Douro River Cruises

Portugal’s once wild river Douro has been tamed by locks into resembling a series of lakes, adding greatly to the valley’s ambience. Leaving behind the Atlantic coast greenery you are soon immersed in a Mediterranean land of olives, vines, and picturesque, medieval hilltop villages. Originating from its source in north-central Spain through Portugal and runs about 560 miles to its outlet at Porto on the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding area is beautiful and unspoiled and features a very habitable microclimate where olives, almonds and especially wine grapes are grown. Scenery along the river is picturesque, dotted by terraced hills, small towns and traditional rabelo sailing boats with their casks of port wine. Porto The colourful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on a escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Salamanca UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. Founded in 1218, the university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilised world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages. Tour the twin-towered Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells, as well as Plaza Mayor, considered the most magnificent main square in Spain.