Porto and the Douro Valley are one of the most gorgeous regions in the world, and one of the best ways to fully appreciate it is to travel through it by river cruise.
With its splendid geographical location on the mouth of the river Douro, Porto has an architectural heritage of exceptional quality, the historic centre of Porto was declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. Porto is the capital of the North and the second largest city in the country, its hard-working inhabitants are noted for their commercial enterprise, always standing firm against outside impositions and foreign invaders, which explains why Porto has become known as the «unvanquished» city.
The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic that its landscapes offer. The Douro River curves through the terraced vineyards of Douro wine country, a World Heritage-designated region celebrated for its spectacular beauty and centuries-old viticulture, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. First, the river carved the deep valleys out of the land and then Man transformed the schist mountains into soil and walls and planted the vines, green in summer, flame-colored in autumn.
Enjoy an unrivalled sense of discovery with Douro Yacht Experiences. We promise the highest level of exclusivity, fully tailored day-long or multi-night cruises embarking from Porto, spanning more than 200km of navigational waters with dams and locks aplenty.
Step back in time in old villages, hear the boldest stories told by distinguished family-run Quinta owners in the world’s oldest regulated wine region, examine world-renowned rock art exhibits dating to the Valley’s Paleolithic era, view the coopers at work, wielding mallets with which they disassemble barrels stave by stave for maintenance and then reassemble them, a unique scene which has changed little over the centuries, enjoy a prime picnic spot with jaw-dropping views over the terraced vineyards and combine wellness with nature, with the most relaxing therapeutic massage. Along the way, taste excellent wines in the cellars of Porto and historic countryside estates, and enjoy the magnificent traditional food in spectacular settings.
For the epitome of adventure, join our cruises. We use a beautiful Princess 56, crewed by the most knowledgeable staff. Our tours showcase the astounding Porto and the Douro Valley, the cultural riches of the cities, the amazing Douro gastronomy, the enchanting Quintas and remote places in the upper Douro. There’s nothing quite like arriving at a Port winery by boat. The Douro River has been a key part in Port making history for hundreds of years after all.
The ultimate way to savor the region in its full glory is from the river itself. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests, choosing from a variety of available experiences.
Enjoy undivided attention from your captain and crew as you sip sparkling wine aboard your private yacht, before sampling Douro wines without having to worry about ticket queues or driving afterwards.
Embark on a bespoke itinerary of exciting experiences, many of which are only available on Douro Yacht Experiences.
