Douro River Cruises
Deep in the heart of Portugal, the golden Douro curls through
grape-cultivating valleys and sun-drenched terracotta towns.
Excellent viticulture, enchanting traditions and stunning vistas
make this a river whose secrets are just waiting to be
discovered.
The climax of any cruise here has to be the Douro Valley, where
a collection of beautiful wine estates, olive groves and
traditional farmhouses come together in what is arguably one of the
continent's most scenic valleys. The fertile soil, combined with a
hot, dry micro-environment, means that the area is ideally suited
for the cultivation of almonds, chestnuts and grapes - the latter
being used to produce Port wine, the region's most famous
export.
Just before it reaches the ocean, the Douro meets the UNESCO
World Heritage city of Porto. Once the very edge of the known
world, this classic Portuguese city boasts a vibrant mix of
labyrinthine streets, elegant Baroque architecture and family-run
restaurants.