Sale
8 Days
Read 0 review
Share this trip with a friend
From
From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Share this trip
Trace the Douro from Porto into Portugal’s wine heartland, where steep vineyard terraces, olive groves and small riverside towns shape every bend. Days are built around guided walks that let you experience the valley at ground level — climbing to quiet stone villages, following vineyard tracks above the river, and stepping into wilder landscapes further upstream — then returning to the comfort of your ship for unhurried meals and scenic cruising. A non-hiker program runs alongside the walks, offering cultural visits and easy exploration without the longer distances.
Read more...
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrive Porto, embark ship in the afternoon
Arrive in Porto and step aboard in the late afternoon (from 5.00 pm). Settle into your cabin, meet the crew over a welcome cocktail, and get a briefing on the week’s walks. If conditions allow, we’ll ease downriver towards the Douro’s mouth as the city lights fade behind us.
Meals: D
Day 2
Porto - Regua
This morning we explore Porto with a guided visit, including time with the city’s iconic azulejo tile tradition. In the afternoon, the Douro takes over—vineyard slopes and riverside villages sliding past as we cruise towards Régua. Evening is yours: dance onboard or wander ashore.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Regua - Pinhão - Vega De Terron (Spain)
Set out on quiet tracks that climb steadily through woodland and scrub, then weave between vineyard lanes as the Douro opens out beneath you. The walk builds beautifully to Provesende, a historic hilltop village of stone houses and narrow lanes — a rewarding finish with wide valley views and time to wander before returning to the ship (2.5–3 hrs | 7 km / 4.3 mi | +320 m). Non-hiker option: Visit Mateus Palace and the Douro Museum, then rejoin the ship.
Day 4
Vega De Terron - Salamanca - Barca D'Alva
Cross into Spain for a guided visit to Salamanca, a UNESCO-listed city of golden stone, grand plazas and cathedral towers. Return to the ship by late afternoon, then settle in for an evening of flamenco onboard.
Day 5
Barca D'Alva - Senhora da Ribeira
A standout day on foot in wilder country, this hike climbs into rugged terrain for big-sky panoramas over the Douro and across into Spain. Expect a more demanding ascent that pays off in dramatic viewpoints, a picnic lunch in the landscape, and continued ridge-and-track walking with the scenery front and centre (~3 hrs | 8 km / 5.0 mi | +530 m). Non-hiker option: Explore Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, with time for easy wandering.
Day 6
Senhora da Ribeira - Ferradosa - Pinhão - Regua - Bitetos
Walk deep into the Douro’s iconic scenery, following terraced vineyards, stone walls, olive groves and rural lanes as the valley steps down towards the river. This longer route is wonderfully immersive, with photo stops and a picnic lunch, and a steady descent through wine country that keeps the views coming all the way back to the ship (~4 hrs | 14 km / 8.7 mi | ~500 m descent). Non-hiker option: Follow the Port Wine Route around Pinhão, then rejoin the ship.
Day 7
Bitetos - Porto
Finish the week with an easy, satisfying riverside walk as the Douro widens and Porto comes back into view. Flat paths, changing light and fresh Atlantic air create a strong sense of journey — tracing the river all the way to where it meets the sea (2–2.5 hrs | 8 km / 5.0 mi | flat). Non-hiker option: Visit Guimarães, with heritage sights and free time to explore.
Day 8
Trip concludes in Porto after breakfast
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These river cruises are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Shore landings and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and watch life on the river at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
Renovated in 2014, the interior is nicely decorated in fuchsia and plum colors. Most of the cabins are located on the upper deck, they have panoramic large windows. Those on the middle and main decks have large windows.
Located on the main deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served during the cruise. The lounge / bar is located at the front of the middle deck and will welcome passengers during evening entertainment, aperitif games ... The sun deck has a swimming pool, armchairs and sun loungers, offering a place to relax while enjoying the panoramic views of the countryside.
Main Deck Cabins Twin/Double
Cabin size approx : 11 m²
Cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with small windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.
Middle Deck Cabins Twin /Double
Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the middle deck with window with sliding top section, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.
Upper Deck Cabins Twin /Double
Cabin size approx : 10 m²
Cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the upper deck, its French balcony with sliding windows offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.