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The Douro creates a natural border between Spain and Portugal, where it flows for around 70 miles before finally crossing into the captivating country of Portugal.
From its source in the rocky hills of Duruelo de la Sierra in northern Spain, to the glistening ocean in the port city of Porto, Portugal, the peaceful Douro River meanders a total of 557 miles through a beautiful rolling landscape of verdant vistas, deep gorges and pretty villages. On an incredible journey through the undulating Spanish countryside and Portugal's Douro Valley, the river offers a wealth of ever-changing scenery, gastronomic delights and superb traditional towns, all bursting with delightful Spanish and Portuguese charm.
Route
Beginning in Soria, in the Castille and Léon region of Northern Span, the Douro gently flows through the rocky Spanish landscapes on a spectacular route, passing through a number of traditional Spanish towns and villages as it drifts towards the Spanish-Portuguese border and the remarkable Douro Valley.
Surrounded by the rolling hills, resplendent orchards and glorious tiered vineyards that this country is famed for, the Douro winds its way east towards the coastal city of Porto, where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Flowing from northern Spain to the ocean in Porto, the Douro River carves our route through a rolling landscape of vineyards towards historic Porto. Exploring not only the ever-changing scenery, but also the gastronomic delights along the way, we continue to vibrant Lisbon, with its Moorish influences and charming streets.
… see more15 days from £2,995 pp
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Discover the magnificent floral displays of the Keukenhof Gardens and enjoy a talk onboard ship from television personality Charlie Dimmock on this wonderfully diverse cruise on the enchanting Belgian and Dutch waterways.
On this tour we uncover the beautiful historic cities of Amsterdam, Ghent and Antwerp as well as the Battlefields of Ypres, the spectacular Keukenhof tulips and the Hoorn-Medemblik steam train. We also enjoy a talk from army veteran and battlefields expert Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh OBE on this memorable river cruise.
… see more8 days from £1,495 pp
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Take in the undulating idylls and verdant vistas of the Douro River region on this marvellous cruise. Delve into the popular wine culture of Portugal on a tour that mixes beautiful scenery with outstanding cities.
… see more11 days from £2,975 pp
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Explore the fascinating towns and stunning scenery along the Rhine on a festive rail-cruise holiday. From the comfort and luxury of the 5-star MS Amadeus Silver II, you can experience an indulgent Christmas holiday on one of Europe's most beautiful waterways.
… see more7 days from £2,340 pp
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Iconic port wine, enigmatic cities and Portuguese charm, all on a ship used by Her Majesty the Queen, makes this cruise one to remember. Discover the unique culture of the golden Douro river on board the exclusively chartered Spirit of Chartwell as you visit quintas, explore villas and sample Portuguese delicacies.
… see more11 days from £3,195 pp
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The Douro Valley region of Portugal is undoubtedly one of the finest sections of the route. A collection of beautiful wine estates, olive groves and traditional farmhouses frame the azure splendour of the Douro river, coming together to create what is arguably one of the continent's most scenic valleys. The fertile soil here, combined with the microclimate surrounding the Douro means that the area is ideally suited for the cultivation of olives, almonds, chestnuts and grapes, the latter of which are used to produce Port wine - the Douro Valley's most famous export.
At the end of the Douro river lies the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Once the very edge of the known world, this classic Portuguese city is a vibrant mix of labyrinthine narrow streets, elegant Baroque architecture and cheerful, family run restaurants. And, as the city from which port is shipped across the world, there is simply no better place to enjoy a tipple. While port is ubiquitous across the country, looking out over the sparkling waters of the Douro river in lively Porto provides the perfect backdrop to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of the eponymous wine.
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