the famous 700 decorated steps leading to its doors.
  • Day 7Guided tour of medieval Guimarães with its 10th-century buildings and castle gardens, followed by a farewell dinner with traditional folk entertainment.

Included

  • Escorted throughout by a Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Gil Eanes, operated by Croisi Europe
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • All coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise, including a gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and airport transfers

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is this trip escorted?
Yes, Vacations By Rail escorts the tour throughout with a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights aboard MS Gil Eanes, all breakfast, lunch, and dinner, drinks with dinner each night, a gala dinner, all coach excursions, guided tours, Wi-Fi, and entertainment onboard.
Which river and which ship?
The cruise is on Portugal's Douro River aboard MS Gil Eanes, operated by Croisi Europe.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 2, meaning guided city walking tours, stairs in historic sites like Lamego Cathedral, and regular embarkation and disembarkation.
Are flights included?
No, flights and airport transfers are not included. You arrive in Porto and transfer independently to the ship.
What countries does the itinerary visit?
Portugal and Spain. The ship sails the Douro from Porto through Portugal, with a coach excursion across the border to Salamanca.

Similar journeys