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Cruise from Lisbon to Leverinho via Coimbra, Porto, Vila Real and Salamanca, you will discover the magnificent cities along our cruise. The Portuguese capital has managed to find the subtle balance between its past heritage and modernity and will seduce you with its beautiful panoramas. 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. 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.
Douro Museum
Some of the most popular include Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Pinhão and Salamanca. For the rest of the trip, you'll be stopping at places like Bitetos, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d'Alva and Vega de Terron -- small rural villages that you've likely never heard of. Some of the places in which you'll dock are actually nothing much but piers with access to a place to board the motorcoaches. Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck.
Discover Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley
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. Interiors are renowned for a collection of religious artifacts and carved wooden ceilings, and outside there are beautiful gardens.
Inspired by the Destination
For those who love being "at sea" on the river, there's plenty of time spent cruising. 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. Although no longer used commercially, these iconic workhorses can still be seen plying the waters of the Douro today.
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]
The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Portugal. Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel. You'll have the chance to explore Lamego, city rich in heritage and tradition, or Guimarães considered the beating heart of Portugal.
My Trip
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. A Douro River sailing is rich in destinations to appease almost any traveler's desires.
Spain and Portugal
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. Alternatively, lace up your hiking boots and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with an up-close gander at some prehistoric carvings at an archaeological park. Today is all about wine, which has been cultivated in the Douro River Valley since ancient Roman times. Get a crash course on the history of Port during your visit to the Douro Museum.
The Douro Valley is famous for its port wine production, a sweet, fortified wine produced in the region for centuries. 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. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the Douro River meanders through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, offering a unique and enchanting cruising experience.
Uniquely Tauck
You will also be amazed by the striking history of the tram museum in Porto or the Quaint Afurada. 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.
Surrender to the splendour of history in the crystal-clear waters of the Douro and its branch rivers. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. 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.
The only motor coaches you may see on the twisting winding roads are those from your own ship, though the river is getting busier as more river lines add ships. 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. Your visit to Quinta do Portal introduces you to the estate's vineyards and winemaking process, and includes a delectable wine pairing dinner featuring wines created on the estate. Embark on a cruise through the heart of authentic Portugal and explore beautiful and unspoilt areas such as the Douro Nature Park and the Portuguese vineyards. Our hiking and walking programs offer you the opportunity to contemplate the natural beauty of these magical places.
It includes wine museums -- like the Pink Palace, dedicated to rosé and featuring a pool of pink bubbles -- a chocolate museum and shops. 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.
Riviera River Cruises to Launch New Douro Riverboat and Itinerary in 2024 - TravelAge West
Riviera River Cruises to Launch New Douro Riverboat and Itinerary in 2024.
Posted: Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Today, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding beauty and cultural significance. A cruise along the Douro offers the opportunity to explore this fascinating history and experience the rich culture of the region firsthand. Typically, seven or 10-night trips begin with land tours in Lisbon before passengers are transported by motor coach to their ships.
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. That's not the only quirk spotting you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for in Salamanca. At the old university building you can try and spot a frog -- said to bring students good luck -- hidden in the ornate facade.
Climb aboard an unforgettable cruise through the magnificent Douro Valley, where each port of call promises captivating adventure and enriching discoveries. Get ready for breathtaking scenery, history-laden locations, and unique experiences in this emblematic region. You'll begin your journey in the lively city of Porto, which oozes an exceptional charm and captivating atmosphere. Next stop will be Regua, where you'll dive into the region's history and winemaking traditions. You'll also cross the border into Spain, for an exciting trip to remarkable Salamanca. 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.
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