River Cruises in Portugal

Where towering north African architecture, with gentle curves and ornate tiles, meets over-the-top and decadent Christian design, Portugal offers a melting pot of cultures waiting to be explored. Heavily influenced by the Moors and Christians, Portugal is known for its serene countryside and of course its deliciously rich wine that is a staple of the Portuguese diet.

Sailing on a river cruise in Portugal along the Douro with Jules Verne is the perfect way to discover this vibrant country. Not only will you feel transported to another moment in time, you’ll enjoy a truly relaxing holiday, making memories that will last a lifetime. As you meander through the Douro Valley, you’ll be granted unparalleled views of the UNESCO World Heritage site, accompanied by a world-class onboard service.

Where do river cruises in Portugal go?

Our Portugal river cruises have been specifically designed to ensure you enjoy an authentic Portuguese experience sampling all that the region has to offer. Renowned for its serene landscapes, the ‘River of Gold’ will lead you from cobbled quaysides, past colourful merchants’ houses, and alongside ancient ports, with plenty of land-based excursions to whet the appetite.

Departing from the medieval harbour of Porto close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll wind your way through the rolling hills where ancient vineyards grow, gently meandering past palatial manor houses, medieval villages and Moorish castles for six days before returning to Porto.

Smaller than most Douro River cruise boats, you’ll effortless glide through the waterways with ease aboard the Spirt of Chartwell. The truly mesmerising river cruise in Portugal allows you to explore the Iberian Peninsula in true comfort and style.

What excursions can I go on during northern Portugal river cruises?

The excursions on our Douro river cruise in Portugal let you sample some of the sites that demonstrate the majesty of the Douro Valley. On our river cruises in Portugal you’ll wander through the hallways of Baroque palaces, sit in quiet contemplation in gilded churches and Gothic cathedrals, and explore Salamanca’s medieval old city.

Exploring the city of Porto, you’ll find ancient churches and beaux-art buildings standing side-by-side along the riverbanks. An excursion to the 14^th-century São Francisco church and port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gai make for breathtaking views. As you meander up-stream on one of our Portugal river boat cruises, you’ll be treated to a special Portuguese dinner after arriving in Entre-os Rios. The entire area surrounding this historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you’ll be enthralled by the natural scenery.

Of course, a river cruise in Portugal wouldn’t be complete without an excursion to a well-renowned vineyard and wine cellar accompanied by wine tasting with an expert oenologist.

What accommodation can I expect on a river cruise on Portugal river cruise holidays?

Our Portugal river boat cruises are an intimate affair on board the Spirit of Chartwell. With only 15 air-conditioned cabins, it’s smaller than most Douro vessels. These departures in the favoured season are reserved exclusively for the guests of Jules Verne.

Our Portugal river cruises on the Douro have been designed with your comfort in mind, right down to the bed linens, ensuring you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep after a busy day sightseeing in the Portuguese sun.

What facilities are there on a Douro river cruise vessel?

When you sail on one of our river cruises in Portugal, you’ll enjoy elegant surroundings that pay homage to Porto’s sailing heritage. Truly opulent, there are plenty of spacious public areas where you can sit back and watch the world go by. The Sun Deck has been designed to be deliciously languorous so you can soak up the warm sun as you gently glide through the picturesque hills. While breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style in the dining room, evening meals enjoy waiter service.

How do I book a Douro river cruise?

If you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a slower pace in the sun, simply click on ‘Book’ to reserve your place on our Portugal river cruise. One of our friendly personal travel experts will be in touch to finalise the details.

Alternatively, you can call us or email sales@vjv.com.