Hugging the Atlantic Ocean on the southern point of Continental Europe, Portugal boasts bustling riverside ports, colourful coastal cities, medieval castles, exquisite mountainous landscapes and rolling vineyards. Home to a vast history of civilisations - from Roman to Germanic; the Viking’s to the Moors - you’ll find a vibrant cultural identity that has been shaped by centuries of historical influences. A feast for the senses, Portugal offers an array of sights, sounds and tastes to behold: caramelised custard pastries, freshly-caught seafood, passionate Fado music, sweet Port wine and postcard worthy landscapes of rolling vineyards and architectural marvels.
Begin your journey in Lisbon, with its quaint trams and pastel-hued streets , before heading to the romantic waterside city of Porto to witness its grand cathedrals and taste its famed port wine. Then set sail down the Douro River, stopping to visit sites such as the exquisite Mateus Palace, the olive oil groves of Alto Douro and a day in Spain to discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca, all leaving you with memories that will linger long after your journey ends.
We believe travel should be more than just a trip―it should be your gateway to personal enrichment. Our itineraries have been expertly curated to provide you with opportunities every day of your voyage to engage with your destination through its food, landscapes, culture and history. Here’s a little insight to what you will find on the River of Gold cruise.
Explore one of Europe's oldest cities on a panoramic drive, stopping at iconic landmarks including The Monument of the Discoveries, The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This important landmark was born from the Golden Age of Discovery when Portuguese caravels set sail in search of new worlds between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Get to know Lisbon’s rich culture through its food during a walking tour. Portuguese food is known for its simple yet flavourful approach, using fresh ingredients, such as cod, cheese and smoked sausage. Sample authentic regional dishes, a selection of petiscos — small servings of tasty bites — and locally produced liqueur before finishing with a delicious, sweet treat, Portugal’s famed pastel de nata—a baked egg custard pastry.
Visit the extraordinary Mateus Palace, depicted on the famous Mateus Rosé label. This stunning baroque masterpiece was the home of the last Count of Vila Real; its pinnacled facade, grand stairway, richly appointed interiors and priceless objects on display will amaze you, as will the palace’s enchanting formal gardens. Then, visit one of the area’s port wine–making institutions, where you will stroll through the vineyard and bottling facility to learn how its unique port wines are crafted.
Roam the 12th-century Saint John Monastery in Tarouca, a Cistercian landmark. See the charming houses of Ucanha charm with their stout stone walls and colourful wooden balconies. Then head to Casa de Santo António Britiande in Távora-Varosa for a wine tasting at a small quintas tucked into the hillside in the narrow valley.
Admire the city’s noted architecture, such as the iconic Luís I Bridge, a double-decked metal arch that spans the Douro River. Walk across the upper level of the bridge to Porto Cathedral, a Romanesque landmark in the Old Town. Marvel at the blue and white azelujos tiles in São Bento station, then explore the Ribeira's riverfront.
Visit the small village of Favaios and one of the last traditional bakeries in the Douro Valley where bakers make bread the traditional way – in an oven headed with wood and old grapevines. Sample freshly baked four-corner bread and learn about the importance of wine and bread at the local museum. Continue to Quinta da Avessada, a century-old wine estate. Meet the dedicated vintners, tour the cellars and sample local varieties of port.
"The cities on this cruise may be glorious, but for me it was very much the diversity of landscapes along the river that was the biggest revelation”
– John W
“Our first ever Viking Cruise and we could not have chosen a better way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. From the warm greeting at Lisbon Airport to the reluctant farewells to the crew of Viking Helgrim in Porto, our every need was met, even anticipated.”
– Jennifer G
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Portuguese culture, cuisine and architecture has been shaped by both its coastal location and its vast history of civilisations that date back centuries. With sweet Port wine, fresh seafood, grand cathedrals, colourful winding streets, the oldest wine region in the world and melodic Fado music, Portugal oozes a unique cultural identity that can only be experienced once there.
Designed to help you explore the most intimate nuances of Portugal both on board and onshore, our 10-day Portugal’s River of Gold cruisetour includes engaging excursions with expert local guides, insightful guest lecturers, regional cooking demonstrations and craft classes showcasing local traditions.
Our Viking ships embody our signature Scandinavian design with a calming coastal palette, clean lines, blonde timbers and cosy areas bathed in natural light, create a soothing sanctuary. Your stateroom’s special touches make for a homely feel including heated bathroom flooring, smart storage solutions, on-demand movies and educational programs if you feel like a “night in”, high-tech soundproofing and plush robes and slippers.
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