The Douro is one of Europe’s most beautiful river cruises: terraced vineyards climbing steep valley sides, port-wine quintas and the historic city of Porto at the river’s mouth, with excursions to Salamanca in Spain. It’s warmer and sunnier than the northern rivers too.
Here are the best Douro river cruise lines.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- Nine Douro lines
- Douro tips
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic | River and ocean | 17+ Space-Ships | Luxury | All meals, All drinks, all day, Daily excursions |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River cruises | 13 Super Ships in the fleet | Design | All drinks, Daily excursions, Airport transfers |
| Viking | River and ocean | 15 Ocean ships | All-rounder | Wi-Fi, Excursion in every port, Beer & wine at lunch and dinner |
| AmaWaterways | River cruises | 27 River ships | Active travellers | All meals, Wine, beer and soft drinks, Daily shore excursions |
| Avalon Waterways | River cruises | 15 Suite Ships | Views | All meals, Drinks with meals, Daily excursions |
| Saga Cruises | River and ocean | 7 Ships — 2 ocean + 4 river | Over-50s | Chauffeur from home, Travel insurance, All drinks |
| Riviera Travel | River cruises | 18+ River ships | UK packages | Flights from regional UK airports, All transfers, All meals + wine/beer with lunch and dinner |
| Tauck | River cruises | 11 River ships | Touring depth | All gratuities, All meals, All excursions |
| CroisiEurope | River cruises | 50+ River ships | Value | All meals + drinks with meals, Open-bar in lounge before/after dinner, Daily excursions |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
Nine Douro lines
Scenic
- River and ocean
- 17+ Space-Ships
- 169 Max guests / Space-Ship
All-inclusive Space-Ship luxury in the Douro Valley, with drinks, excursions and butler service.
Best for: Luxury
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
- River cruises
- 13 Super Ships in the fleet
- 110-160 Guests per ship — boutique scale
Boutique Super Ships on the Douro with drinks and excursions included.
Best for: Design
Viking
- River and ocean
- 15 Ocean ships
Douro river cruises through Portuguese wine country, adults-only, with an excursion in every port.
Best for: All-rounder
AmaWaterways
- River cruises
- 27 River ships
- 196 Max guests / ship
Douro sailings with wine with meals and active excursions.
Best for: Active travellers
Avalon Waterways
- River cruises
- 15 Suite Ships
- 166 Max guests / Suite Ship
Panorama Suites on the Douro.
Best for: Views
Saga Cruises
- River and ocean
- 7 Ships — 2 ocean + 4 river
Douro Serenity for over-50s, with a chauffeur from home and drinks included.
Best for: Over-50s
Riviera Travel
- River cruises
- 18+ River ships
- 169 Max guests / ship
Douro packages from regional UK airports with drinks with meals and gratuities.
Best for: UK packages
Tauck
- River cruises
- 11 River ships
- 130 Max guests / ship
Premium inclusive Douro Valley cruises with exclusive access.
Best for: Touring depth
CroisiEurope
- River cruises
- 50+ River ships
- 200 Max guests / ship
Great-value Douro cruises with drinks with meals and daily excursions.
Best for: Value
Douro tips
Douro cruises usually start and end in Porto, sailing upriver through the Douro Valley towards the Spanish border, with a day trip to Salamanca. Flights to Porto take around two hours from the UK. The best months are April to June and September to October; July and August are very hot in the valley. Don’t miss a port tasting at a quinta.
How we chose these cruise lines
We featured lines whose own information includes Douro sailings. Itineraries and seasons change every year, so check the sailings available for your dates, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Douro river cruise?
Scenic or Uniworld for luxury, Viking for an all-rounder and Riviera Travel for UK packages.
When is the best time for a Douro cruise?
April to June and September to October.
Where do Douro cruises start?
Porto.
Is the Douro good for wine lovers?
Yes, it is the home of port, with quinta visits and tastings.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
