Table Of Content
- Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head & Charleston
- Douro river cruises
- Explore the delights of the Douro
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Explore the Douro Valley highlights
- Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley ( (Porto to Lisbon,
- Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain)
- Picturesque Solo Douro Tour
Plus, several excursions have inbuilt surprises – like local Portuguese delicacies at one museum or a surprise fado performance at another. They use local guides and there’s no queuing to get on and off the ship. Alas, we got little use out of this beautiful area when we sailed due to the freakish bad weather. But the Douro is uusally drenched in sunshine over the summer and then you’ll be glad for the space to stretch out on the sun deck and dip in the pool. Avalon also hold grills on the top deck when the weather is good, which brings a party-like atmosphere.
Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head & Charleston
Take part in our excursion to Vila Réal, a town with a great variety of religious buildings and architecture. Learn more about the famed Portuguese wine cultivated along the banks of the Douro River. Discover the best sights and excursions to experience while you explore the Douro Valley. In addition to wine, the Douro Valley is also known for its delicious cuisine, which is characterized by its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Typical dishes include bacalhau (salted cod), caldo verde (a hearty soup made with kale and potatoes), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Also, check out our solo cruise tips to make the most of travelling alone and download this free cruise packing checklist to make sure you’re prepared.
Why Go There: 8 Reasons to Cruise Along the Douro River - Cruise Critic
Why Go There: 8 Reasons to Cruise Along the Douro River.
Posted: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Douro river cruises
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, has some 2,000 years of history behind it. While it's best known for the production of port wine (wine that's fortified with the addition of brandy), it's also a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis. Being so close to the ocean gives Porto a bit of a San Francisco feel; it's every bit as hilly, there are plenty of trams, street life is colorful, and occasionally a dense fog rolls in off the Atlantic. Enjoy time at leisure this morning to discover Porto at your own pace. Afterwards, join us for an excursion to Aveiro, a charming medieval town surrounded by salt marshes, beaches and lagoons.
Explore the delights of the Douro
You will admire this incredible terraced vineyard which extends over a hundred kilometers along the Douro to the Spanish border. You will also visit the historical cities such as Porto, Braga and Guimarães. Discover also the splendid city of Porto, with the sweet authentic charm, before venturing more in the heart of the country, among the innumerable quintas (vineyards) and pretty small traditional villages. At the end this trip to Portugal, you can opt for the extension taking you onto Lisbon to discover this wonderful city on the banks of the Tagus.
During a Douro River cruise, passengers can enjoy guided tours of local wineries, where they can learn about the winemaking process and sample a variety of wines, including port, vinho verde, and Douro DOC wines. Some cruises also offer onboard wine tastings, where passengers can sample a selection of wines from the region. Explore the sunny Iberian Peninsula with world renowned cruise companies and set sail on the Douro river. Take in the charm of small riverside towns in Portugal's Vila Real district, while tasting local wines in the company of friends or family. Discover over 300 medieval castles in Spain's Castile and Leon mountainous region and unwind in Sintra with an unforgettable river cruise. Typically, seven or 10-night trips begin with land tours in Lisbon before passengers are transported by motor coach to their ships.
Explore the Douro Valley highlights
Launched in 2024, the Avalon Alegria carries only 102 passengers on this 262 foot ship in a combination of 14 Staterooms, 37 Panorama Suites. And third, because, in my experience, an Avalon cruise is an abundantly joyful thing. Well, first of all because Porto itself is one of Portugal’s finest cities, ribero boats bobbing between terracotta banks.
Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley ( (Porto to Lisbon,
Visits to a range of quintas, the Portuguese term for wineries, mostly focus on the region's famed port wines, but the winemakers in the Douro region also produce beautiful reds and whites. Journey from Porto, where the origins of Portugal took shape, and along the river to the Douro Valley to discover famed vineyards, towering cliff faces, and stunning wildlife. The Douro River has a rich history dating back centuries, with evidence of human settlement along its banks dating back to the Paleolithic era. The river played a crucial role in the region’s development, serving as a vital trade route for transporting goods like port wine, olive oil, and grains. Many Douro River cruises also include meals onboard, giving passengers the opportunity to sample traditional Portuguese dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Overall, a Douro River cruise offers a feast for the senses, with opportunities to indulge in the region’s culinary delights and savor its world-class wines.
There's a new option for a river cruise through Portugal's wine country - The Points Guy
There's a new option for a river cruise through Portugal's wine country.
Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine. Immerse yourself in the festive and warm atmosphere of Portugal and Spain where you will discover a unique way of life. You will visit Porto, a subtle mixture of modernity and history famous for its wine, or Salamanca and its cathedral, Spain's "golden city".
Picturesque Solo Douro Tour
One of the highlights of a Douro River cruise is the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes as you sail along the river. From the rugged beauty of the upper Douro Valley to the gentle slopes of the lower valley, each stretch of the river offers its own unique beauty and charm. The Douro Valley is also home to many charming villages and towns, each with its own unique history and culture.
Browse the Douro Valley and river cruises in Spain and Portugal below. Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable voyage. Douro River cruises offer travelers the perfect opportunity to segue from buzzy Porto on the Atlantic coast to Portugal’s pastoral wine region. Cruises on the Douro River may not have quite the same pull as other European rivers, but its beautiful scenery of sloping wine terraces give it the edge. Observe the dramatic landscapes, losing yourself in the vibrant green hills of the Douro Valley, or spend your days relaxing in the Portuguese sunshine. Overall, Douro River cruises offer a wide range of shore excursions and activities that cater to every interest and travel style, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all passengers.
The Douro River winds its way through the heart of one of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, the Douro Valley. This picturesque region is characterized by its terraced vineyards, which rise from the riverbanks in a stunning display of greenery and beauty. The Douro Valley is also home to charming villages, historic towns, and lush forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. You will find most of the itinerary highlights on all the lines. Bookended by two genuinely intriguing cities -- Spain's Salamanca and Portugal's Porto -- a fair portion of the weeklong itinerary is actually pastoral and laid-back. While there's plenty to do, one oddity of the Douro experience is that there's no night navigation, so ships must cruise from sunrise to sunset.
What's most heartening about a cruise on the Douro is the small surprises. The tiny town of Pinhao, lying at the heart of Douro's wine country, reminds you of a cross between California's Napa Valley and Italy's Tuscany (only far less touristy). It's simply gorgeous country, whether in the lush vineyard regions closer to Porto or in the wild, craggy landscapes to the east, near the border with Spain. Porto is the port of departure and arrival for our Douro cruises. Which means you’ll have plenty of time to stroll through the splendid old town, take in the view from Portugal’s highest church tower and sample bacalhau, the country’s favourite dried fish. While you are there, don’t miss the opportunity to go on an excursion to Salamanca in Spain.
With its 13th-century university, this impressive city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overall, Douro River cruises offer a diverse range of itineraries and options, ensuring that every traveler can find the perfect cruise experience to suit their interests and preferences. Cruise options also vary, with some cruises focusing more on cultural experiences and sightseeing, while others offer a more active itinerary with opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Although no longer used commercially, these iconic workhorses can still be seen plying the waters of the Douro today.
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