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While the navigable part of the Douro isn't long, there are plenty of cool stops. Along the way you'll have the chance to explore an array of historic cities and towns including Lisbon, Régua, Pinhão and Salamanca in Spain. One of the highlights of a Douro River cruise is the opportunity to indulge in the region’s rich culinary traditions and world-renowned wines. The Douro Valley is famous for its port wine production, a sweet, fortified wine produced in the region for centuries.
Family Club: Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain)
As you go, you’ll pass by the fishermen’s village of Afurada, bike the beaches of Gaia and break for coffee and a treat at the Esplanada do Alex. Although many Port wine estates are owned by international corporations nowadays, the tradition of the family-owned estate remains strong. Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are tended and grapes harvested.
Portuguese dishes you should try once before visiting
Each company does have input into their own operations, whether it's menus, tours or onboard ambience. And they have input to a degree into their own ships; AmaWaterways, for instance, has incorporated its popular balcony/picture window suite design. Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck. We'll keep you up-to-date with our latest news, travel inspiration and special promotions. In the 1990s, scouting for a proposed dam project on the Côa River revealed an astonishing collection of prehistoric carvings, among them horses, deer and aurochs that span eons. Uniworld also offers an 11-day version of this itinerary, featuring additional excursions in Lisbon.
Douro River Cruises
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. The majority of Douro river ships dock in the heart of Gaia, on the south side of the Douro River, across from Porto proper.
Start this expedition in pretty Pinhão, heading up into the hills to a family-owned quinta, where you can get a firsthand look at how the vineyards are... Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it. The view from the top is incredible and the village is a charming place to ramble, relax and replenish.
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If wine tastings, gorgeous landscapes and one of Europe's coolest cities sound good to you, a Douro River cruise should be on your radar. This cruise often begins and ends in Porto, Portugal, which is known for its Port wine, scenic cobblestone streets and the photo-worthy Dom Luís I Bridge, which spans the river. The best way to explore Portugal and Spain is on a Douro River cruise, in the Douro Valley. Incredible scenery and culture is complimented by the comfortable, convenient, and gourmet on-board experience.
A decorative stone staircase with fountains, statues and tile murals leads to the shrine. Douro River cruise lines transport passengers to the top, with the option to walk back down the 700 stairs and meet the bus. Gaia's waterfront and steep surrounding streets are a Douro River destination unto themselves. The whole area is home to big-name port houses such as Graham's, Taylor's, Ferreira, Sandeman and Calem.
A Douro River sailing is rich in destinations to appease almost any traveler's desires. Some of the most popular include Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Pinhão and Salamanca. In some cases, ships are operated by DouroAzul, a Portugal-based company that owns much of the region's cruising infrastructure, from docking facilities to a fleet of river ships.
As one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers, the Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its terraced vineyards, historic Quintas (estates), and charming villages. A cruise along the Douro offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled beauty. A Douro River cruise is a journey of discovery, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Riviera River Cruises' New Ships to Sail Danube, Douro Rivers - Travel Agent Central
Riviera River Cruises' New Ships to Sail Danube, Douro Rivers.
Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.
Do you know how to travel from Lisbon to the Douro Valley easily and comfortably? With the best conditions and the most competitive prices, we organise your event to be unique. Enjoy a fantastic “Francesinha” on a special cruise on the riverbanks of the Douro. Designed by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, it was the world’s longest iron arch bridge when it opened in 1886. It can be crossed by car, train or foot and links Ribeira with Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia. Gaia is your go-to neighborhood for exploring the famous Port wine cellars for which Porto is rightfully famous.
These intimate ships were custom built to sail Portugal's Douro River, with state-of-the-art engineering, deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. Like our Viking Longships, you can choose from a variety of stateroom classes, all with sweeping river views. Douro River cruises typically begin and end in Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. Douro River cruises typically have seven- or 10-night itineraries that depart from Porto, Portugal. Discover everything you need to know about Douro River cruises in this comprehensive guide.
Discover over 300 medieval castles in Spain's Castile and Leon mountainous region and unwind in Sintra with an unforgettable river cruise. Of course it is the longtime hub of the Port wine trade, but Porto is also much more. Take in the UNESCO-designated, 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, seeing its famous Moorish Revival-style Arab Room, during your panoramic tour. Get a feel for this vibrant town, which is simultaneously profoundly urban and moodily romantic. The river itself cuts through the city on its way to the ocean, marked by a series of iconic bridges along the way.
We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers. Guimarães was home to the first king of Portugal, Afonso I, who managed to win his kingdom’s independence in the 12th century from neighboring suzerains. Rove with your guide from the castle toward the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and to the splendid Monastery and Church of Our Lady of Oliveira and the 14th-century Gothic Padrão do Salado. But remember that despite these historic beauties, Guimarães has the youngest population of any city in Europe, so the pedestrian area is full of lively and fun cafés and shops. Head ashore for a choice of excursions, including a tasting at a prestigious Port wine estate or a vineyard hike with a wine tasting at a local quinta.
A maze of steep streets leads to the UNESCO-listed old town that's home to the 12th century Se Cathedral and Sao Francisco Church, with its fabulous golden interior. This information is generally transmitted to a Google server in the USA and stored there. If you visit one of our pages featuring a Vimeo plugin, a connection to the Vimeo servers is established. Here the Vimeo server is informed about which of our pages you have visited.
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