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Enjoy a fantastic “Francesinha” on a special cruise on the riverbanks of the Douro. 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). This once-turbulent waterway was tamed by local civilizations over the centuries, so you'll find postcard-worthy scenery all around.
Explore the delights of the Douro
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. 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. 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.
Lamego Heritage Tour
Pinhao is usually a segue to excursions in places like Quinta do Seixo where guests taste port and learn how it was made. 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. In some cases, ships are operated by DouroAzul, a Portugal-based company that owns much of the region's cruising infrastructure, from docking facilities to a fleet of river ships. Each company does have input into their own operations, whether it's menus, tours or onboard ambience. And they have input to a degree into their own ships; AmaWaterways, for instance, has incorporated its popular balcony/picture window suite design. What's most heartening about a cruise on the Douro is the small surprises.
Secrets of Douro and Tâmega 3 Days
Do you know how to travel from Lisbon to the Douro Valley easily and comfortably? An unique 6 Bridges Cruise on the Douro River, with plenty of entertainment and a DJ on board. The quaint fortified village is a good place to buy authentic cork products, including hats, purses, belts, shoes and jewelry.
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]
Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. 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. Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items.
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. 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. Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, has some 2,000 years of history behind it.
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Douro River Cruises Aren't Just About Wine - Cruise Critic
Douro River Cruises Aren't Just About Wine.
Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey. Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). 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.
The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation. 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.
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. 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.
Read on for our guide to the best destinations along the Douro River in Portugal and get inspired to plan your next river cruise. 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). Still, be prepared, as the most interesting places to visit are not accessed by simply walking off the gangway.
During excavations for a dam on the Côa River in the 1990s, thousands of engraved prehistoric rock drawings were discovered along the river in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Archaeologists determined that these petroglyphs – originally created in the open air – dated to the Paleolithic era, between 10,000 to 22,000 years BC! The dam was eventually canceled, and 23 Côa Valley rock art sites became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. View and learn about this remarkable art on a visit to the high-tech Museu do Côa, rising over the valley. Immerse yourself in the festive and warm atmosphere of Portugal and Spain where you will discover a unique way of life.
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.
Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties. Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Porto Airport for your flight home. 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,...
Douro River Cruising has gained popularity in recent years, attracting travelers seeking a blend of rich history, stunning scenery, and world-class wines. 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. 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...
We're here to answer your questions about Uniworld cruises and ships, as well as any of our special offers. 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.
Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc. TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. 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. If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.
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