Discover the delightful Douro River with Riviera Travel

Known fondly as the ‘River of Gold’ due to its glimmering water reflecting the beating sun, the Douro River is massively popular with river cruise fanatics – both new and seasoned.

The Douro River stretches from the bustling city of Porto right to the Vega de Terro River in Spain and boasts rolling vineyards, countryside and internationally famous wines.

In fact, this river is so special that in Roman times, the Douro was personified as a God named Durius.

And Riviera Travel offers a selection of tempting itineraries on the Douro River, with special gastronomy tours and the option of extending your holiday in Lisbon or Porto.

What’s more, you’ll be able to sail the Douro on one of Riviera Travel’s new ships – Riviera Rose.

Discover more about one of the most unspoilt corners of Europe with Riviera Travel…

Hotspots on the Douro

You’ll begin your Douro River cruise from Porto, due to its handy position at the mouth of the river as it empties into the Atlantic. It possesses a similar charm to Lisbon, but without the crowds, and getting here is easy as there is an international airport.

Originally a Roman town, Porto is one of the main highlights of the Douro. And with Riviera Travel, you can soak up the sights on a guided tour, which is included in the cruise fare. Be sure to stop to admire the stunning architecture, soaring bell towers, baroque churches and glimmering golden rooftops on your guided tour. It’s traditional Portugal at its best.

Unesco-listed Salamanca is another gem on the Douro. This city is considered by many Spaniards as their nation’s most gorgeous city.

Salamanca was founded by the Romans, who erected its well-lived 389-yard-long bridge, which is the perfect place to soak up the rose-coloured sunlight that reflects the sandstone buildings.

Here, you can visit one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1218, which was one of the civilised world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The lecture halls are immaculately preserved, so let your imagination run wild and picture Christopher Columbus addressing the learned men of the day here.

Fun fact – the Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept at the university.

Don’t forget to visit Salamanca’s two impressive cathedrals and after your included tour of the city (thanks Riviera Travel), you can tuck into a local lunch of tapas while clapping along to a flamenco show, all part of an included experience with Riviera Travel.

Soak up the small-town charm of Peso da Régua, another port of call on Riviera Travel’s Douro itineraries, where you’ll start by visiting the grounds of the splendid Mateus Palace and its intricate interiors.

Venture outside to soak up the sun by the stunning pond, surrounded by landscaped French gardens. Wine fanatics might even recognise the palace from Mateus Rosé and its characteristic ‘squashed’ bottle.

That same evening, you’ll arrive at the 126-acre Quinta da Pacheca for dinner, which features a dramatic view over the Douro and tasty bites to eat. Quinta da Pacheca dates back to the 18^th century and is known to be one of the most beautiful properties in the region. Here, you’ll learn that it was the first quinta to bottle wine under the name of its owner (an aristocrat, Mariana Pacheco Pereira).

Lamego is another standout – known as the home of Portugal’s sparkling wine Raposeira. History-heads will also be interested to know that Lamego was one of the first places to be reclaimed from the Moors in the 12^th century.

Be sure to wander the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, which is perched on top of a hill overlooking the picturesque town. Within the church lies stairways adorned with azulejos – the country’s characteristic painted ceramic tiles.

Riviera Rose

Holding 114 passengers across 57 cabins, Riviera Rose carries plenty of Riviera Travel’s charming characteristics into a modern ship.

Starting at the top deck, you can expect plenty of space to lounge in the sun or sky lounge, equipped with a bar and open-deck pool. Then, head to one of three restaurants (including a new speciality restaurant) and perhaps hit the dedicated fitness centre afterwards to burn the guilt away.

Treat yourself and opt for one of the largest cabins onboard – the deluxe balcony suites. Here, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling glass doors that leads onto your private balcony. That’s right, far beyond the typical Juliette balcony seen often on river cruise ships.

The standard cabins are also impressive. Located on the middle deck, they feature a French style balcony, Nespresso machine, safe, mini fridge, flat-screen TV, turn down service and more.

What better ship and itinerary to add to your 2025 holiday plans? Send us a postcard.