Portugal · RIVER CRUISES
The 15 best river cruises you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Review of a full-day Douro Valley tour from Porto with two wineries, six tastings, Portuguese lunch, scenic cruise, and guide tips.
“Well planned and executed day trip in beautiful Douro valley! And a lots of wine to go with it. Jose was awesome. Very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Review of Porto’s 50-minute Six Bridges Douro cruise, with practical tips on boarding, views, commentary, timing, and value.
“This offered a 360 degree view of the river that flows through Oporto! I discovered 3 additional adventures through this cruise, the castle, a port winery that was visible from the boat and a gondola lift. The tour guide spoke about 4 different languages over the speaker so everyone listened to the history. The bridges were stunning and the weather was nice! Super easy to find the cruise and plenty of comfortable places to sit! You could freely move about the cruise once it took off.”
Review of a full-day Douro Valley tour from Porto with two winery visits, six tastings, lunch, Amarante, and a river cruise.
“Ricardo was a fantastic guide, helped start the day off perfectly and gave us loads of facts about Porto whilst getting our energy up. The stop for coffee and pastries was good, lovely little town even if only there briefly. The two wineries we visited were lovely and very different, the first had great views and the second were we had lunch was so friendly, the staff were incredible and the food and wine brilliant, top ups included! just the most wonderful fun day, would recommend to everyone. oh the boat trip! just nice to have a little relaxing time and take some pictures before lunch.Read more”
See Porto’s historic center by electric tuk-tuk, then cruise beneath six bridges on the Douro with an optional boat ticket.
“I would've liked to go further with the tuk tuk like to the beaches or along the river after going over the bridge. I lived the boat ride”
Review of Porto’s small-group Douro Valley tour with two winery tastings, Portuguese lunch, scenic N222 drive, and a one-hour river cruise.
“I had José as my tour guide - and it was so much fun. José is a great tour guide and very professional. The others in my group were great as well. Very fun and honestly a must have experience in Porto / Duoro Valley. It’s a great mix of making friends and learning and trying great wines!”
Explore the Douro Valley from Porto with two winery visits, tastings, a traditional boat ride, scenic roads, and a four-course lunch.
“What a dream! This experience was everything I hoped for and more. Huge thanks to our guide, Sara Fontes, for being so delightful and informative, and to our driver for the smooth, safe ride. The vineyards felt like a hidden gem, and the wine and port tastings were truly top-tier. If you’re looking for breathtaking views and great hospitality, this is it!”
Explore Porto by foot, cable car, and Douro cruise, with Livraria Lello, São Bento Station, expert guides, and small-group value.
“Walking is a fun way to explore Porto, Chico was patient with us and made several stops to pace well, he explained things with fun facts and jokes that kept the mood light, overall really nice experience.”
Cruise from Lisbon to the Atlantic, spot wild dolphins, enjoy free drinks, and see Belém, Bugio Fort, and Tagus River landmarks.
“Fantastic staff, drinks plentiful, lots of sightings of Dolphins. Lots of interesting landmarks along the way. Highly recommend.”
Sail Lisbon’s Tagus River past Belém Tower, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Christ the King with a drink, snacks, and sunset options.
“I really enjoyed the sailboat tour—the guides were very friendly, and it was a great value for the money.”
Review of Porto’s city train, Real Companhia Velha port tasting, and Douro cruise, with practical tips on timing, value, and what to expect.
“Great value for money. First train leaves at 10am, recommend this time as we had the carriage to ourselves and only 4 in our English speaking tour of the wine cellar. Boat trip has no commentary (think you have to download in advance) and the wind can be chilly. Had a wonderful trip.”
Cruise Lisbon’s Tagus River at sunset with wine, Portuguese snacks, Belém Tower, Alfama, bridge views, and practical tips.
“We loved this cruise. Such good value for money - you get a small bottle of wine included, snack plate and 2 hours cruise ! Well worth it especially to see the gorgeous views during sunset :)”
Review of Porto’s Douro Valley tour with three wine tastings, local lunch, scenic stops, small groups, and an optional river cruise.
“Absolutely delightful experience! The tour was everything we expected and more. The tastings (wine, olive oil & port) and the food were fabulous. The Douro Valley was beautiful. Our driver/tour guide, Tiago Mendez, was wonderful! He was kind, very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. He made a perfect day even better.”
See Lisbon’s Alfama, Belém Tower, and 25th of April Bridge from the Tagus with an audio guide and drink for $21.
“It was good half day seeing an amazing place from boat and also experience through walking.”
Explore the Douro Valley from Porto with two winery visits, local lunch, scenic viewpoints, and a traditional Rabelo boat cruise.
“We were very happy with all aspects of this trip to the beautiful Douro Valley. Our guide Bernado spoke very passionately about this area and was an excellent guide.”
Review of Lisbon’s 90-minute Tejo River cruise, with Belém views, onboard snacks, practical tips, accessibility, and honest value advice.
“We were really blessed with the weather so the trip was perfect. The boat turned at the main points of Belem Tower and the statue of Christ. We had a full boat including two groups of students but it didn’t feel like it. Prices of refreshments also seemed fair. One thing that I think could have been made better was the information screens. Maybe due to the sunny weather but were hard to read if you were under the canopy (to be fair I do t think many people took notice of them as the sights were amazing. Staff were very friendly, was very easy to find via the link…”
From the cave boats to the cellar tastings, and the best of each.
