From exploring Lisbon and Porto to cruising through the beautiful Douro Valley, this journey was filled with history, spectacular scenery, wonderful food and wine, and plenty of memorable experiences along the way.

DAYS 1–2 – LISBON

We spent two wonderful nights at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, which was a fantastic base for exploring the city. The location was excellent, with plenty of great restaurants, cafés and amenities right on the doorstep, and the hotel’s spa was the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

During our stay, we visited the iconic Belém Tower and the impressive Royal Treasure Museum, both of which are well worth adding to any Lisbon itinerary. It was a great mix of history, culture and relaxation, making for a memorable two-day city break.

Day 3 – Lisbon to Porto

Today we travelled by luxury coach from Lisbon to Porto, where we embarked on the elegant Viking Helgrim to begin our Douro River cruise.

Along the way, we stopped in the historic city of Coimbra, renowned for its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful university and wandering through its charming surroundings before sitting down to a delicious lunch accompanied by the soulful sounds of Fado, Portugal’s traditional music.

After arriving in Porto, we received a warm welcome aboard the Viking Helgrim, settled into our staterooms and looked forward to the adventures that awaited us along the Douro River.

Day 4 – Vila Nova de Gaia to Lamego

Today we cast off from Vila Nova de Gaia and began our scenic journey along the beautiful Douro River towards Lamego.

Along the way, we passed through the impressive Crestuma and Carrapatelo locks, an unforgettable experience and a fascinating insight into the engineering that makes river cruising possible.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a shore excursion to the magnificent Mateus Palace and Gardens, famous for its association with the iconic Mateus Rosé wine. We strolled through the beautifully landscaped gardens, admired the stunning Baroque architecture and finished our visit with a delightful wine tasting, sampling the region’s renowned wines.

It was a wonderful day combining spectacular scenery, Portuguese history and local flavours.

Day 5 – Pinhão to Pocinho

Today we cast off from Pinhão and cruised towards Pocinho, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley as terraced vineyards and picturesque villages lined the riverbanks.

Our shore excursion took us to the beautifully preserved medieval village of Castelo Rodrigo, where we wandered through its historic cobbled streets, admired the ancient stone buildings and enjoyed spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.

Back on board, we were treated to an entertaining cooking demonstration in the lounge with Chef Michael, who taught us how to make the famous Pastel de Nata.

The day concluded in style with a cocktail reception, followed by a vibrant flamenco show, providing a wonderful evening of music, dance and celebration as we continued our journey along the Douro River.

Day 6 – A Day in Salamanca, Spain

Today we travelled by luxury coach across the border into Salamanca, Spain, a journey of approximately two and a half hours with a comfort stop along the way.

Known as the “Golden City” for its beautiful sandstone buildings, Salamanca is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On arrival, we joined a guided walking tour through the city’s historic streets, taking in its magnificent architecture, grand plazas and impressive landmarks.

Afterwards, we enjoyed some free time to wander at our own pace, browsing the local shops, relaxing in one of the many cafés or sampling authentic Spanish cuisine in the city’s charming restaurants.

It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich history, culture and vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful Spanish city before returning to the ship.

Day 7 – Discovering the Heart of the Douro Valley

Today we explored the beautiful Pinhão region, one of the most picturesque areas of Portugal’s Douro Valley.

Our day began with a visit to the renowned Favaios Winery, where we learned about the region’s rich winemaking traditions. We then stopped at a local bakery to discover how the famous Four Corners Bread is made, enjoying the opportunity to taste this delicious local speciality fresh from the oven.

A fun and creative wine painting workshop followed, giving everyone a unique keepsake and a chance to unleash their artistic side.

We rounded off the day with a wonderful lunch at the fabulous Favaios Winery, enjoying delicious regional cuisine paired with excellent local wines – an unforgettable way to experience the flavours and hospitality of the Douro.

Day 8 – Lamego and the Return Journey

Today we cast off from Régua and began our scenic cruise back towards Vila Nova de Gaia, enjoying the ever-changing landscapes of the beautiful Douro Valley.

Along the way, we joined a shore excursion to the charming town of Lamego, one of Portugal’s most important religious centres.

Lamego is famous for the magnificent Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, with its impressive Baroque staircase leading up to the hilltop church. After taking in the beautiful views and exploring the historic town, we wandered through the local markets and enjoyed some free time to browse the shops, relax at a café and soak up the atmosphere before returning to the ship.

Upon returning to the ship, we relaxed with cocktails on the top deck as we admired the beautiful scenery of the Douro Valley. This was followed by a delightful afternoon tea before another wonderful evening on board.

The day’s entertainment featured a lively traditional Tuna performance by local university students, showcasing Portuguese music, singing and culture. It was the perfect way to end another memorable day on the river.

Day 9 – Exploring the Charm of Porto

Our final full day was spent exploring the vibrant city of Porto.

We visited the magnificent cathedral before wandering through the historic streets, taking time to admire the talented local artists and colourful flower markets that give the city so much character.

We made our way back to the ship on foot, crossing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and enjoying spectacular views over the Douro River and the city skyline.

That evening, we gathered on board for a farewell toast, celebrating the wonderful memories and friendships made throughout the cruise. This was followed by a delicious final dinner in the restaurant, the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s beautiful Douro Valley.

Day 10 – Farewell to the Douro

Our final morning began with a heartfelt farewell as we said goodbye to our fellow passengers after sharing such a wonderful journey together.

We also thanked the incredible Viking crew, whose warmth, professionalism and attention to detail made the cruise such a memorable experience. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and their genuine hospitality ensured we felt welcome and well looked after from beginning to end.

Although it was time to leave the ship, we departed with wonderful memories, new friendships and a deep appreciation for the beauty, history and culture of Portugal’s magnificent Douro Valley.

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