Highlights of the Douro With Spain
River Cruise on the Douro Aboard the Riviera Rose
9 Days | November 2 or 9, 2026
Starting At $CUSTOM
Cruising the Douro River with Spain offers a unique and picturesque way to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage of both Portugal and Spain. The Douro River is famous for its vineyards and the production of Port wine. As you cruise along the river, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a vineyard, learn about the wine-making process, and of course, sample the delicious Port wine.
Highlights
Price Includes:
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Ports of Call Include:
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Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
Depart on your overnight flight to Porto.
Day 2: Arrive Porto – Board Ship
Meet your Tour Manager at the airport and transfer to your ship. Board the MS Riviera Rose for your 7 Night Douro River Cruise. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening with your fellow cruisers.
Day 3: Porto – Regua – Quinta Dinner
This morning, enjoy a Porto city tour. This afternoon enjoy scenic cruising through the landscapes of the Douro Valley. This evening, arrive Régua and enjoy dinner at Quinta da Pacheca with Wine Tasting. Quinta da Pacheca is one of Douro’s most iconic estates, renowned for its deep connection to wine and land. It offers a complete wine tourism experience, with guided tours of the vineyards and winery. Return to the ship and overnight in Regua.
Day 4: Regua – Castelo Rodrigo – Vega De Terron
Start your day by cruising the Douro towards Pocinho. This afternoon, visit the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo. From its lofty hilltop position, the small historical village of Castelo Rodrigo looks down over the plateau stretching eastwards to Spain and northwards to the deep valley of the River Douro. According to tradition, it was founded by Alfonso IX of León, in order to be given to Count Rodrigo Gonzalez de Girón, who repopulated it and gave it its name. With the Treaty of Alcanices, signed in 1297 by D. Dinis, poet and king of Portugal, it came into the possession of the Portuguese crown.
Day 5: Vega De Terron – Salamanca
On this full day tour, we head across the border and visit historic Salamanca, one of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Located in western Spain, Salamanca combines history, culture and vibrant energy. This morning, you will have some time at leisure to explore Salamanca on your own. Maybe visit the Casa Lis Art Nouveau & Art Deco Museum or the city’s famous Plaza Mayor where many love affairs began. It was common from the mid-14th to the mid-20th century for men and women to walk in opposite directions around the gardens at the center of the square to set up dates. If you’re still looking for your one true love, you’re (unfortunately) out of luck as this tradition has faded out over time but the Plaza Mayor is still a must-see with a grand square with intricate facades and bustling cafés – a great place to stop and relax. Over a local lunch including typical Spanish tapas, we’ll be seduced by the fiery passion and energy of a traditional flamenco show before we head back to the ship.
Day 6: Quinta Lunch – Pinhao
Spend the morning relaxing onboard as cruise down the winding Douro river through its majestic valleys. The rugged terrain and dramatic cliffs create a striking backdrop for a relaxing morning enjoying breakfast and unwinding on the sundeck. For lunch, we’ll visit Quinta da Avessada – an estate renowned for its exquisite Moscatel wines, where a traditionally cooked lunch awaits. We’ll follow the quinta owner on a guided tour as he entertains us with stories about the area’s history and wine-making traditions. Stepping into the heart of the production process, we’ll explore the vineyards, witness the meticulous cultivation of the muscat grapes that become Moscatel wine and learn about the unique characteristics of the terroir and the viticultural practices that make this wine so exceptional – and, of course, we’ll taste the local wines with the rustic lunch.
Day 7: Pinhao – Lamego
The historic city of Lamego is known for its church, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, which is situated at the top of a beautifully tiled baroque staircase. If you’re up for a challenge, it’s worth taking the 686 steps from the top of the staircase back to the town at the bottom for stunning views of the city – don’t worry, you can stop to admire the fountains, mosaics and hedges along the way. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Mateus Palace Gardens. Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal.
Day 8: Porto – Pick your Excursion
This morning we will be cruising towards Pala & onto Porto – This afternoon, you will have a choice of two excursions. Guimarães Tour** (late AM) or Port Cellar Wine Tasting (afternoon). This evening onboard you will be treated to a Gala Chef’s Dinner & Folklore Music Show to end your magnificent week onboard.
Day 9: Depart for Home
Transfer to the Porto Airport for your flight home.