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Portugal's River of Gold 9 Nights
Operated by Viking
Tripcode:
Overview
Destination:
Portugal,
Spain,
Start:Lisbon, Portugal
Finish:Porto, Portugal
Finish:Porto, Portugal
Duration:10 days
Travel Period
July 2026 - November 2027
Viking River Voyages: Free Flight Offer^
Embark on a unforgettable discovery of Portugal with an added bonus visit to Spain, on an all-inclusive luxury Viking river cruise and tour combined. Spend two glorious days and nights in the coastal capital of Lisbon, soaking up the historical sights, renowned Portuguese sounds of Fado, and the delicious taste of fresh seafood dishes before heading to Porto—one of Portugal's oldest cities. From here, step aboard your award-winning Viking Longship en route to the quaint towns of Régua and Pinhão, and enjoy a visit to Mateus Palace.
With one shore excursion per port included as standard as part of this exciting itinerary, there is plenty to discover. Head to the charming village of Favaios and meet the dedicated vintners, tour the atmospheric cellars and sample some local varieties of port in the rustic tasting room. Glide along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro River bordered by the terraced vineyards that produce the world-famous Port wine and admire the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your river Longship. Join your guide for a drive through the Iberian countryside to Salamanca, known for its beautiful baroque buildings. Optional additional excursions are available (additional cost) to make the most of your river cruise holiday.
On your Viking Longship, a revolutionary design allows for expansive views with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious staterooms with full-size verandas and Scandinavian-inspired, light-filled spaces. Enjoy al fresco dining at the Aquavit Terrace as you watch the world go by, or opt to sit indoors at the restaurant for upscale dining and a breathtaking view as you recount the day's adventures.
Please note:
- Price is based per person twin share in either a Standard, French Balcony or Veranda Stateroom depending on availability on any given date.
- Shore excursions are subject to change.
- For the most up-to-date rates, itinerary, availability, and for more information about the different service levels and optional shore excursions, please enquire now.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 2-night stay in Lisbon hotel accommodation with breakfast
- 7-night river cruise onboard a Viking Longship
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
- Visits to UNESCO Sites
- Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Port taxes & fees
- Onboard Gratuities
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive and check in to your hotel. Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savouring local cuisine and port wine are favourite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.
Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal
Day 3: Porto, Portugal
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. Porto holds a place of great traditional importance. The town lends its name to the port wine produced in the region and throughout the nation. Located along a rocky embankment, the city boasts picturesque neighbourhoods, fashionable restaurants and lively markets. Like Lisbon, Porto has a rich past; its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow cobblestone streets brimming with romantic buildings spanning the centuries and a Romanesque cathedral. At the riverside, small barcos rabelos, boats once used to transport casks of wine, paint a charming scene.
Day 4: Régua — Pinhão, Portugal
Régua, Portugal:
The peaceful town of Peso da Régua, commonly known as Régua, overlooks the Douro River with the Serra do Marão mountains as a stunning backdrop. In 1756, the Marquês de Pombal proclaimed this city as the centre of his newly demarcated wine region, and it has remained so since. As such, the town is steeped in the wine-making culture. This is particularly true at Casa do Douro, the headquarters of the Port Wine Institute. Its beautiful stained glass windows are a tribute in light and glass to the rich history of port wine and its cultural significance to the region.
Pinhão, Portugal:
The sleepy town of Pinhão is situated between the Douro and Pinhão Rivers, in the epicentre of the valley’s port wine-making region. The climate and growing conditions here are perfect for port grapes and the surrounding landscape, festooned with vineyards, creates a serene experience. The biggest names in port have quintas, or wine estates, nearby. During the annual grape harvest in autumn, the village comes to life, attracting workers and wine enthusiasts from across the whole of Europe.
Day 5: Scenic Sailing Douro River — Barca d'Alva, Portugal
Scenic Sailing: Douro River:
Journey through the Douro River valley into the history of fine Portuguese wine. Surrounded by terraced hills, spot some of the area’s quintas, or wine estates, clinging to the slopes, nestled snugly among their vines. In this beautiful and largely unspoiled region, olive and almond groves share the river’s banks with vineyards. And it is hard to ignore the fact that this journey follows in the wake of traditional barcos rabelos that once transported wine downriver to the waiting casks in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Barca d’Alva, Portugal:
Barca d’Alva is the last Portuguese town on the Douro River; this quaint river port is just a few hundred yards from the Spanish border. Cherry, almond and olive groves line the nearby banks, pointing the way to this unassuming frontier village. Its quayside sparkles in the Iberian sun, and it is the ideal port from which to truly appreciate the beauty of the Douro Valley. In either direction, terraced vineyards climb riverbanks and steep hills spill into river gorges. Simple cafés provide an authentic ambience and a bridge across the river leads to a picturesque photo opportunity of the village.
Day 6: Salamanca, Spain
Founded by a Celtic tribe before the rise of the Roman Empire, Salamanca was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its beautifully preserved buildings. It is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1134, and its main square, bustling with students, is often called the most beautiful in Spain. The beauty of this richly historic city, besides the enormous Romanesque cathedral whose profile dominates the town, is the grace with which Salamanca retains a traditional Spanish village feel. It is a living museum that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages.
Day 7: Pinhão — Régua, Portugal
Pinhão, Portugal:
Pinhão is surrounded by picture-postcard terraced hillsides that are synonymous with the Douro River Valley. Its slow pace and quiet atmosphere belie the fact that it produces world-renowned port wines; some of the most recognizable names in port production operate wine estates near here. One of the “station towns” along the Douro River, Pinhão boasts a relaxing and scenic promenade along the river, perfect for strolling and drinking in the beauty of vineyard-clad hills. The village’s railway station is decorated with 24 spectacular scenes depicted in azulejos, Portugal’s distinctive blue-and-white tiles.
Régua, Portugal:
With its historic place as the western boundary of the demarcated wine region of Portugal, Régua boasts a rich wine-making heritage. Riverside manor houses are occupied by winegrowers; some have draped their terraces with giant lettering so they can be easily identified from the water by passing ships. The country’s famous port was created when 16th-century British merchants added brandy to the local wine to prevent it from souring. Over the centuries, the process of maturing and blending has been perfected, resulting in appealing tawnies, rubies and other varieties.
Day 8: Régua — Porto, Portugal
Régua, Portugal:
In Portuguese cuisine, pork plays a central role, appearing in paio, a pork loin sausage, and chouriço, a spicy sausage often flavoured with paprika or wine. These cured meats are nicely complemented by the smooth and creamy cheeses of the region. Among main dishes, the addictive pastéis de bacalhau (small cod cakes) are enjoyed hot or cold. And Portugal’s famed soup, caldo verde, gets its deep green colour from a variant of kale. At meal’s end or just as a treat, the city’s pastelarias are well worth a visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Porto, Portugal:
The magnificent 19th-century Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel and opened in 1886, spans the Douro River to link Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Known locally as “Gaia,” the city is central to Porto’s role as a major producer of port. Here, amid ceramic, glass and soap factories, cellars of 58 companies fortify the prized wine. Visiting Gaia offers insight into how Douro River valley wines are transformed into some of the most sought-after ports in the world, and provides panoramic views of Porto, as many of the cellars are located on the banks of the river.
Day 9: Porto, Portugal
Porto’s prosperous future was sealed when the distinctive, single-masted barcos rabelos delivered the first wine shipments here from vineyards up the Douro River. Before the advent of the railroad, these wooden cargo boats provided the fastest and most efficient transport of wines between the Douro River valley’s wineries and the city, from which bottles were exported all over the world. Today, the vessels are owned by port wine companies along the Douro. Though no longer in use, they still grace the river’s edge nonetheless, enriching the city’s character and cultural identity
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Viking
The Viking Difference Destination focused and culturally enriching. Discover what makes us the world’s leading small ship cruise line. We all travel to explore, to learn, to understand. At Viking, we believe travel should be more than just a trip―it should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment. That is why our cruise itineraries are designed to help you explore the most intimate nuances of your destination; its food, culture, countryside and customs. Elegant, light-filled ships thoughtfully designed to connect you to your destination.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
^Viking River Voyages Free Flight Offer: Terms & Conditions
Book by 1 December 2025.
Conditions apply. Prices are per person, in Australian dollars and for Australian and New Zealand residents only. They are based on double occupancy and correct at time of printing. Prices include all advertised discounts, and all offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. All offers are only valid for new bookings and only on selected departures made between 02 September - 01 December 2025 at 7PM AEDT unless sold out prior.
A partially refundable deposit of AU$1,000 per person (in the form of a future cruise voucher less a AU$100 cancellation fee) is required to secure a confirmed reservation within 3 days of booking otherwise reservation may automatically cancel.
Once deposit payment has been made, standard cancellation penalties apply. When booking airfares through Viking (including when taking advantage of a special offer that includes air travel), standard airline cancellation fees also apply.
Displayed prices indicate the lowest available pricing across all available sailings from 2025 to 2028 and may have different offers applicable from those advertised for the promoted sailing years. Pricing for each itinerary can vary at short notice as availability changes and sailings close for the current season.
Flexible Deposit Policy (01 April 2024 – 01 December 2025 at 7pm AEDT) Terms & Conditions.
- Our flexible deposit policy applies to new reservations only made between 01 April 2024 – 01 December 2025 at 7PM AEDT and is combinable with all other Viking offers available.
- Under our flexible deposit policy, qualified guests can cancel their booking before final payment due date and receive deposit back in the form of a future cruise voucher less a $100 per person cancellation fee.
- Guests will have 24 months to select their new date and use their Future Cruise Voucher to make a new reservation on any river, ocean, or expedition cruise.
- When booking airfares through Viking (including when taking advantage of a special offer that includes air travel), standard airline cancellation fees will also apply. In some cases, airfares will be non-refundable. In the event of cancellation, these fees will be deducted from the deposit paid, and therefore the future cruise voucher issued.
- The future cruise voucher can be used on any new Viking cruise and will be applied at booking and must be redeemed by the expiration date prior to final payment.
- The future cruise voucher has no cash value and will be applied as a ’Booking Discount’.
- Once the voucher is redeemed, it cannot be re‐issued or used towards another cruise, and any unused balance of the voucher is lost and has no cash value.
- Valid future cruise voucher is non-transferable.
Companion Fly Free Economy Flights up to the value of AU$2,500 when booking flights with Viking.
- Companion Fly Free is economy flight(s) for one guest up to the value of AU$2,500 to/from Australia/New Zealand.
- If the flight cost exceeds AU$2,500 for that guest, the guest will cover the difference.
- If flights are cheaper than AU$2,500 for that guest, the unused portion of the air funds will be waived and cannot be transferred towards any other portion of the booking or any other person.
- Flight cost difference is to be paid at the time of flight booking.
- A guest can use the AU$2,500 to instead upgrade to business class or premium economy (booked through Viking) with AU$2,500 off business/premium economy airfare, with the difference to be covered by the guest. Upgrade flight cost difference is to be paid at the time of flight booking.
- Applicable if flights are booked through Viking and must be booked in conjunction with a selected 2026/2027/2028 Viking Ocean cruise.
- Flights are Viking’s choice of airline for selected major gateways in AU/NZ: ADL/AKL/BNE/CBR/CHC/CNS/DRW/HBA/LST/MEL/OOL/PER/SYD/WLG.
- Guests must return their air form to Viking within 14 business days of receiving request for flights, otherwise Viking reserve the right to remove the free air promo and apply the respective in lieu of flights discount.
- Valid on bookings made between 02 September - 01 December 2025 at 7PM AEDT.
- Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 01 December 2025.
- Viking will reach out to you or your travel advisor once flights are in the date range, at this point you may nominate your preferred departure/arrival dates.
- Both guests must be on the same airline booking (PNR) and fly together in both directions.
- Solo guests for Ocean can use up to AU$2,500 towards their flights. Any unused portion of the air funds will be waived and cannot be transferred towards any other portion of the booking or any other person or booking.
- Flight offers and the deposit amount varies for World Cruises and Grand Journeys.
- Companion Fly Free offer excludes the Australia & New Zealand, Komodo & the Australian Coast, Grand Australian Circumnavigation and Viking World Cruise/Discovery/Journey/Voyage itineraries.
- Please use code CFF25 to activate the Companion Fly Free offer when booking online or via the Contact Centre.
- If no code is selected when booking via online, the Companion Fly Free offer will be applied.
Save AU$2,500 and book flights independently.
- Guest booking is eligible to get a total discount of AU$2,500 per booking off the cruise fare at the time of booking in lieu of the Companion Free Economy Class flights.
- Solo travelers will receive a dollar discount of AU$2,500 per booking off the cruise fare instead of the free companion flights.
- Guests book their own flights independently of Viking.
- Valid on bookings made between 02 September - 01 December 2025 at 7PM AEDT, excluding the Australia & New Zealand, Komodo & the Australian Coast, Grand Australia Circumnavigation and Viking World Cruise/Discovery/Journey/Voyage itineraries.
- Guest may not request to change to flights included promotion post campaign end date of 01 December 2025.
- Please use code CRO25 to activate the In Lieu of Flights offer when booking online or via the Contact Centre.
- If no code is selected when booking via online, the Companion Fly Free offer will be applied.
Further terms and conditions may apply, for full details, please enquire with your RACV Travel Expert when booking.
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9 nights
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