Portugal is one of Europe’s best destinations for empty nester couples who want beautiful scenery, great food and wine, historic cities, and a more relaxed way to travel.
You can spend time exploring Lisbon and Porto, visit vineyards in the Douro Valley, or experience northern Portugal on a river cruise.
This guide brings together our Portugal and Douro Valley articles, including when to visit, what to see, costs, wine experiences, cruise lines, and whether a Douro River cruise is right for you.
Start Here
If Portugal is new to you, start with these guides. They will give you a feel for the destination, help you decide when to travel, and introduce you to Porto and the Douro Valley.
- Why Empty Nesters Are Falling in Love With Portugal
- Portugal by Season: When to Go for the Best Experience
- Porto for Empty Nester Couples
- What Is a Douro River Cruise?
Portugal, Porto, Lisbon, and the Douro Valley
Portugal offers much more than a river cruise. These guides cover some of the places and experiences that can turn a Douro trip into a longer Portugal vacation.
- Lisbon Extensions Worth Adding
- Porto for Empty Nester Couples
- Best Douro Valley Wine Experiences
- Why Empty Nesters Love the Douro Valley’s Food and Wine
- Portugal by Season: When to Go for the Best Experience
- Hidden Costs of Portugal Travel
Planning a Douro River Cruise
A Douro River cruise is different from many other European river cruises. These guides explain what the experience is like, what is included, what it costs, and whether it offers good value for the way you like to travel.
- What Is a Douro River Cruise?
- What Is Included on a Douro River Cruise?
- How Much Does a Douro River Cruise Cost?
- Is a Douro River Cruise Worth the Cost?
- Douro vs. Danube: Which River Cruise Offers the Better Experience?
Choosing the Right Douro Cruise Line
Several cruise lines sail Portugal’s Douro River, but the experience can vary quite a bit. These articles will help you compare the options and choose the one that fits your travel style.
- Best Douro Cruise Lines for Couples Over 50
- Which Douro Cruise Line Is Right for You?
- AmaWaterways Douro Cruise Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Cost
- Viking Douro River Cruise Review: What to Expect
Need Help Planning Portugal and the Douro Valley?
There are a lot of ways to experience Portugal, but the best trip depends on your travel style, budget, timing, hotel preferences, how much time you have, and whether a Douro River cruise makes sense for you.
We help empty nester couples put those pieces together so the trip fits the way you actually want to travel.