RIVER CRUISE DOURO GETAWAY

River Cruise by Europa Douro River
5 days 539€
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Description

Douro Getaway

December is the perfect month to discover the Douro in a different way.
During the winter, the region reveals a quieter, more authentic side — with fewer tourists, more attractive prices, and a festive atmosphere thanks to the Christmas season. Towns and cities throughout the valley sparkle with lights and holiday decorations, traditional markets come alive, and the quintas (local wine estates) offer warm, welcoming experiences — perfect for those seeking a charming winter escape.

The Douro River originates in Spain, in the Picos de Urbión, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto, Portugal. Along its path, the river has carved out the spectacular Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Terraced vineyards and charming traditional estates cling to the steep hillsides, creating a breathtaking setting in one of Europe's most unspoiled regions — and home to the world’s oldest demarcated wine region: Porto.

We’ve designed a unique and delightful getaway for the December long weekend: Fado and Wine on the Douro.



Dates

Departure From Arrival From Price From Reserve
03-12-2025 Porto 07-12-2025 Porto 770.00 €
539.00 €
RESERVE

Itinerary

Douro Getaway
Duration 5 days
Departure date 03-12-2025 |
Cities Porto, Regua, Pinhao
Rivers Douro

INCLUDED VISITS:

Excursion to a Quinta with wine tasting and Pinhao 

Excursion of the Douro Valley and Lamego

Panoramic tour of Porto


Quinta da Avessada and Pinhão: The Essence of the Douro Valley

Embark on a captivating tour through the heart of the Douro Valley, combining the rich winemaking tradition of an emblematic quinta with the historical charm of one of its most picturesque villages. Your experience begins at Quinta da Avessada, in the beautiful surroundings of Favaios. A guided tour will immerse you in the fascinating world of viticulture, culminating in a tasting of its exceptional wines, including the famous Moscatel de Favaios. 

Afterwards, the journey continues to Pinhão, the picturesque heart of the Douro. Explore the iconic Pinhão Train Station, famous for its spectacular hand-painted tile panels that tell the story of the grape harvest. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, admiring the traditional Rabelos boats and breathtaking scenery.


Discover the Douro Valley and Lamego

The adventure begins with a scenic drive through the heart of the Douro Valley, where winding roads reveal spectacular views of the terraced vineyards, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stretch is a unique opportunity to appreciate the majesty of the landscape that gives life to the world-famous Port wine.

Afterwards, the trip will take you to the historic town of Lamego, a jewel of the hinterland with deep cultural and religious significance. The focal point of the visit is the imposing Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, famous for its spectacular tiled staircase that descends to the center of town. You will have time to explore this impressive work and the historical charm of Lamego, before returning to your cruise ship.



Porto Panoramic Tour

Enjoy a panoramic tour that reveals the essence and beauty of Porto, a city where history and modernity intertwine on the banks of the Douro River.

The tour takes you through the most emblematic points, showing the majesty of the Avenida dos Aliados and the picturesque beauty of the Ribeira, a World Heritage Site. The iconic Luis I Bridge is admired, offering spectacular views of the river and the banks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

The tour also allows you to appreciate the imposing Clérigos Tower, unmistakable symbol of the city, and the unique St. Benedict Station, famous for its historic tiles.


Day 1

Porto

Boarding from 15:00 at the Douro Marina. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. In the evening, presentation of the crew and welcome dinner. Overnight stopover in the locality. Dinner and overnight on board.


Day 2
Pinhao
Full board on board. During the morning, take advantage of the sailing hours to admire the wonderful views of the Douro Valley. After lunch, we will make a short stop in Régua from where we will go to a Quinta to admire its beautiful vineyards and taste its wines. In the afternoon, we will return to the ship that will be waiting for us in Pinhao, a town considered the center of the Douro Designation of Origin Region and it is here where many of the Port wine producing estates are located, some of which offer accommodation in the form of rural tourism. It is also worth mentioning the railroad station building, built at the end of the 19th century, whose interior is entirely covered with tile panels. Excursion included: Quinta da Avessada and Pinhao. Overnight stopover in the town. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3
Regua
Full board on board. At noon, we will arrive in the town of Régua. Here, in 1756, the Royal General Company of Agriculture of the Douro Vineyards was founded, which established the first region with denomination of origin for wine production in the world. In this region, the vineyards cultivated in terraces on the slopes along the river offer beautiful panoramas that can be admired from the many viewpoints in the area, among which we highlight the San Leonardo in Galafura and San António do Loureiro. Nearby, the thermal resort of Caldas de Moledo, located on the right bank of the Douro, has its own jetty and is a pleasant place for a relaxing vacation. Excursion included: Douro Valley and Lamego. Overnight stopover in the town. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4
Porto
Full board on board. Early in the morning we leave Régua for Porto, excited about what the journey has in store for us. After a journey full of enchanting landscapes, we will arrive at our destination at lunchtime.

Douro Marina is considered the nautical gateway to the tourist Douro and to the Northern region of Portugal. It is the driving force behind an innovative concept that reflects the importance of sport, leisure, well-being and a deep respect for nature. In the surroundings, there are restaurants and terraces where you can enjoy the scenery and the tranquility of the Douro River.

Porto is a real joy for the eyes, a city that is able to conquer from the first moment thanks to its slopes, its decadent houses, but with a magical atmosphere and especially thanks to the Ribeira district, from which you can admire an incredible view and the boats passing under the Ponte Dom Luis I, an iron construction made by a close collaborator of Gustave Eiffel. Excursion included: panoramic tour of Porto. Overnight stopover in the city. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 5 Porto
Disembarkation after breakfast. 

Ship MS "Douro Cruiser"

Technical Details

technical information
delivery in 2005
refurbished in 2014
length 78.11 m
width 11.4 m
passenger capacity 130 pax (65 cabins)


Amenities

Panorama restaurant
Panorama lounge
Bar
Pool on sundeck
Souvenir shop
Lift


Accommodation

All cabins are outer cabins. Those on the upper deck have an accessible balcony. All main deck cabins have large panorama windows that cannot be opened. All cabins are have an approximate size of 15 m2 (including balcony area with upper deck cabins) and are equipped with shower/WC, air-conditioning system that can be regulated separately, hair dryer (if available), safe and TV.


Plan