Table Of Content
The ancient city of Porto is one of the most historic in Europe, dating back to the Roman Empire, and its old town is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vila Nova de Gaia lies across the Douro from Porto, and is best known for the port houses that stud its mountainside. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck.
Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (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.
Wildlife Odyssey: South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe
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.
Douro Cruise with Dinner
One of the most iconic features of the Douro Valley is its terraced vineyards, which were first planted by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. These vineyards not only produce some of the world’s finest wines but also create a stunning backdrop that adds to the region’s charm and character. Whether you are a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Douro River Cruising has something to offer every traveler. Join us as we explore this captivating destination and discover why a cruise along the Douro is a journey unlike any other. Our Portugal cruises uncover one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon.
Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head & Charleston
We'll visit its unusual cathedral and its famous university dating back to 1218, making it one of the oldest in the world. We'll return on board after our tour and enjoy an evening of entertainment. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Porto, the gateway city, is one of Portugal’s best, with a UNESCO World Heritage riverside Old Town and multiple wineries offering a taste of port.
Douro River Cruises
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.
Best of Spain and Portugal (Classic, Summer, End Madrid, 15 Days)
CroisiEurope, Scenic, Viking, Uniworld and Emerald fully own and operate their ships. The premier times to visit the Douro are in springtime, May and June, and then again during harvest season -- in fall months of September and October. The Douro has a long cruise season, typically beginning in late March and running into November, though Viking has sailings into December. If you’re curious about Douro River cruises, here’s everything you need to know. For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary. Join us for a guided tour of Porto followed by a wine tasting session in the cellars at Vila Nova de Gaïa.
Avalon Alegria sets sail: A new era of happy cruising on Portugal's Douro River - Travelweek
Avalon Alegria sets sail: A new era of happy cruising on Portugal's Douro River.
Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You'll wrap up your vacation with stops in Lamego, Guimarães, and the charming village of Afurada—destinations packed with cultural heritage, gorgeous architecture, and genuine friendliness. During a cruise in Portugal, you will be able to explore incredibly majestic sites such as the Vila Real and the gardens of the manor house of Solar de Mateus. The Douro Valley is home to delicious treasures and will take you along the Port wine route.
Observation Deck
A cruise adventure starting in Porto is a great way to see Douro. The most popular time for tours from Porto is July, which has the most cruise departures. The good news is the scenery is just gorgeous and varies throughout the region, so there's a lot to look at. The motor coaches are new, clean and comfortable (with bathrooms onboard, if necessary).
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the last decade, Douro River cruises have become increasingly popular. Lines sailing this Portuguese-Spanish waterway include AmaWaterways, APT, A-ROSA, CroisiEurope, Scenic, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises and Emerald Waterways. Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.
No comments:
Post a Comment