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The lobby is covered with azulejo tiles depicting historic scenes relating to port production. Some cruises overnight in Pinhao, giving time to explore the waterfront or walk up to the station. Gaia's waterfront and steep surrounding streets are a Douro River destination unto themselves.
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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change. The Douro River in Portugal is one of Europe's most magical cruise itineraries, with destinations up and down its shores that are perfect for lovers of charming towns, bustling cities, history and -- of course -- wine.
Viking Douro Ships 360° Tour
A Douro River cruise is a journey of discovery, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As you sail along the river, you will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic sites that line its banks. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the Douro River meanders through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, offering a unique and enchanting cruising experience. Douro River Cruising has gained popularity in recent years, attracting travelers seeking a blend of rich history, stunning scenery, and world-class wines. Sample Port wine along the Douro River, tour the natural beauty of the Douro Valley, and discover historic art and monuments depicting ancient settlements in the region. This destination on the Douro River is situated at the halfway point of cruises.
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Some cruise lines run their shore excursions to Casa de Mateus from Pinhao, and most offer trips to wineries such as Sandeman to learn how port is made and enjoy a tasting. 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.
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. Emerald Cruises specializes in providing a small cruise ship experience.
All the New River Cruise Ships for 2024 - TravelAge West
All the New River Cruise Ships for 2024.
Posted: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites. Raise a glass of port to the discoveries that await you in Portugal’s Douro Valley, a historic and renowned wine region in Europe. Experience the soulful, haunting melodies of fado music and admire the picturesque landscapes of the Portuguese countryside.
Along with the mooring point at Vega de Terron, this is the gateway to the stunning medieval hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo. Topped by the ruins of a medieval castle, the steep and narrow streets in town lead to the 13th-century church that's a stop on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. 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. This once-turbulent waterway was tamed by local civilizations over the centuries, so you'll find postcard-worthy scenery all around.
It's also easy for independent travelers to explore by themselves -- English is spoken virtually everywhere in the city -- and the Porto Card provides free travel on public transport and discounted entry to attractions. Other novel experiences include a motorcycle and sidecar tour that will take you to out-of-the-way places, or a cruise in a replica of the wooden rabelo boats once used to transport port from the vineyards to Porto. This 10-day cruisetour from Lisbon to Porto sails the breathtaking Douro River, one of Europe’s most scenic and a longtime producer of the country’s prized port wine, to experience the best of Portugal. Offering both historical beauty and stunning scenery, our Portugal river cruises have something for everybody. From the mountainous Northern Coast to the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto, its fascinating and contrasting landscapes are dotted with fragrant olive trees and picturesque vineyards as far as the eye can see. 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.
If you are a resident of another country, please contact a French embassy or consulate to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit. Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor onboard the riverboat. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance. A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation.
If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen. 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.
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation. Download, print or share deck plans and additional information for your vessel, such as specifications and cabin descriptions. Traditional Portuguese cuisine is simple and delicious yet flavourful and vibrant and as the country boasts over 500 miles of coastline, it is no surprise that seafood steals the spotlight here. Dinners are a long and leisurely affair and fish tacos and fresh clams go down a treat when paired with a glass of fine Portuguese wine. Sample the delicious ruby-colored fortified wine for which the city is known.
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. There are 66 adventures to choose from, that range in length from 6 days up to 17 days. The most popular month for these cruises is July, which has the most tour departures. Explore the epicenter of the Douro Valley’s port wine production; sample local food. On the way back, there might be the chance to stop off at Pinhao's gorgeous railroad station.
To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. The majority of Douro river ships dock in the heart of Gaia, on the south side of the Douro River, across from Porto proper. Scenic and sister company Emerald Cruises have exclusive docking spots on the northern bank, in Ribeira. Some vessels (including Avalon Alegria) dock slightly farther out of town, so check before booking if you want to be right in the center.
A cruise along the Douro offers the opportunity to explore this fascinating history and experience the rich culture of the region firsthand. 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. 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.
First settled in Roman times, Regua, Portugal, was once an important trading post where boats transported port wine to Porto. Today it's a destination for Douro River cruise excursions to Vila Real, a small town nestled among vineyards nearby. There, you'll find Casa de Mateus (Mateus Palace), which is depicted on the labels of Mateus Rosé wine.
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