Portugal Douro Valley Luxury River Cruise with Lisbon & Porto Stays, All-Inclusive Dining, Drinks Onboard & Domestic Flight
Become spellbound by the sun-soaked vineyards, medieval villages and castle ruins of Portugal on this seven-night Douro River cruise. Sailing onboard Uniworld’s S.S. São Gabriel, cruise from the charming city of Porto, stopping at small villages along the river, learning about Portugal’s long history, uncovering breathtaking landscapes, tasting local bites and savouring every drop of the region’s legendary wine. Embark on your adventure with four nights of pre-cruise lodging: three in Lisbon, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s captivating vistas and enduring allure, and one in Porto, conveniently reached via an included domestic flight. One post-cruise night in Porto offers the perfect chance to fall even more in love with one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
There’s no finer way to savour the Portuguese and Spanish countryside than onboard Uniworld’s S.S. São Gabriel – as you drift by the riverside, taste port and learn about its production in Regua, visit family-owned quintas (or wine estates) in Pinhao and sample the region’s best produce. Along the way, enjoy mouthwatering local cuisine with daily dining onboard, complimentary onboard drinks, and included shore excursions to must-see sights with local guides.
Your journey takes you to: Lisbon – Porto – Entre-os-Rios – Regua – Pocinho – Vega de Terron – Barca d’Alva – Regua – Porto.
Your cruise includes:
- Seven nights of Douro River cruising in a Deluxe Stateroom with picture window onboard S.S. São Gabriel
- Three nights of pre-cruise accommodation at Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade or similar, followed by one night of pre-cruise accommodation at InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel or similar
- One night of post-cruise accommodation at InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel or similar
- One-way economy-class flight from Lisbon to Porto
- Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners onboard the cruise
- Unlimited drinks onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- Shore excursions to famous sites like the Douro Museum, Porto’s Ribeira and Castelo Rodrigo
- Gratuities for onboard personnel, butler service and complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Feitoria Restaurant
- Vintage Bar
- Swimming pool
- Sun Deck
- Fitness Centre
- Spa
- Douro Wine Cellar
- Coffee station
- Butler service
- Laundry service
- Elevator
- Wi-Fi
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins and ends in Porto, with a pre-cruise stay in Lisbon.
Your cruise departs Porto on Day 5 and returns to Porto on Day 12. Please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
A one-way domestic flight between Lisbon and Porto is included on Day 4.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Lisbon
Ola and welcome to Lisbon! Portugal’s coastal capital is known for its spectacular Gothic cathedrals, bustling neighbourhoods and sensational hilltops. After checking in to your pre-cruise accommodation – the five-star Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade – be sure to wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city at your own leisurely pace today, stopping along the way at a museum or one of the city’s countless charming cafes.
Accommodation: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade (Classic Room) or similar
Day 2: Lisbon
Spend today discovering Lisbon’s extraordinary historic and cultural treasures. Visit the spectacular Jeronimos Monastery, established on the banks of the Tagus River and one of the country’s best examples of Portuguese late Gothic architecture, or spend the day exploring Alfama’s Moorish-inspired streets, a wonderful example of traditional Lisbon.
Accommodation: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade (Classic Room) or similar
Day 3: Lisbon
With another full day at leisure in wonderful Lisbon, now’s the perfect chance to explore some of the city’s galleries and museums. Of note are the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – boasting a dazzling collection of world art, including ancient Egyptian and Renaissance masterpieces – and the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, located within the majestic Palacio de Alvor-Pombal and home to one of the largest displays of Portuguese art in the world.
Accommodation: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade (Classic Room) or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Lisbon – Porto
Rise early and head to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) for your included 45-minute flight to Porto.
Welcome to Porto! Portugal’s historic hilltop city is the gateway to the Douro River and renowned for its port wine production. Head to InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas for another night of luxe pre-cruise accommodation. Spend your evening settling into your hotel, hit the streets and wine and dine in the local restaurants and bars, or head down to the riverfront and admire postcard-perfect panoramas of the city.
Accommodation: InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel (Classic Room) or similar
Day 5: Porto (embark S. S. Sao Gabriel)
Rise and shine – today’s the day you set off on your enchanting Douro River cruise. Embark your ship in advance of your departure time (provided closer to departure) and settle into your cabin before heading out on deck to admire Porto’s incredible cityscape from your unique perspective on the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 6: Porto – Entre-os-Rios
Today you will have the chance to explore Portugal’s second largest city with a choice between two sightseeing activities.
- Porto Panoramic Tour: Head out on a Porto city tour and take in the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace and its famed Moorish-style Arab Room. Wander past colourful townhouses, medieval alleys, UNESCO World Heritage-listed neighbourhoods enclosed by 14th-century walls and baroque church towers.
- Porto Walk with Conservas Tasting: Walk over the Ponte Dom Luis and embark on Porto’s historical tram (the Eléctrico) to the Clérigos quarter. Enjoy free time around Clérigos Tower before visiting Sao Bento Station and the Azulejos Murals portraying Porto’s rich history. Take in sweeping panoramas from the cathedral before heading down narrow old-town alleys to Portugues de Gema for a taste of the city’s renowned sardines.
Reboard your ship this evening where a special captain’s welcome dinner awaits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 7: Entre-os-Rios – Regua
Wine lovers rejoice – today is all about the magical drop. Visit each of the three included experiences, each offering a perfect snapshot into the magic of the region:
- Douro Museum: Learn about port wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times with a visit to the Douro Museum.
- Lamego Sanctuary: Visit the charming town of Lamego – known for its spectacular sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Los Remedios, a title of the Virgin Mary – for a tasting of delicious sparkling wines and cold cuts, discovering the importance of Lamego’s heritage.
- Quinta Dinner: Savour a traditional dinner brimming with regional flavours at a local quinta, the Portuguese equivalent of a French chateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 8: Regua – Pocinho – Vega de Terron
Today, go ashore for your choice of excursion in Portugal’s spectacular countryside:
- Castelo Rodrigo: Choose to journey past lush lavender fields and almond groves to Castelo Rodrigo, the name of both the historic castle and surrounding village. Contested throughout the centuries between the powerful kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, it offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life in the region.
- Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley: Lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close look at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park in the Coa Valley. Your visit starts at the Coa Museum, where you can see both reproduction and original rock art and learn about the amazing area. Then you can go out with your knowledgeable guide into the valley to see these sites for yourself. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear for this experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 9: Vega de Terron (Salamanca) – Barca D’Alva
For a dose of history, visit the historic Spanish university town of Salamanca — the ‘Golden City’ — famous for its sand-coloured buildings and abundance of churches. Follow your guide on foot through Plaza Mayor to the university, which was founded by Alfonso IX in 1218. Next, hit up Salamanca’s food hall and sample chorizo, cheese, olive oil and ham. Take some time to browse through the shops on Rua Mayor and enjoy a tapas lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 10: Barca D’Alva – Regua
Enjoy another day in Portugal’s idyllic countryside, with your choice of one of two full-day experiences:
- Local Quinta Tour with Tasting: Journey through the hills to a local quinta, or port wine estate, and witness a landscape that has been shaped by wine-growers for over two millennia. Learn about the process of creating port wine, its ancient traditions and modern innovations, and finish by sampling some of the estate’s wonderful wines.
- Vineyard Hike and Quinta Tasting: Hike from picturesque Pinhao to a family-owned quinta, or chateau, where you will enjoy a first-hand look at harvest and production methods. Finish with a wine tasting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 11: Regua (Guimaraes) – Porto
‘Portugal was born here’: so says the sign in Guimaraes’ heart, recognising the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Today, embark on a city tour of Guimaraes and its well-preserved Old Town, grand castle and historic monastery. The city’s packed with charming cafes, quiet plazas and fascinating streets – it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll!
Return to a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: S.S. São Gabriel
Day 12: Porto (disembark S.S. Sao Paolo)
Say goodbye to S.S. São Gabriel as you disembark for the final time this morning in Porto. Return to the InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure. Wander through Porto’s charming riverside district, Ribeira, with its colourful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere, or visit the city’s famed Lello Bookstore, widely considered the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Visit Porto Cathedral, originally built in the 12th century and the city’s oldest surviving structure, or spend the afternoon exploring the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, a sprawling collection of meticulously maintained smaller gardens, all framed by sweeping views over the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel (Classic Room) or similar
Day 13: Porto
It’s time to say farewell to the storied city of Porto, as you make your way to Porto Airport (OPO) and the next part of your onward journey.
IMPORTANT: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A member of the Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 6 August 2025 (cruise departs 10 August 2025)
- 12 November 2025 (cruise departs 16 November 2025)
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation), and you will be prompted to complete your Traveller Details within 48 hours of purchase
- Once your traveller forms are completed they will be sent to the Luxury Escapes Cruise Concierge team, who will then contact you to advise if your cruise is confirmed
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable and non-changeable.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Classic Stateroom: 12.5sqm with a queen bed
- Deluxe Stateroom: 14.5sqm with a queen bed
- French Balcony: 14.5sqm with a queen bed
- Suite: 20.4sqm with a queen bed
- Grand Suite: 28.5sqm with a queen bed
Pre-/Post-Cruise Accommodation:
- Lisbon – Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade (Classic Room) or similar – Five-Star
- Porto – InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel (Classic Room) or similar – Five-Star
Please note a city tax of EUR2 per person, per night applies for stays in Lisbon and Porto.
IMPORTANT:
- Cabins are on a ‘guarantee’ basis and will be allocated by the cruise line closer to sailing. Specific cabin, deck and location requests cannot be accommodated.
- Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole window.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms or four people for quad-share cabins.
- Wheelchair accessible cabins are not available. They are on application only prior to purchase. Surcharges may apply.
- Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Inclusions
- Seven nights of Douro River cruising in a Deluxe Stateroom with picture window onboard S.S. São Gabriel
- Three nights of pre-cruise accommodation at Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade or similar, followed by one night of pre-cruise accommodation at InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel or similar
- One night of post-cruise accommodation at InterContinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel or similar
- One-way economy-class flight from Lisbon to Porto
- Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners onboard the cruise
- Unlimited drinks onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- Shore excursions to famous sites like the Douro Museum, Porto’s Ribeira and Castelo Rodrigo
- Gratuities for onboard personnel, butler service and complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
Exclusions
- Roundtrip international flights
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary/inclusions
- Specialty dining
- Shore excursions
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities are NOT included and will be added to your final bill
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
- Transfers to and from cruise ship
- City taxes or resort fees may apply and are payable directly to the hotel on arrival
Onboard Dining
- Dining times onboard can vary between sailings. We ask for your preference, however your preferred dining time may not be available. We suggest that you speak with the maître d’ once onboard.
- Included dining is available at the following restaurants: Feitoria Restaurant.
Age Restrictions
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting cabin/suite/stateroom, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21 for the duration of the voyage.
- Infants under 12 months cannot be accommodated onboard.
- Please note, Uniworld is unable to make special arrangements for children and offer few child-friendly activities onboard or onshore.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Flights
- Values and prices correct as of 3 April 2024.
- A one-way, economy-class airfare is included in your package, departing from Lisbon, Portugal and arriving in Porto, Portugal.
- Preferred airline seating is the responsibility of the passenger. For any specific airline seat reservations, contact the airline with the booking number included on your cruise summary email.
Timings
- Timing provided on the itinerary is based on current schedules provided by and can change at any time without notice.
Currency Onboard and Tipping
- The currency onboard is EUR.
- Service charges (gratuities) for onboard personnel are included in your package.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
Deposits
The deposit amount is 25% and the final payment date is due 140 days prior to embarkation. Please note: other deposit options may be available on your package which differ from the above and which will be outlined in the ‘fine print’ and payment section of the specific package.
PLEASE NOTE: Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by Uniworld, one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.