Kelly and Joanne were delighted to be invited on board Viking Torgil to explore Portugal’s spectacular Douro River, beginning our journey with a short stopover in Dubai to break up the travel. From there, we continued to Lisbon flying with Emirates, who offered a seamless and comfortable long-haul experience.
Upon arrival in Portugal’s capital, we transferred to Turim Terreiro do Paço, a charming four-star boutique hotel in Lisbon’s Old Town. With just 50 rooms and more than 500 years of history, the property is ideally located near Praça do Comércio, the Tagus River and the vibrant Pink Street. Breakfast was intimate and relaxed, and the surrounding cafés offered lovely tapas, local wine and sangria in easygoing settings.
The next day, we explored Lisbon’s winding streets on an electric tuk tuk tour, a fun and effortless way to navigate the city’s hills and layered history. A visit to Secret Garden LX, a tucked-away rooftop bar with panoramic views, was the perfect sunset stop.
That evening, we transferred to the Corinthia Lisbon, a five-star hotel and the starting point of our Viking pre-cruise land extension. We were warmly welcomed by Cruise Director Stein, who provided our travel packs and a detailed briefing. The timing was perfect, as Lisbon was alive with energy during the Festas de Santo António, with locals filling the streets to celebrate with music, parades, grilled sardines and traditional weddings.
The following morning, Viking’s included city tour gave us deeper insight into Lisbon’s rich history, finishing at the Maritime Museum. Just a short walk away is Pastéis de Belém, where we sampled the original Portuguese tart - fresh, warm and unforgettable.
Our journey then continued north to Porto by coach, with a stop at the University of Coimbra and a traditional Fado lunch performance along the way. We arrived in Porto by late afternoon and boarded Viking Torgil, our home for the next seven nights.
This is where the magic truly began.
Our Standard Cabin at 167 square feet was compact but very comfortable, with beds we slept soundly in each night, fresh bottled water replenished daily and exceptional housekeeping. Each evening, a printed guide outlining the next day’s adventures was delivered to our room, keeping everything organised and effortless.
Dining on board was exceptional, not just for the cuisine but for the genuine warmth of the service. Each morning, the Head Chef personally presented a tray of warm, freshly baked pastries, offering them table by table and setting the tone for the day. Lunch and dinner menus featured locally inspired dishes paired with regional wines, and beer, wine and soft drinks were included. The dining team were attentive, professional and clearly proud of what they do.
Our final port of call, Porto, was the perfect way to end the journey. The city is steeped in history as the birthplace of Port wine, surrounded by the famous vineyards of the Douro Valley. Wandering through the Ribeira district, we absorbed the region’s rich wine heritage, passing historic cellars and merchants that have shaped its global reputation. After docking, we explored the town, watched local fishermen casting lines beside the ship and enjoyed the lively riverside atmosphere.
For a magical finale, we climbed through the cobbled streets, or took the cable car, to the top of the hill where locals gather at sunset. With a live band playing and panoramic views of Porto’s terracotta rooftops and the Douro River glowing in the fading light, it was an unforgettable and deeply immersive farewell to this warm and vibrant region.
Viking’s Portugal’s Rivers of Gold blends luxury, culture and natural beauty in equal measure. The Douro River, with its dramatic locks and breathtaking valley landscapes, is the true star, offering a sense of serenity and discovery that larger ships and rivers simply cannot match. With exceptional service, thoughtfully curated excursions and seamless organisation throughout, this cruise is ideal for travellers seeking authenticity, immersion and a deeper connection to Portugal and Spain.
