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The sequence of the port of calls and shore excursions may be changed by the local port authorities. 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. An absolute highlight of a Douro River cruise is Salamanca, Spain's oldest university town.
Villages and Vintages: Cruising the Douro River Valley
This once-turbulent waterway was tamed by local civilizations over the centuries, so you'll find postcard-worthy scenery all around. That also means that you'll likely take buses up the steep valley slopes to places of interest along the way. Welcome to Vantage Explorations’ Douro Discoverer voyage, in partnership with VIVA Cruises. On a voyage that winds along Portugal’s Douro River, you will find towns and villages that have remained unchanged... 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).
Cruising the Great Lakes: Chicago to Toronto
He kept the whole group upbeat and fascinated with Portugal, its history and culture, it's folkways and food. That's why our Douro River cruise was so remarkable and memorable. Portugal is beautiful and Miguel, as well as local guides in Lisbon and Porto, made its history come alive. This was a lovely, compatible, friendly group of fellow travelers, led and inspired by Miquel and that always makes a Gate 1 tour special. Discover the wonders of a special town right in the gateway of the Douro Valley, Lamego. I've learned so much about their culture and all those gorgeous churches that we visited.
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Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid
This was our third trip to Europe this year and our group made it one of the most enjoyable. Switzerland in May and Italy in the first 2 weeks of December all have been terrific. I just wanted to say that our Tour Manager, Ercilia, is an absolutely amazing person. She is a true asset and honestly I do not know how a tour manager/guide could be any better. From organizing the tour, to her knowledge of English, to her unbelievable knowledge of her country's history, to suggesting places to recommend and explore in every location, and even her sense of humor. It was an absolute treat to have her on our vacation.
Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents. The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.
Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you. The river was spectacular, the stops very historical and informative, the ricver boat was comfortable, food was outstanding, and activities on board fun. The architecture in Portugal and Spain is the most exquisite I have had the pleasure to see.
Experiences
In addition to its natural beauty, the Douro Valley is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including birds of prey, otters, and even the occasional wild boar. Whether you are exploring the vineyards on foot or simply relaxing on deck, the Douro Valley never fails to impress with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. 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 the last decade, Douro River cruises have become increasingly popular.
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. 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... Today, you can visit the historic university town of Salamanca—the “Golden City”—famous for its sand-colored buildings and abundance of churches. Feel the centuries fall away as your ship winds its way through the pristine, dramatic UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Douro River Valley. Go medieval today at Castelo Rodrigo, both the name of a hilltop castle as well as the village that surrounds it.
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.
You also can book tours that include a stop at Lello through our sister site, Viator. Ribeira, Porto's most-famous riverside neighborhood, is lined with cafes, shops and all manner of ready-to-explore spots. 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.
I just completed my tenth Gate 1 tour, 10 day Classic Portugal. Portugal was beautiful, and the weather was fabulous, but Rui Barreiro, our tour manager and guide, was the major reason for the success of the trip. Rui was, "Simply the best; better than all the rest." His knowledge of the historical sites as well as his ability to detail the history of Portugal and the history of several cities and towns, was beyond comprehension. By offering detailed accounts of legends, of Portugal's history, of significant events that shaped Portugal, Rui made Portugal come alive.His English was better than many Americans.
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Visit the vineyard and learn about Porto and red wine production, aging, and bottling. Sample some of them at the tasting room.Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets are not available for purchase locally.Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. In the heart of Porto's Ribeira district, this historic building offers 159 modern rooms with contemporary architecture, elegant design and the best service. From some rooms you have a great view of the Douro River. Enjoy the breakfast buffet in the Forno Velho restaurant in the morning or a menu of traditional Portuguese cuisine in the evening.
A typical itinerary includes visits to charming towns and villages along the river, such as Porto, Régua, Pinhão, and Barca d’Alva. These ports of call offer opportunities to explore historic sites, sample local cuisine, and of course, enjoy wine tastings at renowned vineyards. 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. She was so knowledgeable and organized everything beautifully.
Salamanca is an absolute highlight of a Douro cruise, as it's one of the most gorgeous cities in Spain and is historical, dating back to the Roman Empire much like Porto. 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).
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