river cruises through portugal

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2024 Portugal River Cruises

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Portugal’s River of Gold

• From $3,999
• 8 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Portugal’s River of Gold Map

Enjoy the Douro’s beauty & history

Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia’s oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain.

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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Lisbon

From $649 | 2 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $1,099 | 3 Nights

Post: Road to Santiago

Post: Barcelona

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Portugal River Cruises

Explore the wonders of Portugal with its proud history and exquisite port wines on your 5-star Douro River river cruise.

• Destinations
• Previous page

 Capture your sense of imagination

From uncovering rich cultures and World Heritage-listed sites to marveling at hilltop wine estates, experience the pristine beauty of Portugal.

Discover the hidden gems of the Douro Valley, a place that is truly timeless

From discovering the historic treasures and delicious local produce in Porto, to admiring the prehistoric rock artwork sites of the Côa Valley, spend your days enveloped in the beauty that Portugal has to offer.

Discover Portugal

• Experiences

An enchanted world where you'll experience extraordinary moments

Why travel on a scenic portugal river cruise.

Our ultra-luxury Scenic Azure Space-Ship has been designed to be the ultimate 5-star ultra-luxury river cruise experience of a lifetime for up to only 96 guests. Designed to take you to extraordinary regions and allowing you to relax and unwind as you explore multiple magical towns and cities with ease, an all-inclusive Scenic journey will inspire and excite you.

Innovative Scenic Space-Ship

Our 5-star ship, the Scenic Azure, has set the standard for ultra-luxury river cruising on the Douro. It has an abundance of premium experiences and luxurious outdoor, dining, and wellness areas for only up to 96 guests, along with an almost 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio. It features spacious suites, a Vitality Pool, and the ability to dock in the heart of towns, allowing you more time to explore onshore. 

  Find out more

Luxurious Suites

Our generously sized suites are elegantly equipped with premium amenities, including a queen-size Scenic Slumber bed and pillow menu. The Balcony, Junior, and Royal Suites on Scenic Azure feature our Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways - so you can relax and view the Portuguese way of life as you cruise by.

Find out more

Up to 5 Dining Options

Whether you prefer fine dining, a relaxed café setting, or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delicious options to suit your tastes and mood. Premium international beverages^ – wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavors of the region prepared by our innovative chefs.

Scenic Freechoice

Personalize your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on unique excursions in Portugal. Whether it’s wandering the elegant town of Lamego with its many fine Baroque structures or sampling the different flavors in the Côa Valley and visiting Casa Painova for a tasting of their almond, olive, and fruit products, the choice is yours.

Scenic Enrich

Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to our guests and place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music, and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveler. From witnessing a private concert at the beautiful São Francisco Church, to wandering the quaint streets of Provesende with locals, these carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey.

Where we travel in

Featured Itineraries

Delightful Douro

The soul of Portugal

Delightful Douro with Lisbon

Unforgettable Douro

A truly timeless place

Unforgettable Douro with Madrid

Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon

• Europe River Cruises
• Your Guide to River Cruising

Your guide to Europe river cruising

What to expect  on your river cruise

Learn about the benefits of river cruising with our comprehensive guide to your first time on a river cruise and what you can expect when you travel with Scenic.

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Central Europe

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Portugal river cruises 

Discover the sun-drenched Douro Valley and its famed vineyards as you sail along Portugal’s enchanting Douro River.

• destinations
• Previous page

Discover the highlights of Portugal’s Douro region

Uncover the history and fantastic natural landscape of Portugal’s Douro River and Valley. Taste the region’s famous Port wine and explore the vibrant cities of Lisbon, Porto, and Salamanca as well as the charming villages of Régua and Pinhão.

The highlights of sailing the Douro River.

A world of experience

Enlightening experiences await on your Portugal river cruise. Sample Port wine along the Douro River, tour the natural beauty of the Douro Valley, and discover historic art and monuments depicting ancient settlements in the region.

Emerald Radiance river cruise ship

Porto, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Douro River, Portugal

Discover Portugal 

• The Douro Valley

Featured  Itineraries

Secrets of the Douro

Explore the charms of Portugal by river

Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Explore the douro valley with emerald cruises.

Why cruise with Emerald Cruises?

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Sail with small cruise ship experts and benefit from an attentive level of service as you dock into the heart of exciting destinations that line the banks of the Douro River.

Small ship river cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specializes in providing a small cruise ship experience . You’ll notice how measured guest numbers, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of Emerald Radiance offers you a comfortable and luxurious Portugal cruise experience. 

Emerald Radiance

Emerald Radiance is your home away from home, a boutique floating hotel that provides guests with luxurious surroundings, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as the spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck.

Contemporary suites & staterooms

Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms , there’s a cabin option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out, or you’re longing for a cozier accommodation.

EmeraldDISCOVERY

Emerald DISCOVERY is designed to take you far beyond the standard tourist experience, with an array of exciting excursions . You’ll enjoy an included excursion nearly every day and have the option to join our Emerald PLUS , Emerald ACTIVE , and extra-special Discover MORE excursions^ to explore each destination in even greater depth.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your Portugal river cruise should also provide complete peace of mind. This is why we cover all port charges, provide all meals on board and with accompanying beverages, offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities onboard and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew and enjoy tours led by knowledgeable, local guides.

A closer look at Emerald Radiance 

Emerald Radiance is custom-built to sail the waters of the Douro River, guiding you through the twists and turns of the Iberian Peninsula. Revel in your sanctuary, where every finishing touch and elegant flourish has been chosen with great care.

Where we travel

Explore the iconic douro river .

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Our featured blogs .

Explore the Douro Valley highlights

Discover the best sights and excursions to experience as you explore the Douro Valley.

The history of Port wine

Learn more about the famed Portuguese wine cultivated along the banks of the Douro River.

11 Portuguese dishes you should try once before visiting

Take a look at the top 11 Portuguese dishes to try for an authentic taste of the country.

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River Cruises in Portugal

Offering both historical beauty and stunning scenery, our Portugal river cruises have something for everybody. From the mountainous Northern Coast to the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto, its fascinating and contrasting landscapes are dotted with fragrant olive trees and picturesque vineyards as far as the eye can see.  

Take a relaxing voyage along the remarkable River of Gold and explore everything this country has to offer from the comfort of our scenic Portugal cruises. A historic and traditional capital city, Lisbon is populated with iconic landmarks that tell of fascinating and varied history, all of which make it an essential stop on our Portugal river tours.

Out in the countryside along the peaceful stretches of the Douro river, you’ll find legendary vineyards, romantic castles, and walled villages nestled among the hillsides, along with no end of local eateries and cultural treasures to enjoy along the way.

Traditional Portuguese cuisine is simple and delicious yet flavourful and vibrant and as the country boasts over 500 miles of coastline, it is no surprise that seafood steals the spotlight here. Dinners are a long and leisurely affair and fish tacos and fresh clams go down a treat when paired with a glass of fine Portuguese wine.

Today, Portugal is a peaceful country that celebrates its place in history and offers a lot for tourists who stop off while exploring some of the lively towns such as Porto, Fatima, Coimbra, and Lagos. Architecture lovers and history buffs alike will adore the forgotten towns and villages of the Douro Valley. Portugal is a rich tapestry of cultural delights that are just waiting to be explored and our scenic Portuguese river cruises are the perfect way to make everlasting memories with family and friends.

Cruise Director Lale on cruising in Portugal with Riviera River Cruises

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Douro River Cruises

Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon. A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine.

Portugal’s River of Gold

• Request a Quote

Douro’s Valleys & Vineyards

Highlights of douro river cruises.

Portugal famously prospered during its Age of Discovery and you will find monuments to this vibrant era everywhere. Port wine, too, put the nation on the maps of travelers and oenophiles. A Douro cruise with Viking brings it all into sharp focus for you, providing rich insight into fascinating highlights such as these:

• Lisbon’s stunning Manueline architecture
• Lisbon’s Moorish-flavored Alfama District
• Ancient universities in Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain
• Port warehouses of Porto
• Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Scenic vineyard-laden hills along the Douro River
• Vila Real’s extraordinary Mateus Palace
• The hilltop fortress town of Castelo Rodrigo
• The tiny village of Favaios, nestled among picturesque hills
• Port wine tastings at elegant estates

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Douro  river cruises

Journey across Portugal on a luxury Douro river cruise, where picturesque landscapes await.

• destinations
• douro river
• Previous page

Explore the delights of the Douro 

Experience the Iberian Peninsula on board a Douro river cruise. Observe the dramatic landscapes, losing yourself in the vibrant green hills of the Douro Valley, or spend your days relaxing in the Portuguese sunshine.

Uncover rolling vineyards, centuries of history, and bustling cities alike on a Douro river cruise

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your Douro river cruise. Journey from Porto, where the origins of Portugal took shape, and along the river to the Douro Valley to discover famed vineyards, towering cliff faces, and stunning wildlife.

Discover the Douro River  

A vintage heritage.

Portuguese culinary wonders

Portugal through the ages

The stunning Douro Valley

Featured Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Douro river cruises offers  today.

Secrets of the Douro

Explore the charms of Portugal by river

Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Your guide to river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

Portugal river cruises 

Discover the sun-drenched Douro Valley and its famed vineyards, as you sail Portugal’s enchanting Douro River. 

• destinations
• Previous page

Discover the highlights of Portugal’s Douro region  

Feel immersed in the local culture as you uncover the history and fantastic natural landscape of Portugal’s Douro River and Valley. Taste the region’s famous Port wine and explore the vibrant cities of Lisbon, Porto and, Salamanca as well as the charming villages of Régua and Pinhão. 

The highlights of sailing the Douro River

A world of experience

Enlightening experiences await on your Portugal river cruise. Sample Port wine along the Douro River, tour the natural beauty of the Douro Valley, and discover historic art and monuments explaining ancient settlements in the region.

Discover Portugal 

• The Douro Valley

Featured Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Explore our latest Portugal river cruises offers  today.

Secrets of the Douro

Explore the charms of Portugal by river

Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Explore the douro valley with emerald cruises.

Why cruise with Emerald Cruises?

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Sail with small cruise ship experts and benefit from an attentive level of service, as you dock in the heart of exciting destinations that line banks of the Douro River.

Small ship river cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specialise in providing a small cruise ship experience . You’ll notice how measured guest numbers, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of Emerald Radiance offers you a comfortable and luxurious Portugal cruise experience. 

Emerald Radiance

Emerald Radiance is your home away from home, a boutique floating hotel that provides guests with luxurious surrounds, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as the spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck. 

Contemporary suites & staterooms

Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms , there’s a cabin option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out, or you’re longing for cosier accommodation.

EmeraldDISCOVERY

^Optional and available at an additional cost.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your Portugal river cruise should also provide complete peace of mind. This is why we cover all port charges, provide all meals on board and with accompanying beverages, offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities on board and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew, and enjoy tours led by knowledgeable, local guides.

A closer look at Emerald Radiance 

Emerald Radiance is custom-built to sail the waters of the Douro River, guiding you through the twists and turns of the Iberian Peninsula. Revel in your sanctuary, where every finishing touch and elegant flourish has been chosen with care.  

Where we travel

Explore the iconic douro river .

• Europe River Cruising 2024
• Europe River Cruising 2025

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Stay up to date and be inspired

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

The Best River Cruises In All Of Europe, According To Reviews

T ravelers looking to experience a destination usually keep away from ocean cruises, as these massive ships holding thousands of people make it difficult to see the best of a place, so most of what they see is the cruise's deck and buffet line. That's fine for relaxation, but not so great for true exploring. However, that's not the same for river cruises. River cruises offer the best parts of ocean cruises — like easy boarding, inclusive experiences, a crowd of people eager to meet others, and great food — combined with the benefits of a travel-ambitious trip. If you aren't sure  which type of cruise is best for you , it might be time to give the river a chance.

River cruises offer an array of excursions to choose from, so tourgoers can create their own customized trip. As the ship sails, you'll have the opportunity to experience small villages that otherwise wouldn't make it to your itinerary. That's what intrepid adventurers will find on these European adventures, which are undoubtedly some of the best river cruises in the world . Although the river cruise marketplace is a big one, these cruises offer interesting itineraries with one-of-a-kind experiences, excellent value, and high-end accommodations. Let's get started.

Read more: The Best Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations To Visit In The Mediterranean

AmaWaterway - Taste Of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a beautiful epicenter of food, wine, and gastronomic excellence, and that's exactly what cruisers will see — and taste — if they embark on AmaWaterways' seven-day Taste of Bordeaux cruise that travels both the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. The trip heads through Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Cadillac, and Cussac Fort Médoc, and other cities (such as San Sebastián and Bilbao in neighboring Spain) can also be added. On the journey, travelers can expect to hike a vineyard in Libourne, take a tour of a 17th-century citadel recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit a medieval castle that looks largely untouched despite its long history, and, of course, taste plenty of Bordeaux wine. Perhaps the best part of this cruise is its ability to customize, as travelers can choose which excursion they would like to do nearly every day.

The Taste of Bordeaux cruise, which starts at $3,700, earned 4.5 stars on Cruise Critic . One previous customer said, "The only way to describe it is 'marvelous.' The itinerary is filled with great moments. The chateaus, the wine tastings, the scenery." Visitors see the Bordeaux region from the AmaDolce ship, which is specifically tailored to the Taste of Bordeaux cruise with its red-colored lounge as a nod to red wine, a cozy, wood bar perfect for enjoying a glass after a long day, and a chef's table restaurant ideal for bringing French flavors to life.

APT - Magnificent Europe

There's no more efficient way to see the best that this European region has to offer than to take APT's Magnificent Europe cruise, which ventures to 14 destinations along the Rhine and Danube rivers. On this trip, you'll venture to world-famous locales such as Amsterdam, Salzburg, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and many more. The 15-day trip can even be extended further to Prague, making for a total of 19 cities and six countries. No matter which you choose, European charm and excitement await, as most of these cities offer a selection of several excursions such as a gondola ride in Rüdesheim, a visit to Namedy Castle in Andernach, an exploration of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, and a tour of Budapest's many iconic sights, making this cruise the perfect way to admire the beauty of Hungarian capital .

APT has secured several exclusive experiences that only river cruise guests get to enjoy, such as a special "Sound of Music" performance in Salzburg and a private classical concert in Vienna. With all that it has to offer, the trip netted 4.8 stars on Global Journeys , with reviews from nearly 60 customers. "So many wonderful things about this cruise," said one tourgoer. "Some fantastic sights that you stop and see along the way. Highly recommend this to anyone young or old."

A-Rosa Cruises - Seine Culinary Highlights

If you're a wine and food connoisseur, then there's no better way to taste and drink your way along the Seine River than with A-Rosa Cruises' Seine Culinary Highlights tour, an eight-day cruise that starts at 2,047 euros ($2,234) and ventures to Paris, Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys, and Caudebec-en-Caux. Foodies will enjoy two wine tastings prepared by French winemakers, a cheese and oyster tasting paired with wines, a cider tasting, and more. Don't worry; you'll still get to explore the must-see sights of the area when you're not sitting down with a glass.

Tourists can add on excursions of their choice for additional costs, such as a visit to Claude Monet's Giverny home, an evening at a Parisian cabaret in Paradis Latin (which has a stage designed by the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower), an exploration of the City of Light's famed art district Montmartre, and a bike ride through Normandy. No matter which excursions or packages you choose, you'll always have free access to e-bikes, Wi-Fi, the ship's sauna and gym, room service, and drinks and meal buffets. On TourRadar, the cruise earned 4.1 stars through more than 60 reviews.

Avalon Waterways - Active & Discovery On The Rhône

Avalon Waterways' Active & Discovery cruises are designed to take tourgoers off the beaten path and immerse them in travel experiences, and there is plenty of magic waiting on the company's eight-day Rhône cruise that travels to cities such as Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis, and more, for as low as $4,400. Travelers can enjoy one-of-a-kind activities like a tour of public and private terraces of Lyon for amazing panoramic views, a wine tasting inside a cave in the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a demonstration on how essential oils are made inside a Provençal farmhouse, and a class on how to paint in the style of Vincent van Gogh. They can also choose from several excursions each day, creating an individually tailored itinerary for each guest.

The activities will take place in an intimately-sized group, as the ship — the Avalon Poetry II — has just 52 suites and 12 staterooms. Visitors can choose from luxury 200-square-foot suites with panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and delightful balconies, so you can breathe in the Rhône River air whenever you desire. One previous traveler shared that the Avalon Waterways' Active & Discovery on the Rhône cruise was the best river cruise she had ever done, writing on Solo Traveler that "The trip was well paced with excursions that were included in the price of the cruise every morning. I was impressed with the values demonstrated by Avalon Waterways and staff."

CroisiEurope - Hamburg To Berlin: Discover The Medieval Charms Of Hanseatic Cities

If value is what you're after, then you won't find a better river cruise than CroisiEurope's seven-day Hamburg to Berlin: Discover The Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities , which starts at just $1,776 per person. From the MS Elbe Princesse, which has an ambiance that mirrors that of Northern Europe, just 77 passengers can see all that the region has to offer through oversized windows, French balconies, panoramic views, and a sun deck. The view is just the beginning, as tourgoers will explore Berlin, Brandenberg, Magdeburg, Wolfsburg, and Hamburg (among others) up-close on the Elbe River, one of the most important waterways on the continent.

In these famous cities, patrons will enjoy activities like admiring Frederick the Great's former home and garden at Sanssouci Palace, exploring a German amusement park devoted to car innovation, touring Lüneburg, which looks much as it did in medieval times with its classic brick buildings, and taking a guided tour of Hamburg's market, stock exchange, and historic center. The tour has clearly impressed TourRadar  users, who give it 4.3 stars through more than 300 reviews. "A wonderful tour where the staff did all they could to make our experience memorable," said one tourgoer. "The food was amazing and the journey along the Rhine at Christmas something we shall never forget."

Emerald Cruises - Sensations Of Lyons & Provence

Emerald Cruises' Sensations of Lyons & Provence tour winds through Southern France's Rhône and Saône rivers, taking visitors to Lyon, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice, and more, stopping for cheese, wine, and olive oil tastings, along with bike tours, and hikes. The trip starts at $3,245 and takes place aboard the Emerald Liberté, which features a three-floor atrium, a heated pool that transforms i­­­­nto a theater at night, and a variety of suites and cabins to accommodate 180 people. It's also home to Reflections Restaurant, where guests will enjoy their meals, including one presented by French chef Fabien Morreale spotlighting authentic Provençal flavors.

Besides highlighting the fine wine and cuisine that Southern France is known for, the cruise also brings the area's history and culture to life through excursions such as a tour of one of the oldest churches in the country, visits to several UNESCO World Heritage sites (including Roman monuments and the Palais des Papes), an onboard wine tasting featuring local brews, and a bike ride through the gorgeous French countryside. The cruise finishes with a stroll through Arles down the same paths that Vincent van Gogh once walked. The tour has garnered 4 stars on Cruise Critic through over 150 reviews, with customers remarking, "There was an inclusive excursion at every stop, with local top notch tour guides provided. Every town/city was interesting."

Lüftner Cruises - Saar & Moselle Fairytales

If you love wine and chocolate, you can't miss the chance to cruise the region famous for the two along the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar rivers. Lüftner Cruises' eight-day Saar & Moselle Fairytales river cruise will introduce travelers to the German cities of Cologne, Cochem, Saarburg, Saarlouis, Trier, and one of the smallest states on the continent — Luxembourg — all while exploring age-old vineyards, medieval castles, and historic churches aboard the Amadeus Brilliant. The trip starts at just 1,689 euros ($1,846) per person, making for a luxury trip at a great value. Vacationers can then add on excursion packages starting at 152 euros ($165) per person, which include everything from walking tours to chocolate tastings. Plus, excursions can be added on a la carte, so you can completely customize your Lüftner Cruises trip and stick to whichever excursions are best for your desired activity level and budget.

Tourgoers can choose from staterooms with French balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass doors from which to enjoy the German scenery. Once docked, they'll select excursions such as visiting Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, exploring a medieval market and home in Bernkastel-Kues, seeing a 60-foot waterfall in the middle of Saarburg's town center, and tasting German chocolates in Saarlouis. The trip earned 4.5 stars on TourRadar through more than 130 reviews, with comments such as, "A lovely experience! Relaxed ambience, very good cruise directors, wonderful cabin, friendly staff, superb food."

Scenic Luxury Cruises And Tours - Delightful Douro With Madrid

The Douro River is the heartbeat that hums through the north of Portugal, and Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours' Delightful Douro with Madrid river cruise takes explorers through the region via the largest river in the Iberian Peninsula. An 11-day trip that stops in Porto, Régua, Pinhâo, Pocinho, Barca d'Alva, and the Spanish capital of Madrid, this cruise gives tourists the time they need to fall in love with each destination. It all takes place aboard the Scenic Azure, an upscale ship that offers everything from oversized staterooms to suites with private balconies. As the ship can only accommodate up to 96 guests, it offers an intimate and personalized experience that is sure to leave you with newfound friends. There is one staff member for every two guests onboard, so you're bound to have the best customer service that a river cruise can offer.

Starting at $5,360 per person, Delightful Douro offers a range of excursions that suit every activity level and interest. That includes a private concert for river cruise guests at São Francisco Church in Porto, a visit to the charming village of Provesende, the chance to explore the Royal Palace of Madrid, and wine tastings at some of the region's many vineyards. According to TourRadar  users, the trip warrants 4.3 stars thanks to more than 30 positive reviews. Portugal should be on everyone's bucket list , and this cruise is a fabulous excuse to visit.

Tauck - Impressions From The Seine: Paris To Normandy

From the historic beaches of Normandy to the cultural mecca of Paris, there is much to see along the Seine River — and Tauck's Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy gives cruisers a taste of it all. The eight-day cruise, which starts at about $5,000 per person, brings travelers to Versailles, Paris, Normandy, Rouen, Giverny, and Caudebec-en-Caux upon the 98-person ms Sapphire, known for its spacious cabins and suites, some with French balconies opening up to views of the Seine. A whopping 85% of the ship's suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, and 70% of the ship's cabins are 225 square feet or bigger. They even have walk-in closets, so it's easy to look the part for your day in the city, an important part of experiencing Paris like a Parisian . At mealtime, patrons will dine at The Compass Rose, the ms Sapphire onboard restaurant, or Arthur's, a casual onboard eatery.

Patrons will enjoy offerings unique to Tauck, like dining at a private château in Normandy and exploring Monet's former home and garden while no other tourists are present. Customers can also look forward to taking a tour of Louis XIV's Versailles, seeing Joan of Arc Square, and tasting cider and Calvados at a Normandy farm. The trip received 4.2 stars on Travelstride , and a traveler who took the cruise during the pandemic took to Tripadvisor to say that "Their local guides were very informative and highly personable."

Uniworld River Cruises - Enchanting Danube

The modern nations of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia don't just comprise part of Central Europe — they also mark the center of important international history, all culminating around the Danube River. On Uniworld River Cruises' Enchanting Danube cruise, cruisers will learn this history from a front-seat view and receive local insight and unprecedented access, as the trip offers exclusive experiences like a private viewing of the Kunstkammer Vienna museum artworks. That's likely part of the reason that the cruise has garnered acclaim from reviewers on sites such as TourRadar , on which the cruise earned 4.7 stars. "An amazing holiday," said one reviewer, "Organization, staff, food and excursions were all wonderful and we will definitely book another cruise with Uniworld."

The Enchanting Danube cruise, which starts at $3,000 and lasts eight days with an option to extend one more day to Prague, heads to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Dürnstein, Melk, Linz, and Passau. It includes all meals, unlimited drinks (including alcohol), excursions every day, and accommodations inside the S.S. Maria Theresa or the S.S. Beatrice. No matter which ship you take, both offer rooms with 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and a menu of pillow options. When you're not enjoying the room's luxuries, expect activities like a visit to Budapest's Franz Liszt Academy, a hike to beautiful Bratislava Castle, a wine tasting at the oldest winery in Austria, and a hike along the banks of the Ilz River.

Viking River Cruises - Portugal's River Of Gold

Portugal is a mix of the old and the new, thanks to its happening restaurants and innovative art galleries that combine seamlessly with historic sites, traditional recipes, and unbeatable winemaking methods. On Viking River Cruises' 10-day Portugal's River of Gold cruise, which travels along the Douro River and also stops in Spain, patrons will see this Portuguese and Spanish culture in action from the view of a "baby longship." These ships are smaller than Viking's other ships because of Portuguese rules, but visitors can still enjoy features like Scandinavian-style décor and floor-to-ceiling views of the Douro River. The cruise garnered 4.4 stars on Cruise Critic with customers saying things like, "The only thing bad I can say was that it ended too soon." The cruise line is also one of the best for a romantic couples getaway, according to reviews . 

The $4,000 cruise takes patrons through Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal; Porto, the birthplace of Port wine and a spiritual epicenter; Pinhâo, a laid-back Portuguese village; Barca d'Alva, a river town near the Spanish border; and Salamanca, a Spanish city over the border that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the cruise's stops, visitors will head to Mateus Palace for a wine tasting, learn how Port wine is made, check out a medieval fortress, explore a sacred town and admire a Baroque-style chapel, and experience the "Golden Age of Discovery" at structures like the Jerónimos Monastery.

Methodology

With stunning rivers such as the Rhône, Seine, Danube, Douro, Elbe, and more, the European river cruise scene is a vast one, with countless companies and ships to choose from. We explored the market to determine the best of the best based on customer reviews (all of these cruises have more than 4 stars on river cruise review websites), itineraries (all offer busy itineraries with tons of options to suit any traveler), value, and luxury, as these all showcase high-end experiences to make your vacation memorable. Websites like Tripadvisor, Cruise Critic, TourRadar and more were used for further confirmation of quality.

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Portugal River Cruises

Explore the wonders of Portugal with its’ proud history and exquisite port wines, on your 5-star Douro River river cruise. 

• Destinations
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 Capture your sense of imagination 

From uncovering rich cultures and World Heritage-listed sites to marvelling at hilltop wine estates, experience the pristine beauty of Portugal.

A truly timeless place awaits, to discover the hidden gems of the Douro Valley 

From discovering the historic treasures and delicious local produce in Porto, to admiring the prehistoric rock art sites of the Côa Valley spend your days immersed in the beauty that Portugal has to offer.

Discover Portugal

• Experiences

An enchanted world where you'll experience extraordinary moments

Why travel on a scenic portugal river cruise  .

Our ultra-luxury Scenic Azure Space-Ship has been designed to be the ultimate 5-star ultra-luxury river cruise experience of a lifetime for up to only 96 guests. Designed to take you to extraordinary regions, allowing you to relax and unwind as you explore multiple magical towns and cities with ease, an all-inclusive Scenic journey will inspire and excite you.

Innovative Scenic Space-Ship

Our 5-star ship, the Scenic Azure, has set the standard for ultra-luxury river cruising on the Douro. It has an abundance of premium experiences and luxurious outdoor, dining, and wellness areas for only up to 96 guests, along with an almost 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio. It features spacious suites, a Vitality Pool, and the ability to dock in the heart of towns, allowing you to more time to explore onshore. 

  Find out more

Luxurious Suites

Our generously sized suites are elegantly appointed with premium amenities, including a queen-size Scenic Slumber bed and pillow menu. The Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites on Scenic Azure feature our Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways - so you can relax and view Portuguese the way of life as you cruise by. 

Find out more

Up to 5 Dining Options

Whether you prefer fine dining, a relaxed café setting or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delectable options to suit your tastes and mood. Premium international beverages^ – wine, beer, cocktails, spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavours of the region prepared by our innovative chefs. 

Scenic Freechoice

Personalise your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on unique excursions in Portugal. Whether it’s wandering the elegant town of Lamego with its many fine Baroque structures or sampling flavours in the Côa Valley and visiting Casa Painova for a tasting of their almond, olive and fruit products, the choice is yours. 

Scenic Enrich

Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to our guests and place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. From witnessing a private concert at the beautiful São Francisco Church, to wandering the quaint streets of Provesende with locals, these carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey. 

Featured Itineraries

Delightful Douro

The soul of Portugal

Unforgettable Douro

A truly timeless place

Unforgettable Douro & Gems of the Seine

Glimpse back at time gone by

Where we travel in

• Europe River Cruising 2025
• Your Guide to Europe River Cruising

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Your guide to cruising Portugal  

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17 of the most beautiful Portugal holiday destinations for your next getaway

These stunning escape-to-the-sun hotspots should be on your must-visit Portugal holiday destinations list

Much like Spain and Greece 's top places to visit, Portugal's best beauty spots are well worth adding to your bucket list. For a cultural buzz on sun-soaked streets, head to Lisbon. The Portuguese capital offers historic architecture, authentic fare, traditional museums and contemporary hotels aplenty; don't forget to take in the sites on the city's famous yellow trams, too.

Meanwhile, wine-lovers and foodies should plan a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Porto and the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards and mountain-scapes meet traditional architecture and delightful food markets.

Sun-seekers will love the vast stretches of beaches in the Algarve , that also makes a fantastic getaway for golfing fans, as well as cycling and walking enthusiasts.

And anyone looking for a rustic, authentic experience should head to Alentejo, home to medieval villages and farm-to-fork eateries. Our insider tip? The chic, boho crowd heads to the low-key yet luxe coastal retreat of Comporta for top-notch seafood and vast swathes of powdery sand. We highly recommend you do the same.

We've rounded up the top Portugal holiday destinations below so you can start planning your next adventure – and where to stay when you get there. Suitcases at the ready...

Just a short three-hour flight will land you in Portugal’s famed capital city of Lisbon. An urban paradise that's brimming with culture, history and even more fascinating scenery, this is a city break destination that should be right at the top of your travel bucket list.

Be sure to stop off at Lisbon’s main square, where you can view some beautiful Portuguese architecture and head through the ‘Door to Lisbon’, which leads to the true heart of the city. Here, you’ll find authentic restaurants, boutique shops and traditional museums to visit.

Jump aboard one of Lisbon’s famous yellow 1930s 'Remodelado' trams to take an adventure up and over the rolling hills – it’s a great way to see the city in all its glory. Be sure to stop off in the area of Alfama, famed as one of the best neighbourhoods in the city for architecture and sunsets.

What also makes Lisbon such a perfect getaway is its proximity to some of the beautiful, quaint coastal towns and villages just a short half-hour train journey out of the city centre, such as Cascais and Tavira.

Where to stay: The Palácio Ludovice is Lisbon’s exclusive wine experience hotel, which is the perfect destination if you're looking for a place to stay in the heart of Lisbon to explore the true spirit of the city. The former private residence of João Federico Ludovice, architect to King João V in the 18th century, it boasts 61 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as an elegant courtyard restaurant, Caudalie spa and gym. It's right between the Chiado, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighbourhoods, facing the beautiful panoramic views of the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint and the emblematic Glória Tram.

The island of Madeira boasts beautiful natural surroundings, from staggering mountains to idyllic coastlines. On the same latitude as Morocco, the island has a sub-tropical climate and rich volcanic soil. Its unique ecosystem means that it is one of the only places in the world where banana trees grow next to vineyards. Little wonder, then, that it's often referred to as the ' floating garden of the Atlantic'.

The lifestyle on the island centres around nature, adventure and outdoor activities, which suits Madeira’s warm and mild climate. You can expect sun and clear skies all year round: well-known as a popular summer destination, Madeira is equally as enticing in the winter months, with something to offer every traveller.

Looking for an active Portugal holiday destination? You won't be disappointed, with rugged mountains lending themselves perfectly to biking routes, golf courses with stunning panoramic views and walking trails, such as a hike through the beautiful Laurissilva forest.

You can also discover the region’s many ‘Levadas’, small irrigation canals which weave in and around the mountains of Madeira. Plus, a visit to this island would not be complete without a trip to the warm waters, dive sites and long sandy beaches of Porto Santo.

Where to stay: Madeira is famed for its wellness attributes due to its mineral-rich volcanic soil, clean, clear waters and unique ecosystem – so there is no better place to enjoy a well-deserved break at one of the island's many spa resorts, such as The Cliff Bay . The recently refurbished five-star hotel has direct access to the sea, epic views over the bay of Funchal, a two Michelin star restaurant and beautiful gardens to explore.

Alternatively, you can explore Madeira on Good Housekeeping 's exclusive eight-day tour of the island during the wonderful Flower Festival every May . The itinerary also includes visits to the Funchal Botanical Gardens and the Quinta do Arco Rose Garden, a vineyard tour with wine tasting, and a stay in a five-star hotel just outside of Funchal, where you can kick back in the bar, sauna, gym or one of the hotel's two swimming pools after a busy day exploring. You can book ahead now to secure your spot for 2025.

Historically a refuge for Portuguese nobility during WWII, and now an elegant blend of 19th-century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm, Cascais is a paradise for those seeking endless culture, sun and sand.

The historic wealth of Cascais’ royal past is still visible on every winding cobbled street, with grand palaces and extravagant villas dotted in between chic boutiques and classic eateries.

An as-yet-undiscovered region of Portugal that is just 20 minutes by train from the capital of Lisbon, the charming cultural town of Cascais and neighbouring palatial Sintra offer a welcome escape for a more refined, relaxed break.

Experiences not to be missed include: the casino that inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, the world-famous gelato shop Santini, and sailing, golfing, water sports, museums, and countless seaside walks showcasing the beauty of Portugal. It’s easy to take a day trip into Lisbon, too, or venture out to the fairytale palaces of nearby Sintra – just be sure to take the coastal route for scenic views.

Where to stay: Check into Onyria Marinha , a family-friendly boutique hotel ideally located close to the area's attractions and sites. Little ones will be well taken-care-of at the Kids Club, while adults enjoy some well-deserved 'me time' between the spa and 18-hole golf course before embarking on a tour of the region.

If you’re looking to get away from it all in an off-the-beaten-track location, Sagres, on the westernmost tip of the Algarve, is just the ticket. It’s a haven for surfers and walkers, and is rugged, wild and windswept.

Take in the local sights, including Baleeira Harbour, Mareta Beach view, Praça da República, Sagres Fortress monument and St. Vincent Cape. Cycle on the Ecovia trail to discover the natural marvels of the region, including the lush greenery of the Costa Vicentina Nature Park, the birdwatching haven of the Alvor Estuary and the majestic cliffs of Sagres Point.

And walkers can explore the Via Algarviana trails . The route crosses 11 of the 16 municipalities of the region, offering the chance to discover the diverse natural landscapes and culture by foot.

Where to stay: Located on the western tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts ’ flagship Sagres hotel has something for everyone, with kids clubs and a huge variety of activities ranging from cycling to surfing. It's spread out over 220,000 square metres and boasts its own access to a 700m beach.

Otherwise, if you have an eye on the budget, Memmo Baleeira is a great affordable option for couples and solo travellers who still want the luxury of staying just a few meters from the beach.

Alentejo is an intriguing mountainous region steeped in culture and ‘off the beaten track’ gems to explore. Boasting both mountains and a rugged coastline adorned with coves, Alentejo really is the adventurer's and surfer’s dream. It's also home to many historic, medieval towns and villages such as Evora and Elvas, now recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with unique museums, architecture and restaurants.

Take a day trip to the laid-back locale of Comporta, a protected nature reserve and fisherman’s village that offers oyster farms, local markets, river sunsets and horse riding. Enjoy the walking trails of Rota Vicentina spreading across the fields and mountain ranges of the region and the Vicentine Coast, including highlights such as The Historical Way and The Fishermen’s Trail. Alternatively, for bike lovers, the Rota Vicentina offers a network of dedicated cycle routes.

Where to stay: While in the region, stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova , located in Albernoa, Beja, in the heart of the Baixo Alentejo region. This lovely Relais & Chateaux hotel and winery seamlessly combines contemporary style with unique traditions, offering activities such as a romantic picnic in the vineyards, chocolate tasting and bread baking.

The Comporta region, with its hippy-chic atmosphere, is located just one hour south of Lisbon at the base of the Troia Peninsula.

This picturesque Portugal holiday destination is made up of seven sleepy villages offering a beautiful, laid-back and low-key beach escape with 12km of pristine sand.

A longtime favourite holiday destination for locals, Comporta is now slowly becoming known and loved by the international set, including a number of designers, such as Christian Louboutin. This is due mainly to its simple charm and magical landscapes of rice fields and pine forests, thatched cottages and long unspoilt golden sandy beaches.

You can soak up sunsets and views over stretches of fine sand watching dolphins playing in the surf while enjoying locally-caught seafood at rustic beach shacks. Bliss.

Where to stay: Don't miss Sublime Comporta , a luxury eco-lodge where the natural environment meets contemporary design. Sandwiched between miles of empty white sandy beaches and the Sado River estuary, it’s hard to believe that this is Europe. Describing itself as a country house retreat, Sublime sits in its own 17-hectare estate, with the suites and villas scattered among pine and cork trees and drifting swathes of wild flowers.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto is a city not to be missed off your bucket list for a whirlwind trip of culture, adventure, relaxation and food. If you're short on time, Porto has it all in one place. With sprawling food markets, laid back Douro River cruises and stunning architecture, there's never a shortage of places to explore and things to do.

Sitting in the Mediterranean weather belt, the city boasts plenty of dry and pleasant days. Famed worldwide for its port, wine and culinary delights, a visit to WOW, World of Wine , in Porto is a must. WOW pays homage to the region, and shines a light on the most important Portuguese industries and traditions. It's an entire district full of new and exciting things to do, explore, and learn with nine restaurants, shops, exhibitions and events.

Plus, a great way to see the region is by taking the luxurious Presidential Train . Built in 1870, the Presidential Train carried presidents, heads of state, Kings and popes for over a century. Today, you can enjoy an unforgettable journey from the city of Porto, through the stunning countryside stopping off at vineyards and staying in boutique hotels along the way.

Where to stay: Look down over the historic city from your terrace at The Yeatman , a five-star spa hotel offering upscale gastronomy and local wines.

NEYA Porto Hotel is also an excellent pick if you're looking for an affordable, modern and comfortable sport in the centre of town.

Douro Valley

Porto is the gateway to the Douro Valley, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a lovely idea to combine a break to Porto with a longer stay in the Douro Valley. An epicurean paradise, the sun-dappled mountainscape is the oldest wine-making region in the world, and makes for a stunning Portugal holiday destination.

Take a cruise along the river, which winds lazily through verdant vine-enhanced terraces. Or take to the water in a canoe or by water skiing. You can also enjoy cycling through the countryside, forest hikes and picnics in the woods. There's culture to be soaked up, too.

Start at Vila Nova de Gaia with a visit to the lodges where Port wine is aged. Or head to the Peso da Régua to visit the Douro Museum to learn more about the region. And don't miss Lamego, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal, located at the base of an immense blue and white tiled flight of steps leading to the Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédi.

Where to stay: Drop your bags off at Octant Douro , a contemporary, design-led hotel that blends into its surroundings and offers sweeping views across the Douro River. Embedded within spectacular scenery from every angle, the spa hotel is flooded with natural light and offers a menu of treatments, sessions with visiting practitioners, immersive dining experiences and exclusive boat excursions. Boasting a Michelin-starred chef, the hotel is a must-visit for food and wine lovers, too.

Alternatively, taste the wines of the Douro during Good Housekeeping 's relaxing eight-day river cruise in autumn, when you can also take part in the harvest, picking grapes and crushing them by foot.

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Rugged red cliffs, stretches of golden beaches, delicious local cuisine and beautiful traditional villages: this is what the Algarve is famous for.

The southernmost region of Portugal, it enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the most popular Portuguese spots for UK travellers. The region's capital, Faro, is a diverse and intriguing city. Steeped in history, the charming old town is surrounded by ancient city walls, while the pretty city centre is filled with pedestrianised shopping streets and peaceful plazas.

The city is also the gateway to the Ria Formosa nature park, a series of saltwater lagoons and mudflats that are a haven for migratory birds and wildlife.

Beyond the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, which are the location of Faro’s pristine beaches, along with traditional fishing communities. Explore nearby towns of Olhão and Loulé, both famous for their markets to experience a truly cultural stay in the Algarve.

Where to stay: Surrounded by citrus trees, pink bougainvillaea and olive groves sits Octant Vila Monte in an unspoilt corner of the Algarve, around a 20-minute drive from Faro. It's the epitome of boho chic with an array of beautifully designed luxury suites and rooms. The design takes its cues from traditional Algarve architecture with whitewashed walls, wooden trusses and rustic roof terraces. Just a stone’s throw away from Faro, and the quieter fishing village of Olhão, it's a destination for all generations.

This lovely town on the sparkling Bay of Cascais offers the best of both worlds – it’s a place where you can really get away from it all by the seaside, but it’s also just a short and easy hop from all the culture and other lures of Lisbon.

If you have a hire car, it’s a 40-minute drive west of the capital, or there are great-value trains from Cais do Sodré station by Lisbon's waterfront every 10-20 minutes, taking 30-40 minutes and offering glorious river and sea views as you travel.

Estoril itself has uncrowded beaches (Tamariz being the most popular), a pretty promenade to stroll, coastal paths perfect for bike rides, tennis courts and golf courses, while local culture can be ferreted out in its various art galleries and museums. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Casino Estoril, either, while surfers should head to the nearby Praia do Quincho, one of the most famous beaches in Portugal.

Where to stay: Relax on the Portuguese coast with Good Housekeeping 's exclusive four-night yoga break at the Palácio Estoril , a glamorous grand hotel that opened in the 1930s. It's ideally located for the beaches as well as being fantastic for a spot of self care. The GH package offers the best of both worlds, with private yoga classes and spoiling treatments at the three-storey Banyan Tree spa, as well as plenty of free time to explore the region.

Quinta do Lago

Golf fanatics are well-catered-for in Portugal, and you can play a round on one of the stunning courses in the exclusive ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Algarve: Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lago.

Set among 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and just a 15-minute drive from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of Europe’s elite golf, sports and family destinations for nearly five decades and features a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities.

As well as three 18-hole championship golf courses and outstanding practice facilities, you can enjoy an array of sports at the state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to train and live well.

Complementing the facilities is a choice of 13 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines, including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and UMAMI, the resort’s first Asian restaurant. What's more, you might even spot some celebrities, with everyone from Wayne Rooney to Madonna having visited the resort.

Where to stay: Paying homage to the iconic vintage motel, The Magnolia Hotel brings a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve. It's ideal for families, couples and solo travellers of all ages, set in the heart of the resort and a perfect base for enjoying everything from water sports on the lake to cycle rides through the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Vila Real de Santo António

There’s a reason the Algarve is a perennial holiday favourite for tourists – as well as sunny Atlantic-facing beaches, golf courses and buzzy marinas, it has charming towns, such as Vila Real de Santo António, a traditional Portuguese fishing town directly opposite the Spanish border.

Spain is just over the Guadiana River and you’ll be able to hop on a ferry to the town of Ayamonte if you fancy swapping country for the day. A 20-minute drive west is the equally attractive Algarve destination of Cacela Velha, a tiny hilltop village.

But there's much to see in the town itself, too. Think typical Pombaline-styled buildings, a grand central plaza, as well as pristine pine forests (home to the Mediterranean chameleon) that lead to beautiful deserted beaches.

Where to stay: For a hotel that lives up to its striking surroundings, book a stay at Pousada Vila Real de Santo Antonio , which has all the stucco ceilings, parquet floors, vintage tiling and wrought-iron details you could hope for. Housed across four historic buildings in one of the prettiest squares around, these old Customs Offices have been transformed into a stylish design-led hotspot boasting three pools – including one on the rooftop.

For an Atlantic adventure, this is the far-flung archipelago for you, with islands that have emerald-green cliffs, quiet fishing villages and spectacular landscapes. The largest of the nine islands is São Miguel, known for its volcanic peaks, cedar forests, crater lakes and tea plantation. Also known as 'the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic', the Azores are an excellent destination for whale-watching, sailing, canyoning, water-sports, diving and, of course, hiking – the coastal trails in particular are truly magnificent. Three of the islands, Corvo, Flores and Graciosa, have been decreed biospheres by UNESCO. Where to stay: Enjoy the Azores’ subtropical climate at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort , on its namesake beach in São Miguel. As the name suggests, the retreat aims to be as sustainable as possible, with natural materials such as cork and bamboo used in the construction.

The former capital Coimbra is a university town on the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, roughly mid-way between Porto and Lisbon. The medieval old town is the highlight, but the ancient university is rather special, too – it has a baroque library and a bell tower that dates back to the 18th century. The university was founded in 1290 and it’s rumoured to have formed some of the inspiration for Hogwarts. The historic quarter also has a Romanesque cathedral that was built in the 12th century.

Indeed, many think of Coimbra as a mini-Lisbon, offering all the excitement and intrigue of a city but without the madding crowds. Make sure to take some time wandering the mazes of narrow streets, savouring local delicacies at tiny tascas (budget eateries), enjoying the authentic vibes at the vibrant Mercado Municipal market, visiting the Machado de Castro Museum and by night, listening to some authentic fado folk music in a club or on a street corner.

Where to stay: Tivoli Coimbra Hotel is perfectly placed for guests who want to explore Coimbra’s old town – you’ll be within walking distance of most of the major sights. And helpfully, it has a coffee shop to ensure you’re suitably caffeinated for the day ahead.

In the province of Estremadura, Óbidos is a little over an hour’s drive north of Lisbon. The picturesque medieval town has been perfectly preserved, with a castle within the city walls and a labyrinth of whitewashed houses and winding streets to happily lose yourself in. There are several churches to visit, as well as an aqueduct beyond the walls. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a restaurant to try bouillabaisse made with fish from the lagoon, washed down with wine from Oeste; or try the region’s sour-cherry brandy. The town hosts events all year round, from a chocolate festival to open-air concerts come summer. And this close to the Atlantic, you’re never far from a gorgeous beach – even the golf courses overlook the ocean. Where to stay: Spend the night in an ancient castle (only one with WiFi and room service) by checking in to Pousada Castelo de Obidos . Steeped in more than 1,000 years of history, it features medieval elements from the 9th century as well as a seriously romantic restaurant.

Alternatively, for something a little more modern, try the nearby Casa das Senhoras Rainhas . It's located within the medieval walls of Óbidos, has just 15 rooms and boasts classical-mannerist architecture and great views.

Peneda-Gerês

Portugal only has one national park: Peneda-Gerês, close to the Spanish border in the country’s far north. Visitors can call in at small towns such as Soajo in Arcos de Valdedez, with traditional stone barns that are a few centuries old. The hilly landscape is home to golden eagles, wild horses, wolves and deer. Other highlights include a hiking trail along a Roman road, the spa town of Gerês and the village of Lindoso, which has a medieval castle and more of the region’s famous stone granaries. Where to stay: Pousadela Village is a collection of guesthouses within the national park, designed to respect local history and crafts, as well as the surrounding nature. It’s about 60 miles from Porto’s airport.

The Algarve’s ancient capital, Silves was a stronghold and trading hub during the Moorish era. The pretty town has narrow cobbled streets leading to its cathedral, a castle and a harbour to explore – or you can just enjoy the atmosphere from one of the alfresco cafes. Within the municipality is Armarção de Pêra, a popular resort town with a fortress that was built in 1667. It was initially a fishing community, with a wide bay and smaller coves below the region’s signature ochre sandstone cliffs. Where to stay: Vila Vita Parc is one of the finest hotels in the Algarve, not least because of its impressive wine cellar. It’s also home to several restaurants, one of which has two Michelin stars, another that's a breezy eatery down by the beach, and one where you’ll be serenaded by Fado singers. Plus, the resort has a Sisley spa and a swim-up bar. What more could you wish for?

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River Cruises from Porto

A cruise starting in Porto is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 29 cruises that range from 6 days up to 11 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Porto is July.

29 Porto river cruises with 47 reviews

• River Cruise

Douro Experience 2024 (9 destinations)

Beautiful ship, great staff, fantastic food. Bus drivers great & careful drivers.

Gems of the Douro (Port to Port Cruise)

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Lisbon, 2024)

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2025) (Porto to Lisbon, 2025)

Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)

Room on top level wonderful. Meals good. Everything was A-1. Loved the folkloric dances the last night.

• Wine tasting

The Douro River, the spirit of Portugal (port-to-port cruise)

The saving grace of the trip was the great quality of the staff.

Douro Experience 2024 (8 destinations)

Picturesque Solo Douro Tour

Spectacular vineyards

Enticing Douro 2024

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

• Christmas & New Year

Enticing Douro 2025

Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Porto, 2024)

Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)

Amazing tour..well organised and run. Nothing was too much for the staff.

What people love about River Cruise Tours from Porto

A very pleasant 8 day experience but really more like a five day cruise. The cruise information was incomplete, leaving out interesting opportunities along the way (Port museums and prehistoric rock art,) most particularly an excursion to Salamanca, which turned out to be a highlight for us. The food was good but not as interesting as Portuguese restaurants in Porto or even at home in Canada.

Staff were fun, solicitous and helpful. Room on top level wonderful. Meals good. Everything was A-1. Loved the folkloric dances the last night.

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River cruise from porto.

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6 Regions Around the World Best Seen on a River Cruise

River cruising has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two decades in part because it’s a more convenient alternative to land-based bus tours. Your home-away-from-home moves with you over the course of a week or longer, meaning you unpack only once while exploring a variety of exciting cities and enchanting small towns. You’ll also enjoy superb onboard cuisine and get to know your fellow cruisers. Of course, this is only possible where rivers flow and cruise lines sail, so here’s a look at six regions around the world best seen on a river cruise.

Cambodia & Vietnam

Flowing for almost 3,000 miles through Southeast Asia, the mighty Mekong is a living mosaic of century-spanning sights, from lavish palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Site temples to ramshackle villages and surreally green rice paddies. Most Mekong River cruises sail between Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August to April, since low river levels and hot weather make May to July difficult for travel.

Highlights of these cruises, which range from seven to 13 nights, include the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, with its Silver Pagoda and sobering genocide museum detailing the “Killing Fields” era of the 1970s Pol Pot regime. Cambodia’s more mystical destination is Angkor Wat, the superbly carved stone temple complex outside of Siem Reap built as early as the 9th century. 

In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest city, sometimes still referred to as Saigon, is a mix of French-colonial architecture, Parisian-style boulevards, stunning pagodas, and modern skyscrapers. Smaller villages along the Mekong’s Vietnamese side offer a look at the daily life of farmers, fishermen, and handicraft makers, complete with floating markets and rickshaws.

Which river lines cruise Cambodia & Vietnam?

AmaWaterways, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Uniworld, and Viking.

The allure of cruising the Nile River to see the temples of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel in southern Egypt is undeniable. Add on a few nights in Cairo to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum before or after your seven-night cruise and it’s a truly bucket-list trip for anyone fascinated by ancient history.

There are just a handful of primary ports on most Nile River cruises. After arriving in Cairo, you’ll fly to Luxor to board your ship, which will be notably smaller than those sailing the major rivers of Europe. From Luxor, you’ll visit the riverfront temples of Karnak and Luxor and delve into the lore of King Tut and Queen Hatshepsut. More ancient treasures wait in Edfu and Qena. In Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, you’ll gaze out on mesmerizing desert landscapes that frame lush mid-river islands, visit the two-mile-wide Aswan High Dam, or enjoy an Abu Simbal excursion to see the two massive rock-cut temples.

Which river lines cruise Egypt?

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, and Viking.

Cruising the Amazon River is an altogether unique experience, more wildlife safari and rainforest immersion than history lesson. While small luxury cruise ships can explore the river’s larger sections from the Atlantic Ocean to Manaus, Brazil, it’s the Peruvian Amazon that takes center stage for luxury river cruises lasting three, four, or seven nights. Here, on meandering tributaries, these vessels, typically accommodating no more than 30 to 40 guests, get into the heart of the Amazon from the city of Iquitos.

Each day is an adventure as you explore with a guide in a motorized skiff. You’ll spy on monkeys and sloths in the treetops and watch pink-hued river dolphins swim through the greenish-brown water. Hiking along verdant trails, you’ll spot tiny poisonous tree frogs and later enjoy a Champagne toast amid a picturesque quilt of water lilies at sunset. You may also fish for carnivorous piranha by day and search for giant anacondas after dark. 

Which river lines cruise The Amazon?

Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Lindblad Expeditions, and Uniworld.

The Mississippi

If cruising closer to home appeals, it doesn’t get any closer than this. The Mississippi River , which winds its way for 2,340 miles through 10 states, from Louisiana in the south to Minnesota in the north, is a terrific option that will immerse you in the history, music, food, and architecture of America’s Heartland. 

Some vessels are sleek river ships while others are retro-inspired paddle wheelers. If you have 15 days, you can cruise the river’s entire length, from New Orleans to St. Paul (or vice versa). You can also opt for a Lower Mississippi or Upper Mississippi sailing that lasts seven to nine days. With the former, you can do a New Orleans roundtrip and visit historic cities in Mississippi and Louisiana that include Natchez, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville, or add on Memphis, Tennessee, with a one-way itinerary to or from New Orleans. On an Upper Mississippi sailing, you’ll start in either St. Louis or St. Paul and visit riverfront cities such as Hannibal, Missouri; Davenport, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Red Wing, Minnesota. Which section you choose will dictate when you go, since Upper Mississippi and Full Mississippi sailings are only offered from June to October while Lower Mississippi itineraries are year-round.

Which river lines cruise the Mississippi?

American Cruise Lines and Viking.

Central Europe

No other region is home to as many navigable rivers and must-see historic cities, from Amsterdam, Antwerp, Vienna, and Cologne in the north to Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Porto in the west. In Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Portugal rivers connect these vibrant cities with dozens of smaller towns featuring landmark castles, lavish cathedrals, and charming old towns. 

Central Europe’s top rivers include the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro, and Danube. Dozens of cruise itineraries along these waterways immerse you in history, culinary traditions, wine-making, art, architecture, and natural beauty. Picture a living mosaic of tulips in April along the waterways of Belgium and Holland or gliding past the terraced vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley during the grape harvest in September. Mix history and art as you explore rogue papacies, Roman amphitheaters, and French wine along the Rhone in the South of France or tour the palaces and cathedrals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the Danube.

What can you expect on each river? Here’s an intro:

The  Danube , which flows through 10 countries from southern Germany to the Black Sea, is ideal for anyone with an interest in history, art, and architecture. On an Upper Danube itinerary, you’ll  visit capital cities  Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava (Slovakia), as well as smaller Austrian cities and towns like Linz, Durnstein, and Melk. Day trips to lofty Salzburg or the picturesque Czech town of Cesky Krumlov are also possible. Most cruises begin or end in the Bavaria region of Germany, so a stay in Munich can cap off the trip.

The  Rhine , which begins in the Swiss Alps and runs to the North Sea near Rotterdam, offers views of storybook castles and vineyards set against a backdrop that is among the most stunning in river cruising. Cities on a Rhine itinerary can include Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France; Cologne, Germany; and Amsterdam. In between are wine-making hamlets such as Rüdesheim am Rhein and Bamberg in Germany, plus scenic Kinderdijk in the Netherlands, home to centuries-old windmills.

The  Rhone , which meanders from food-centric Lyon all the way to the Mediterranean in the South of France, is chock full of delights. These include the Roman arena and medieval streets of Arles (also famous as the setting for some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most notable paintings), the papal intrigue of Avignon, the wine-making excellence around Tournon-sur-Rhône, and the truffle treasures of Viviers. 

The  Seine , which flows north through Paris to the English Channel, is equally intriguing, especially to history buffs and art lovers. On these cruises, you can explore the museums and landmarks of the French capital, wander Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and see buildings and landscapes painted by Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise (where he’s also buried). You can also walk the medieval streets of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake and Monet painted the Gothic cathedral, before visiting Honfleur, a seaside hamlet favored by Impressionists, as well as the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery, resting place of 9,387 fallen soldiers.

The  Dordogne and Garonne rivers , located in the Bordeaux wine-making region of France, offer a heady immersion for oenophiles — from the historic bustle of the city of Bordeaux to the bucolic ambiance of wine-making hamlets such as St.-Emilion, Pauillac, and Cadillac.

The  Douro River  in northern Portugal is another mecca for  wine lovers . Riverboats cruise from atmospheric Porto, home to historic port wine cellars, to small towns such as Pinhão and Régua, set amid pastoral hillside vineyards.

Central Europe also has two lesser-known rivers. The  Elbe River  flows through the former East Germany and offers access to Berlin, Potsdam, and Dresden, as well as nearby Prague in the Czech Republic. The waterways of  Holland and Belgium  attract garden lovers each spring with millions of tulips, historic windmills, and the chocolate and beer abundant in Belgian cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges.

Which river lines cruise Central Europe?

Check out AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Riverside, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.

Eastern Europe

While exploring Central Europe is more popular, Eastern Europe has plenty to offer in the way of lesser-known but history-rich countries like Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The Danube River passes through all six and Lower Danube itineraries generally begin in Budapest, Hungary, and end in Bucharest, Romania (or vice versa). 

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

In Hungary, the contrast between the stately architecture of Budapest and the port of Kalocsa couldn’t be greater. Known for paprika production and embroidered handicrafts, this city and its surrounding countryside are also the place to experience cowboy culture (the energetic but touristy Puszta Horse Show is a popular excursion) and the Hajós-Baja wine region (Hungarian wines are quite good, so wine-tasting is a commendable option).

Croatia, which most people know for its historic ports on the Adriatic coast, also has a port on the Danube. Vukovar is the gateway to Osijek, located about 45 minutes away. Both cities were heavily damaged during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, but many buildings in Osijek’s historic Baroque center were spared or have been restored. Here you can visit the Church of St. Peter and Paul with its 295-foot steeple and pedestrian-only Holy Trinity Square in the Old Town known as Tvrda.

Belgrade, the former capital of Yugoslavia and current capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Its architecture ranges from charming 17th-century buildings set on the cobblestone streets of Old Town (a short stroll from the port) to dour Communist block structures. Don’t miss the Belgrade Fortress (it was destroyed 40 times, and what remains is mainly from the Ottoman period), the Nikola Tesla Museum, and the massive Church of Saint Sava with its lavish gilded crypt. 

Bulgaria may offer up the most surprises. One of the region’s least wealthy countries, it is full of scenic beauty and unique sights. River ships call on Vidin, home to Fortress Bab Vida, for excursions to the striking, red-hued Belogradchick Rocks. You’ll also call on Ruse for an all-day scenic excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval town and fortress built into the cliffs of the Yantra River. Back on the Danube, you’ll marvel at the Iron Gates, a series of gorges that are one of Europe’s natural wonders, as you cruise through them.

You’ll board or disembark your cruise about an hour outside of the Romanian capital. Bucharest is a city of contrasts, known as the “Paris of the East” for its stately boulevards (it even has an Arc de Triomphe). It's also home to the massive Palace of the Parliament, built by notorious mid-20th-century dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Many cruisers also add on pre- or post-cruise tour to the historic towns and castles of nearby Transylvania.

Which river lines cruise Eastern Europe?

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, and Viking.

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36 Hours in Porto, Portugal

By Seth Sherwood May 30, 2024

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By Seth Sherwood Photographs by Matilde Viegas

Seth Sherwood, based in Paris, is a longtime contributor to the Travel section who has been writing about Portugal since 2006.

First Lisbon; now Porto. The whole world seems to have fallen in love lately with the nearby beaches, old churches, seafood-heavy cuisine and historical UNESCO-listed streets of Portugal’s second-largest city, where the number of tourists has doubled in a decade. (The circus-like atmosphere along the Douro riverfront and outside Livraria Lello , a neo-Gothic 19th-century bookstore, are only the most obvious signs.) And the home of port wine is keeping pace with a slew of new offerings. Recent years have seen the opening, upgrading or expansion of museums , art centers , food markets , food halls and hotels aplenty — along with the inauguration of World of Wine, a dining and entertainment district .

Recommendations

• Cozinha das Flores , a classy nouveau Portuguese restaurant led by one of the country’s most successful international chefs, features design elements from a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the Porto-area native Álvaro Siza Vieira.
• The Serralves Museum , a collection of contemporary art on the park-like grounds of the Serralves Foundation — a decades-old private institution that works closely with the Portuguese government — has a new wing by Mr. Siza.
• Mercado do Bolhão , a 19th-century food market, reopened two years ago after a total renovation.
• The World of Wine district, like a theme park for epicureans, features several food- and drink-themed museums, a wine school, and numerous restaurants and bars.
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal , a 19th-century park, features fountains, ponds, peacocks, an art museum and views of the Douro River.
• The exterior of Capela das Almas church is covered with blue-and-white azulejos (painted and glazed ceramic tiles, brought to Portugal and Spain during the Middle Ages from Moorish North Africa) depicting biblical scenes.
• A Pérola do Bolhão is a fine-food boutique that sports an authentic Art Nouveau exterior.
• Café Majestic , opened in the 1920s, houses a soaring Art Nouveau dining room and serves everything from pastries to pastas to steaks.
• Igreja de Santo Ildefonso , an 18th-century church, features a facade covered with azulejo tiles.
• Batalha Centro de Cinema , an Art Deco movie theater, was renovated and reopened in 2022 with a bookshop and bar.
• Igreja de São Francisco is a church that dazzles with its gilded Baroque woodwork.
• Labels of Tomorrow is a two-level emporium with contemporary unisex fashion by Portuguese and international designers.
• Coração Alecrim specializes in vintage clothing for women and has its own retro-inspired line.
• Musubu Porto , a Japanese vegetarian cafe, operates from a niche in the back of Coração Alecrim.
• Apego jazzes up Portuguese cuisine with French ingredients and techniques.
• Fiasco serves creative cocktails and sells a wide range of vinyl albums.
• Terraplana Café channels an old-time urban saloon and has a backyard where you can enjoy the bar’s craft beers and signature cocktails.
• Capela Incomum is a wine bar inside a former 19th-century chapel.
• Genuíno is a lively bar that draws oenophiles for its natural wines from local vineyards.
• Design savvy and art-filled, the Rebello opened last year in Vila Nova de Gaia and offers knockout views of Porto, across the Douro River, from many of its 103 apartment-style rooms. A roof bar, pool, spa, restaurant and cafe are also in the converted 19th-century stone building, which is near the Ferreira port-wine house. Rooms from around 450 euros, or about $488, in June.
• The six minimalist white rooms of the Babel guesthouse, tastefully furnished with vintage and modern furniture, offer an excellent city-center base. Its lively downstairs restaurant serves local Portuguese ingredients with splashes of flavor from North Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Rooms in June start around €138.
• Roughly a mile east of the city center, a drab residential street hides Outsite Porto-Mouco , a modernist white building with 12 apartments, a coworking cafe, a library, a pool and grassy grounds. Apartments from around €123 in June.
• For short-term rentals among the central districts, Ribeira is rich in historical buildings and lies closest to the picturesque riverside, while Clérigos abounds with dining and nightlife.
• An efficient bus system and ever-expanding modern metro network cover much of Porto and surrounding areas, from the airport to the city center to the nearby coastal towns. An Andante card, available in metro stations, allows travel by bus or train in central Porto for €1.40 per ride. (Zones farther from the center have higher fares .) A three-day card for the entire bus and train network costs €16. Taxis are abundant and fairly cheap, as are trips with the ride-hailing app Uber.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Gazing at the bridges and passing ships on the Douro River is a favorite Porto pastime. For sublime views far from the dense crush of the waterfront walkways, the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal , a manicured 19th-century park, is a relaxed, bucolic alternative and a favorite with locals. In addition to tree-shaded lookout points, the park includes ponds, fountains, lawns, flower beds and rotating art exhibitions in the free, multilevel Galeria Municipal do Porto . As you stroll, keep your ears open for the calls of the park's resident ducks and peacocks.

Cozinha das Flores

After decades abroad, cooking alongside international legends (Wolfgang Puck, Ferran Adrià) and helming kitchens of beloved London restaurants (Viajante, Chiltern Firehouse), the chef Nuno Mendes has planted his flag once again in his native land, overseeing the precise neo-Portuguese cuisine at Cozinha das Flores , a year-old restaurant along the pedestrianized Rua das Flores. Try tasty tiny snacks (crunchy sourdough crackers with razor clams), elegant comfort food (Azores squid sliced into pasta-like strands with a zesty stew of chickpeas and cod tripe) and unusual desserts (ice cream, made from and resembling egg yolk, on ribbons of sugary, fried egg-yolk, sprinkled with ham shavings). Note the abstract drawings on the pink-and-green mosaic wall: the Pritzker Prize-winning architect (and Porto-region native) Álvaro Siza Vieira contributed both. Dinner for two costs about 120 euros, or about $130, without drinks.

If you’re keen to avoid thronged streets and blasting music — hallmarks of the Mardi Gras-like Clérigos nightlife district — head east to Bomfim, a laid-back bohemian neighborhood of art galleries and indie boutiques. Sporting red walls and red banquettes, Fiasco is both Porto’s sultriest new cocktail bar and a mecca for vinyl record collectors, thanks to numerous racks of rock, rap, indie, electro, world-beat and other albums for sale. A Lusco Fusco Groove cocktail (Ysabel Regina brandy, Campari, fortified Portuguese wine and coffee) runs you 9 euros. Down the street, Terraplana Café channels an old-time urban saloon (tin ceiling, checkerboard floor) while dispensing original cocktails. The back garden is perfect for a Tropicalia cocktail: ruby port, sparkling rosé and guava-hibiscus syrup, brightened with salt (€11).

The Super Bock Arena, also known as Pavilhão Rosa Mota, seen from the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.

Álvaro Siza Wing

Now 90 years old, Mr. Siza, the architect whose touches you spotted at Cozinha das Flores, has been keeping busy. This year, the Serralves Museum — a world-class contemporary art museum that he designed in the 1990s — added a splashy new wing that he also designed. Known as the Álvaro Siza Wing , the jagged white addition displays plans and models from the architect’s long international career, as well as works from the permanent collection, including strange fairy tale-like paintings from Paula Rego and abstract lithographs by Gerhard Richter. An apocalyptic installation by the Thai artist Korakrit Arunanondchai and a haunted playerless piano from the French artist Philippe Parreno are particularly potent. Admission to all buildings and grounds is €24.

Mercado Bolhão

Bearded and bespectacled, Joaquim Lucas resembles a scholar as he carefully slices presunto (€65 a kilo) from aged hocks of Alentejo ham. His stand, Charcutaria Princesa , is one of dozens inside Mercado Bolhão , a recently upgraded 19th-century covered food market in the city center that reopened in 2022. The smorgasbord also includes spice dealers, fruit sellers, cheese specialists, wine stands and more. Raw surf-and-turf comes courtesy of Casa das Ostras — which cracks open sea urchin (€5 each) and shucks Algarve oysters (three for €7) — and Talho do Toninho , a butcher stall serving toast slices topped with beef or deer tartare (€1.50). For dessert, Doçaria Portuguesa does a chocolate-rimmed pastel de nata (€2), the classic Portuguese egg tart. For a sit-down meal, several restaurants occupy the upper level. And a short walk south is a new food hall from Time Out, opened in May.

Strolling nearby Rua Santa Catarina, a car-free shopping boulevard, provides both a digestive walk and an architectural exhibition. Start at Capela das Almas , an 18th-century church covered with blue-and-white azulejos (added in 1929) depicting divine episodes filled with saints, apostles, magi and cherubs. Heading south, you can admire the Art Nouveau façade of A Perola do Bolhão , a fine-food shop dating to 1917, and the grand Belle Epoque interior of Café Majestic , which opened in 1921. Finally, stop in Praça da Batalha, home of the azulejo-covered Igreja de Santo Ildefonso , an 18th-century church, and the Batalha Centro de Cinema , a 1940s Art Deco movie theater that was restored and reopened in 2022. In addition to an eclectic roster of films, the center offers a library, bookshop and bar.

Coração Alecrim

Your Saturday night wardrobe awaits inside Labels of Tomorrow , a two-level international fashion emporium a few blocks north of Livraria Lello in the Cedofeita neighborhood. Portuguese labels take center stage, from button-up blue maritime jackets for men from Sanjo (€149.90) to gauzy takes on 1950s ladies’ bowling shirts (€130) by Mustique. After your fitting-room adventures, a terrace cafe-restaurant and a backyard bar provide refreshment for shopping fatigue — or fuel for another spree. If you prefer threads with history, the nearby Coração Alecrim shop sells vintage clothing — fur coats (€70), sheer paisley dresses (€40) — and its own line of retro-inspired jackets, shirts and more. A Japanese vegetarian cafe, Musubu Porto , is tucked in back.

If France is too far away, you can enjoy Gallic flavors at Apego , a homey little restaurant in a quiet street north of Trinidade train station. Global music echoes off the high stone walls and yellow banquettes as the Franco-Portuguese chef Aurora Goy reinvents local cuisine with dishes like a savory tarte tatin (which replaces apples with eggs and mushrooms) and a bed of pomme paillasson — a crispy-fried cake of shredded potato — topped with mackerel and leeks in white-wine sauce. Desserts include a French-style sablé biscuit with pear and custard-like sabayon incorporating Madeira wine. A three-course dinner for two, without wine, costs around €90.

Gallery district by day, the zone around Rua Miguel Bombarda morphs into a destination for wine lovers as night falls. Occupying an elegantly repurposed 19th-century chapel, Capela Incomum allows acolytes of the grape to sip vintages likes Lapa dos Gaivões (€4.50 a glass) — a smooth red blend from the Alentejo region — in its burgundy-painted lounge or tree-shaded front yard. A block away, Genuíno is a lively Brazilian-owned restaurant and natural-wine bar outfitted with a disco ball, playful wine-themed posters, and vintage tables and chairs. Most wines come from small regional producers, including an agreeably dry, concrete-aged orange wine from Folias de Baco (€5.50 a glass).

A view over the museums in the World of Wine (WOW) district, with the Dom Luís I Bridge in the distance.

Igreja de São Francisco

By now you have noticed: Old churches beckon from nearly every corner. If you venture inside only one, Igreja de São Francisco pays off in gold — literally. Erected in the medieval period, the church’s soaring stony interior was enriched in the 1700s with talha dourada — elaborately carved and gilded wood. The effect is a dazzling symphony of radiant decorative themes — spiral-twist columns, swirls, floral patterns, coats of arms, cherubs and disembodied faces that burst from every surface. Downstairs, in the crypt, a transparent floor panel reveals a sea of white bones lurking below ground. Admission €10.

The Chocolate Story museum in the WOW district.

Did you know that the Chinese village of Jiahu might have produced the world’s first wine, several millennia before Christ? That Muscat from Alexandria was Cleopatra's favorite wine? That the signing of the Declaration of Independence was celebrated with a toast of Madeira? Educational nuggets fill the Bridge Collection (entry €25), a museum with a staggering array of historical wine information and antique drinking vessels in the World of Wine (WOW) entertainment district. Opened in 2020, WOW encompasses several museums — including ones devoted to chocolate, cork and rosé wine — as well as boutiques, a wine school, and numerous restaurants and bars. Root & Vine serves up a classic international brunch — eggs on toast, salmon bagels, waffles — and panoramic views of the city for a final snapshot. Museum admission €25 each.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

Minneapolis: Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city’s lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants .

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

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Nat Geo Expeditions Announces 3 New, Bucket List-Worthy Trips Beginning in 2025 

Published: June 4, 2024

Contributed By

Public Relations Manager

Greetings travelers! 

Today, I’m thrilled to share that beginning in 2025, you can discover Australia, Portugal and the Azores, and Sri Lanka with National Geographic Expeditions! These three new Signature Land trips will take you into authentic Nat Geo storytelling.   

Imagine learning from researchers who are actively working in their respective fields , exploring wildlife sanctuaries and hearing the keepers talk about the the care and conservation of these marvelous animals, enjoying activities and visiting with locals who will share the history, cultures and food unique to each region.  

Check out these three new experiences of a lifetime:  

Australia: Reefs, Rainforests and Wild Tasmania   

Our first trip is to the land down under where you’ll explore the nature, wildlife and aboriginal cultures at the heart of this thrilling 11-day itinerary.  

The first activity in Australia is at the Great Barrier Reef where you’ll get up-close to colorful reef fish and coral by snorkeling or observing from a semi-submersible boat or underwater laboratory.  

During the trip, you’ll also trek with aboriginal guides at the Daintree Rainforest and learn about the thriving ecosystem, view native wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and at Healesville Sanctuary and hear about the rescued Australian animals there.  

On Tasmania’s east coast, the adorable and endangered Bicheno penguins will take center stage (cameras ready!). You’ll also sample wines at local wineries. In true Nat Geo fashion, you’ll embark on a catamaran sailing to spot marine mammals at Wineglass Bay with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys and share the same inspiration as 2012 National Geographic Traveler of the Year and Tasmanian native Robert Pennicott .   

This expedition concludes in Sydney with a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and exploring the Rocks District. For complete details, please click here.   

Portugal and the Azores: Explorers, Ecological Wonders and Epicurean Delights  

Next is our trip to Portugal.  Founded in 1143, Portugal was once at the center of the Age of Exploration, and the Azores are a marvelous archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The marrying of these two splendid locations on this 10-day itinerary gives travelers the best of both worlds without having to choose. 

Five UNESCO World Heritage sites plus other activities offer deep connections to the country. Highlights include visiting the famed Lello Bookstore in Porto , savoring delicious food and wines, and embarking on an electric tuk tuk ride through historic town centers.  

In the Douro Valley you can bike, kayak or walk alongside the Douro River while admiring the beautiful hills, valleys and grape wine terraces. In Lisbon, local guides will share their knowledge about architecture, monuments and history at Sao Roque Church, the Carmo Convent and Jeronimos Monastery, as well as through stories of trade, maritime findings and the colonization of this region.   

The Azores welcome each guest with breathtaking views. Get ready for whale watching, interacting with a local marine biologist who will share insights into research and conservation in this region, touring the Parque Terra Nostra, savoring a delicious farm-to-table meal at a local farmhouse, and exploring the stunning Sete Cidades. 

For complete details, please click here.   

Sri Lanka: Wildlife and Wonders of the Spice Island  

And our 11-day itinerary to Sri Lanka is a historical and cultural lesson come to life through art, dance, food and wildlife. With visits to six UNESCO World Heritage sites and numerous connections to National Geographic programming, you will be immersed in the unique stories of this biodiverse island country. 

A tour of the Dambulla Cave Temple launches this exciting trip. In Polonnaruwa, be prepared to observe primate families that call the Polonnaruwa Ancient City and its monumental ruins their home. In Sigiriya, you can discover the Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sites, then partake in a clay pot cooking class at a local family residence in Kandy for lunch.  

You’ll also visit the Central Highlands to learn how the country is the fourth largest producer of tea in the world, and a cinnamon estate near the southern coast to see how 90% of the world’s cinnamon is produced here. 

National Geographic Expeditions is also especially excited to take you on an exclusive ocean experience in collaboration with Oceanswell , founded by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Asha de Vos . Her foundation is supported by the National Geographic Society – and during your trip, you’ll even be able to assist with data collection!  

Giving Back and Traveling with Purpose  

I’m also excited to share that every trip booked with National Geographic Expeditions furthers the work of National Geographic Explorers around the world and helps support the global nonprofit National Geographic Society in its efforts to protect and illuminate our world through exploration, research, and education .   

Have you started packing your suitcase yet? These new National Geographic Expeditions itineraries are sure to rise to the top of your bucket list of destinations to explore. I know they did on my list!  

Booking Information  

Bookings for the new itineraries will open on June 4. To learn more or to book these or any of the 150 National Geographic Expeditions on all seven continents, visit NationalGeographicExpeditions.com , call 888-732-2379 or contact a travel agent.