The Golden River - Douro

8 days
Mar 2027 - Sep 2027
Museum Visits

2027

from

$4,650

per person

Best Price Promise & Private Fares
from $4,650 per person

The journey begins in Porto, the vibrant city on the Atlantic. Colorful houses, baroque churches, and the famous port wine cellars set the scene. From the riverside, the views of Porto’s bridges offer a perfect introduction. The first stop is Leverinho, surrounded by terraced vineyards reaching down to the riverbanks. The UNESCO-listed Douro Valley unfolds in its beauty. In Folgosa, steep slopes and centuries-old vineyards dominate the landscape. The harmony between nature and wine culture is tangible. At Pocinho, the Upper Douro shows its wilder, quieter side: rolling hills, olive groves, and remote villages. From here, the ship sails to Vega Terron, at the Spanish border, where Portuguese and Spanish cultures meet. Returning via Pocinho, the cruise continues to Pinhão, considered the heart of port wine. Traditional wine estates, azulejo tiles at the station, and vine-clad hillsides enchant every visitor. In Régua, the wine capital of the Douro, museums and wine lodges tell the valley’s story while landscapes impress with grandeur. At Entre-os-Rios, where Douro and Tâmega meet, the scenery glows with vineyards, hills, and tranquil river views. The journey ends back in Porto, with lasting impressions of culture, wine, and stunning river landscapes.

Itinerary

day 1 | Porto

Porto enchants with its winding and picturesque streets that make up the capital of northern Portugal. Here you can take a walk through the medieval center to visit the Clérigos Tower and the Cathedral, take the streetcar to the mouth of the Douro River or enjoy a boat ride in one of the "Rabelos", the famous wooden port wine boats, while admiring the beautiful bridges of the city. During a visit to Porto, of course, a detour to one of the port wine cellars should not be missed, where you can taste the local port wine in a noble atmosphere.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.


day 2 | Porto

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.


day 2 | Leverinho

Leverinho is a picturesque riverside village and docking point located in the municipality of Gondomar, in northern Portugal. Situated approximately 15–20 km upstream from Porto, it serves as a key gateway for travelers exploring the world-famous Douro Valley.


day 2 | Folgosa

Folgosa is a charming riverside village located in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, specifically within the Armamar municipality of the Viseu District. It is renowned for its stunning views, lush vineyard surroundings, and its position on the scenic National Road 222. Key features include high-end wine tourism, local wine tourism, and prestigious dining options right on the riverbank.


day 3 | Folgosa

Folgosa is a charming riverside village located in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, specifically within the Armamar municipality of the Viseu District. It is renowned for its stunning views, lush vineyard surroundings, and its position on the scenic National Road 222. Key features include high-end wine tourism, local wine tourism, and prestigious dining options right on the riverbank.


day 3 | Pocinho

Pocinho is a small village in the north of Portugal, located on the banks of the Douro River. This small but charming municipality is known for its breathtaking natural landscape and its close connection to the river. The surroundings of Pocinho are characterized by steep slopes covered with vines and offer spectacular views of the Douro Valley. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers who enjoy hiking, cycling or boating to explore the beauty of the landscape. Despite its more rural atmosphere, Pocinho also offers cultural attractions such as the architecturally impressive Pocinho Dam Castle and the nearby archaeological museum, which offers insights into the history of the region. All in all, Pocinho is a quiet and idyllic village that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, rich history and relaxed lifestyle.

Pocinho is a small village in the north of Portugal, located on the banks of the Douro River. This small but charming municipality is known for its breathtaking natural landscape and its close connection to the river. The surroundings of Pocinho are characterized by steep slopes covered with vines and offer spectacular views of the Douro Valley. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers who enjoy hiking, cycling or boating to explore the beauty of the landscape. Despite its more rural atmosphere, Pocinho also offers cultural attractions such as the architecturally impressive Pocinho Dam Castle and the nearby archaeological museum, which offers insights into the history of the region. All in all, Pocinho is a quiet and idyllic village that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, rich history and relaxed lifestyle.


day 3 | Vega de Terrón

Vega Terrón is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, making it the perfect base from which to explore the beauty and diversity of the border region between Portugal and Spain and to take unforgettable trips to the nearby towns and countryside. From Vega Terrón, you can take an exciting trip to Salamanca, a fascinating Spanish city known for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Visitors can visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the old university and the magnificent cathedral and enjoy the vibrant life of the city. Another worthwhile excursion from Vega Terrón is Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a small village in the heart of the Douro Internacional Natural Park. Here, visitors can explore unspoiled nature, visit traditional villages and taste local specialties.

Vega Terrón is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, making it the perfect base from which to explore the beauty and diversity of the border region between Portugal and Spain and to take unforgettable trips to the nearby towns and countryside. From Vega Terrón, you can take an exciting trip to Salamanca, a fascinating Spanish city known for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Visitors can visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the old university and the magnificent cathedral and enjoy the vibrant life of the city. Another worthwhile excursion from Vega Terrón is Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a small village in the heart of the Douro Internacional Natural Park. Here, visitors can explore unspoiled nature, visit traditional villages and taste local specialties.


day 4 | Vega de Terrón

Vega Terrón is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, making it the perfect base from which to explore the beauty and diversity of the border region between Portugal and Spain and to take unforgettable trips to the nearby towns and countryside. From Vega Terrón, you can take an exciting trip to Salamanca, a fascinating Spanish city known for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Visitors can visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the old university and the magnificent cathedral and enjoy the vibrant life of the city. Another worthwhile excursion from Vega Terrón is Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a small village in the heart of the Douro Internacional Natural Park. Here, visitors can explore unspoiled nature, visit traditional villages and taste local specialties.


day 4 | Pocinho

Pinhão is located in the center of the Douro wine region and is home to many of the historic Port wineries. Here you can enjoy the sight of the pretty vineyards while enjoying a delicious glass of port. But it's not just the port wine, the train station building is also a tourist magnet. This building, dating from the 19th century, is completely covered with artistic tile paintings from the inside..

Pocinho is a small village in the north of Portugal, located on the banks of the Douro River. This small but charming municipality is known for its breathtaking natural landscape and its close connection to the river. The surroundings of Pocinho are characterized by steep slopes covered with vines and offer spectacular views of the Douro Valley. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers who enjoy hiking, cycling or boating to explore the beauty of the landscape. Despite its more rural atmosphere, Pocinho also offers cultural attractions such as the architecturally impressive Pocinho Dam Castle and the nearby archaeological museum, which offers insights into the history of the region. All in all, Pocinho is a quiet and idyllic village that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, rich history and relaxed lifestyle.


day 5 | Pocinho

Pocinho is a small village in the north of Portugal, located on the banks of the Douro River. This small but charming municipality is known for its breathtaking natural landscape and its close connection to the river. The surroundings of Pocinho are characterized by steep slopes covered with vines and offer spectacular views of the Douro Valley. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers who enjoy hiking, cycling or boating to explore the beauty of the landscape. Despite its more rural atmosphere, Pocinho also offers cultural attractions such as the architecturally impressive Pocinho Dam Castle and the nearby archaeological museum, which offers insights into the history of the region. All in all, Pocinho is a quiet and idyllic village that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, rich history and relaxed lifestyle.


day 5 | Pinhão

Pinhão is located in the center of the Douro wine region and is home to many of the historic Port wineries. Here you can enjoy the sight of the pretty vineyards while enjoying a delicious glass of port. But it's not just the port wine, the train station building is also a tourist magnet. This building, dating from the 19th century, is completely covered with artistic tile paintings from the inside..


day 6 | Pinhão

Pinhão is located in the center of the Douro wine region and is home to many of the historic Port wineries. Here you can enjoy the sight of the pretty vineyards while enjoying a delicious glass of port. But it's not just the port wine, the train station building is also a tourist magnet. This building, dating from the 19th century, is completely covered with artistic tile paintings from the inside..


day 6 | Régua

Regua, also known as Peso da Régua, is a charming town in the north of Portugal, located in the heart of the famous Douro Valley wine-growing region. This idyllic town on the banks of the Douro River is surrounded by majestic vineyards and terraced hillsides that stretch picturesquely across the valley. Regua is the center of Portuguese viticulture and is known for its delicious port wine. The city is a popular destination for wine lovers who want to visit the renowned wineries to taste the local wine varieties and learn more about the region's rich wine-making tradition. In addition to viticulture, Regua also offers a rich history and culture.

Regua, also known as Peso da Régua, is a charming town in the north of Portugal, located in the heart of the famous Douro Valley wine-growing region. This idyllic town on the banks of the Douro River is surrounded by majestic vineyards and terraced hillsides that stretch picturesquely across the valley. Regua is the center of Portuguese viticulture and is known for its delicious port wine. The city is a popular destination for wine lovers who want to visit the renowned wineries to taste the local wine varieties and learn more about the region's rich wine-making tradition. In addition to viticulture, Regua also offers a rich history and culture.


day 7 | Régua

Regua, also known as Peso da Régua, is a charming town in the north of Portugal, located in the heart of the famous Douro Valley wine-growing region. This idyllic town on the banks of the Douro River is surrounded by majestic vineyards and terraced hillsides that stretch picturesquely across the valley. Regua is the center of Portuguese viticulture and is known for its delicious port wine. The city is a popular destination for wine lovers who want to visit the renowned wineries to taste the local wine varieties and learn more about the region's rich wine-making tradition. In addition to viticulture, Regua also offers a rich history and culture.


day 7 | Entre-os-Rios

Entre-os-Rios is a charming municipality in Portugal that owes its name to its location between the Douro and Tâmega rivers. This idyllic town is located in the Norte region, about 50 kilometers east of Porto, and offers a rich mix of natural beauty, historical heritage and local culture.

Entre-os-Rios is a charming municipality in Portugal that owes its name to its location between the Douro and Tâmega rivers. This idyllic town is located in the Norte region, about 50 kilometers east of Porto, and offers a rich mix of natural beauty, historical heritage and local culture.


day 7 | Porto

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.


day 8 | Porto

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.


What's included

VIVA All-Inclusive

  • Diner

    Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.

  • Soda

    All day high quality hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of alcoholic beverages; have a look at our bar menu

  • High Tea

    High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. A variety of teas are offered to match

  • Minibar

    daily freshly stocked minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

  • Sekt

    A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - here's to a wonderful stay on board

  • Beauty

    Selected beauty products from RITUALS

  • Wifi

    Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

  • Service

    Tips for the entire crew


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