Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

EMBARKATION – PORTO. Welcome to Lisbon, a city of sunlit hills and sea breezes, where terracotta rooftops and azulejo tiles shimmer along the Tagus River. Embark your ship and let the rhythm of fado and the scent of ocean air begin to weave their spell.

VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN. Spend the morning soaking in the beauty of this picturesque port before visiting Castelo Rodrigo, a hilltop village with centuries-old walls and narrow streets, and discover nearby vineyards along the way or opt for a guided hike while savoring the region’s wines.

VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN – SALAMANCA. Travel to the golden sandstone city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and step back in time on a guided tour of its historic university buildings, the New Cathedral, the House of Shells, and Plaza Mayor, followed by a tasting of the region’s renowned wines to savor the flavors of this celebrated Spanish wine region.

PINHÃO. Cruise along the stunning Douro River to Pinhão and enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where traditional Portuguese cuisine is paired with live entertainment. Explore the interactive museum celebrating the history and culture of Alto Douro winemaking, and savor the region’s famous fortified vinho do Porto during an authentic tasting experience at a local quinta.

RÉGUA. Travel to scenic Lamego and visit the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios sanctuary, climbing its nearly 700-step staircase for spectacular views. Finish your tour with a tasting of local specialties, including presunto, bôlas de Lamego, and sparkling Espumante, before enjoying a delicious lunch at a nearby quinta.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

PORTO. Explore Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the Cathedral and São Bento Railway Station with its famous tile panels. Savor a tasting of Port wine, or take a guided hike followed by a Port tasting. Later, visit Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, and enjoy a wine tasting at the baron’s Quinta de Sezim before a scenic evening cruise along the illuminated Douro River.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

PORTO - DISEMBARKATION. Say goodbye to the Douro and prepare for your journey home