Our Douro River Valley Cruise Itinerary

Our river cruise on the Douro River spanned 6 days throughout the valley and reached as far as Salamanca, Spain. Understandably, I held the most excitement to see Salamanca again since I once spent a summer there studying Spanish. I haven’t been back to the region since 2012, so navigating down the Douro River felt like a homecoming of sorts.

Here’s a brief itinerary of our 6 day Douro River Cruise:

• Exploring the Baixa district of Porto, Portugal

• Touring Casa de Mateus via Cais da Régua

• Visiting Salamanca via Cais de Barca de Alva

• Exploring picturesque São João da Pesqueira

• Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego

Embarking Down the Douro river from Porto

The Douro River Valley is a picturesque and enchanting destination that offers an unforgettable travel experience. Located in northern Portugal, this region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, terraced vineyards, and charming riverside towns.

Visiting from Portland, Oregon — I’m well aware that our home is also known for its vineyards that primarily produce West Coast Pinot Noir. My husband and I are definitely wine-lovers, but I wouldn’t necessarily describe us as experts! However, it’s not surprising that for us we found this trip to be ideal. Traveling through Porto and the Douro River Valley is a wine-lover’s dream.

Whether embarking on a leisurely river cruise or taking a scenic drive along the winding roads that hug the riverbanks, the Douro River Valley promises an unforgettable travel experience. From the awe-inspiring landscapes to the rich wine heritage and captivating towns, this region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

What to See in Porto in 24 Hours

Before boarding the river boat, we spent the day exploring Porto. We wandered the narrow streets through the historic town center, admiring the pastel colors and tiled walls of the quintessentially Portuguese buildings. After sipping on a cappuccino along a riverside cafe, we made our way to visit Caves Ferreira, one of Porto’s oldest and most well known wineries. We sipped port wines from the antique casks dating back to the 1800s and learned about the variety of port wines produced, such as tawny port, the sweeter-than-honey cousin to the more well known ruby.

As we navigated down the Douro River, we were treated to breathtaking vistas of steep hills covered in rows of meticulously maintained vineyards. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dotted with quintas, wine estates that welcome visitors to learn about the winemaking process. I’ve seen nothing like it, as terrace over terrace of vines escalated up the cliffs for as far as my eyes could see.

Visit Casa de Mateus from Cais da Régua — Douro River Valley

Docking at Cais da Régua, we took a shuttle up and over the steep terraced-cliffs to Fundação da Casa de Mateus, a 18th century estate featuring an Italianate mansion with exquisite interiors and expansive gardens. Wandering around the acres of rose bushes and hedges was a treat, but of course we finished the tour with another tasting of port wines.

Cais de Barca de Alva and Navigating the Portuguese Lock System

We continued onward, docking at Cais de Barca de Alva. On the way through Portugal, there is an enormous system of locks to allow for smooth navigation as the elevation increases inland. I found experiencing the Portuguese lock system to be one of the most fascinating parts of the entire trip!

Carefully entering a concrete structure, a steel gate 100s of feet tall slowly closed behind us, sealing the ship in darkness. Large channels in the walls then opened and water came gushing out. As the space began to fill with water, the river boat continued to elevate upward. Once we were in line with the upper-river beyond, the second set of steel gates opened and we were on our way. The entire process took around 45 minutes to complete, but I was thoroughly entertained watching it all unfold.

Visiting Salamanca, Spain from Cais de Barca de Alva

We hopped on a shuttle to take a 2 hour drive through the windy hills of Western Spain to Salamanca, of course stopping off at a small cafe in the middle of nowhere for espresso and pastries.

Salamanca is known as the only city in the world with two cathedrals.

Visit the Top Architectural Wonders in Salamanca Spain

Wandering around the romanesque streets of Salamanca is a treat for the eyes. You can’t complete your tour without walking across the Roman Bridge and making a visit to Casa de las Conchas. I may be biased, but I do believe that the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is the most beautifully designed plaza in all of Spain. From the facade’s ornate decoration, the archways adorning each entrance, the sound of birds reverberating off the Villamayor stone, and plenty of cafes and gelato shops – it’s a place I can spend many days just existing and enjoying.

Visit the Charming Town of São João da Pesqueira

Though there are many places to stop along and visit in the Douro River Valley, just admiring the view from the roadside or river is worth the trip. On our way back to Porto, we stopped by a small town named São João da Pesqueira. It felt like we were some of the only people there in the town, and yet it was one of my favorite experiences seeing the tile-work and experiencing the hospitality of this hillside village.

Explore Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego

Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego are among the region's other highlights, offering historical landmarks, cobblestone streets, and delightful local cuisine. As you stroll through these towns, you'll encounter traditional Portuguese architecture, ornate churches, and vibrant markets.

Our trip was too short, and it left us with an immense desire to return. We can’t wait to see Northern Portugal again one day, and revisit the beauty of the Douro River Valley.

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