Portugal's Douro River is beginning to register on the radar of many seeking European river cruises and new holiday experiences. Although it has in fact been a river destination for many years.
To many in the industry, The Douro is positioned for those who tend to prefer off the beaten track holidays which makes it an alternative to the more popular Rhine, Danube and Rhone.
Highlights of river cruising on the Douro vary by taste. Yet, a week spent cruising the Douro is full of unforgettable experiences that may surprise those unfamiliar with this region. As well as a day at either end of the seven-night cruise in the wonderful, UNESCO city of Porto (known for its historic centre, graceful bridges and world-famous port wine houses), there are long, blissful spells on the water without seeing other boats, cruising narrow stretches of the upper Douro between steep, rocky slopes on which thousands of hectares of port wine grapes are cultivated.
WHO GOES THERE: AmaWaterways, CroisiEurope, Titan Travel, Uniworld, Viking.
GALLERY
