Table Of Content
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. Portugal's so-called River of Gold was first discovered by the Romans, and now, modern-day cruisers are falling in love with cool ports lining the Douro. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc.
Travel Styles
Uniworld also offers an 11-day version of this itinerary, featuring additional excursions in Lisbon. If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. 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.
Download Day-by-Day Details
2024 | An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers, with a highlight hotel stay in Lisbon. “Portugal was born here.” So the sign on the city wall proclaims. 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.
Lisbon to Douro Cruise 2 days
Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties. On the way back, there might be the chance to stop off at Pinhao's gorgeous railroad station.
Lamego is known for a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to our Lady of “Remédios," planted on top of one of the city hills and reachable by a gorgeous staircase with 686 steps. During this experience,... With a name that translates to "little tail" (for the long piece of timber extending from its stern that's used to steer it), the traditional wooden Rabelo boat carried passengers and cargo along Portugal's Douro River for centuries. Found nowhere else in the world, this flat-bottomed, shallow-draught sailboat became the fastest and most efficient way to transport casks of prized Port wine between Douro Valley vineyards and the city of Porto at the river's mouth. Although no longer used commercially, these iconic workhorses can still be seen plying the waters of the Douro today. Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.
My latest river cruise adventure included kayaking, biking and hiking — here's how yours can, too - The Points Guy
My latest river cruise adventure included kayaking, biking and hiking — here's how yours can, too.
Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers.
Douro River Cruises
Cruise the Douro River through ancient wine estates, passing barcos rabelos laden with casks en route to Porto and Lisbon. A sublimely scenic corner of Europe, with equally sublime food and wine. As you journey through the hills to a local quinta, a prestigious Port wine estate and the oldest in the Douro River Valley, you will see a unique landscape that has been shaped by wine growers for two millennia. The stone terraces curving around the steep slopes hold soil that is largely the... 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. Depart by coach for Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where we will begin our long walk around town.
ms Andorinha – a new riverboat inspired by the destination
Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences. Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings.
Porto, Portugal: Picture-Perfect Streets and Glittering Historic Sights
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. 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. Most Douro River cruise itineraries feature a tour and tasting at one of the wineries plus a trip to the scenic viewing point at the top of the Dom Luis Bridge. Portugal's second-largest city, Porto is generally your first and last destination on a Douro River cruise. The city is steeped in maritime history, and it was from here that Prince Henry the Navigator set out in 1415 bound for Africa, marking the start of Portugal's dominance of the world's oceans for two centuries.
Douro River Cruise Tips - Cruise Critic
Douro River Cruise Tips.
Posted: Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content. Valet laundry service is available at the hotel and on the riverboat for a fee. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk.
Salamanca shore excursions include lunch, usually with a flamenco show, and free time. Or, if that's not your thing, find out how you still can have an incredible time, even if you don't drink wine. 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.
Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited. This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.
The idyllic village of Pinhão, situated at a scenic bend of Portugal's Douro River, is considered the gateway to the quintas and large wine estates of the Douro River Valley, one of Europe's oldest and revered wine making regions. Enjoy a hike through some of the area's lush terraced vineyards on your visit to Pinhão and its stunningly beautiful landscapes. 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. This destination on the Douro River is situated at the halfway point of cruises. 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. 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.
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. The Douro River begins to open up from Porto as it makes its way to the Portuguese coast. Follow the river all the way to the sea and keep biking along the coastline for the most scenic cycling route this region has to offer—and that’s saying a lot. 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment