Introduction to the Tours Along the Douro River in Portugal
If you find yourself in Portugal and are looking for a cruise in this particularly wonderful part of the world, you are in luck.
The cruise tours alongside the Portuguese river Douro are some of the greatest opportunities for such an endeavour that you can find in this part of the world and beyond. There is no better way to see the beautiful scenery of Portugal and, if you decide and are able to stay on the boat long enough, some parts of Spain.
The Douro river is about eight hundred and ninety seven kilometers long, starting near Duruelo de la Sierra and reaching up to the border with Spain, where it continues to flow through this lovely neighbour country.
It is, however, worth noting that there are some parts of the river that cannot be traveled by a large watercraft. The other parts, available for sailing, are just expansive enough to provide a rich and unforgettable cruising experience.
A quick and easy internet search will lead you to a number of different tourist companies and agencies that offer cruises alongside the Douro river. Depending on the agency, the type of cruise, and the quality of the boat and services provided, prices may vary but we assure you that for the most part they are extremely affordable. In order to determine the best possible time to book your cruise and depart, we suggest you consult your travel agent or guide. Keep in mind that you may have to or happen to book the cruise several months in advance.
Like with any other tourist or travel activity, before choosing your cruise line you should want to see what exactly is being offered to you and what other options there are. Finding out what the ports of call are, for example. is something you should at least consider doing before booking or departing on a cruise. The ports of call are the stops along the way that the ship makes in order to refuel. For more detailed advice on this topic, please refer to our other article “Things You Should Know Before Booking a River Cruise in Portugal”.