Cruise · 7 nights · with Riviera Travel
Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise
A seven-night cruise along Portugal’s Douro River and into Spain, aboard Riviera Travel’s MS Riviera Rose. Visits include Porto, Salamanca, and the wine-producing town of Pinhão, with richly historic towns and vineyards en route.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- Departures
- 12 dates
- Choose a month below
- Sails from
- Porto
- Ends in Lamego or Mateus Palace
- Ship
- MS Riviera Rose
- From
- £2,329
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Coach tour of PortoIncluding Porto Cathedral
Dinner and wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca vineyard
Visit to Castelo Rodrigo or Foz Côa Engravings Museum
Full day tour of SalamancaWith flamenco show
Tour of Lamego Sanctuary or Mateus Palace gardens
About the trip
This week-long cruise starts in Porto, where the MS Riviera Rose awaits on the banks of the Douro. Portugal’s second city is renowned for its tightly packed, terraced streets and the fortress-like Porto Cathedral perched above the old town. After a coach tour, the ship heads upriver to Peso da Régua, with an evening dinner at Quinta da Pacheca, a vineyard estate dating back to the 18th century.
Further along, options include visiting Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified village with views across the Spanish border, or the Foz Côa Engravings Museum, featuring interactive displays of prehistoric rock art. The cruise crosses into Spain for a full-day tour in Salamanca, known for its two cathedrals and lively Plaza Mayor, complemented by a flamenco show. Alternately, guests might choose Almeida, a star-shaped fortress town marked by the scars of the Peninsular War.
Pinhão, at a bend in the river surrounded by terraced vineyards, offers a gentle town walk and a visit to its tile-covered train station. Afternoon choices include Lamego, with its monumental baroque staircase, or Mateus Palace, recognisable from the famous rosé wine label. The cruise concludes back in Porto, with an evening chef’s dinner and optional visits to port cellars or Guimarães, the so-called birthplace of Portugal. The vessel’s five-star comforts provide a distinctive base for exploring this UNESCO-listed valley.
- 1 Porto
- 2 Salamanca
- 3 Guimarães
- 4 Lamego
- 5 Almeida
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Porto
Day 2
Guimarães
Day 3
Castelo Rodrigo or Foz Côa Engravings Museum
Day 4
Salamanca or Almeida
Day 5
Quinta da Roêda
Day 6
Lamego or Mateus Palace
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Riviera Travel confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Riviera Travel
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Porto
- What’s included
- Check with Riviera Travel
- Accessibility
- Check with Riviera Travel
For full details of what’s included, check with Riviera Travel. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise?
- Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise is a 7 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise depart from?
- Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise departs from Porto and returns to Lamego or Mateus Palace.
- Who operates Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise?
- Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise is operated by Riviera Travel aboard MS Riviera Rose.
- How much does Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise cost?
- Prices for Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise start from £2,329, subject to availability.
The operator
Riviera Travel
River cruises and escorted tours
A British operator that began in 1984 with a handful of tents in the south of France. Its tours and river cruises travel with a Riviera tour manager or cruise director looking after the group.
You book with Riviera Travel directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to Portugal? Our Portugal guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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