Douro
River Valley
8 Days
Porto to Porto
River Cruise
Countries
Portugal
Spain
Overview
An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers.
As you follow the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, you’ll cruise past steeply terraced hillsides, quaint villages and acres of ripe vineyards. Enjoy private tastings of Port. Explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district, home to iconic rabelo boats, cutting-edge cuisine and a thriving art scene. Wind your way through the dramatic landscapes of the UNESCO-designated Douro Valley, heading ashore to visit charming quintas and meet the winemakers who operate them. See the famous university of Salamanca, Spain, and visit the mountaintop village of Castelo Rodrigo. There’s no better way to discover Europe’s best-kept secret than this scenic and all-inclusive river cruise!
Itinerary
Porto, Portugal
Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro.
Régua & Pinhão
Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum. Later, partake in a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Choose between...
- Local Quinta Guided Tour with Tasting
- Let's Go: Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting at a Local Quinta
Featured Excursion:
- Douro Museum
Pinhão, Pocinho, & Vega de Terrón, Spain
Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park.
Choose between...
- Castelo Rodrigo
- Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
Vega de Terrón (Salamanca) & Barca d’Alva, Portugal
Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley.
Featured Excursion:
- Salamanca - The Golden City and Spain's Oldest University
Barca d’Alva & Régua
Discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. Later, enjoy a Night Out with dinner at a local quinta.
Featured Excursions:
- Lamego Walking Tour with Tasting
- Nights Out: Dinner at a Local Quinta
Régua & Porto (Braga)
Discover the oldest town in Portugal today on a visit to Braga, where 2,000 years of history mingle with a youthful modern culture.
Featured Excursion:
- Braga City Tour
Porto
Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. Today, choose to explore Portugal on foot or by panoramic drive.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Choose between...
- Porto Panoramic Tour
- Do as the Locals Do: Porto Walking Tour
Porto
If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Porto Airport for your flight home.
Pre & Post Cruise Extensions
Dining
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Welcome and Farewell Dinners
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
Excursions
- 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- Guided “Do as the Locals Do” program
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the chic S.S. São Gabriel
- Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites with hotel-style beds, draped in fine linens, with a choice of pillows
- Free Wi-Fi
Experiences
- 2 countries: Portugal & Spain
- 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
Ship Details
S.S. São Gabriel
S.S. São Gabriel embodies the beautiful Douro River Valley like no other ship in the region. Beautiful azulejos tilework, polished wood, and a summery palette bring the vivacity of Portugal onboard, while a sundeck pool beckons passengers to relax in the sunshine while soaking in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. This Super ShipTM vessel offers an entire deck of lavishly appointed suites with butler service, as well as three different dining venues in which to experience the delectable wine and cuisine of the Douro River Valley.
Why Uniworld?
"Because you deserve the best."
"Surrounded by the ambiance of an elegant, destination-inspired ship and embraced by our passionate staff, you’ll notice the Uniworld difference immediately. This is what the absolute best in luxury river cruising feels like. Where every expectation is exceeded, every destination is uniquely experienced, and every instance of delight is quickly followed by another inspiring moment. Our mantra is simple: adore every guest, and strive for excellence down to the smallest detail. At Uniworld, we only deliver the best, because you deserve the best."
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