Enticing Douro (Taste of Christmas)

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, PORTUGAL. Step aboard your ship and set sail on the tranquil Douro, letting the gentle river breeze and the warm glow of Porto’s historic waterfront welcome you to a journey of discovery.

ENTRE-OS-RIOS. Step into the tranquil charm of this Douro River village and visit the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, where elegantly decorated rooms and intricately carved ceilings sparkle with festive charm, and stroll through some of the most beautiful gardens in Portugal.

RÉGUA – PINHÃO. Begin your day in the charming port town, then journey to the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo, where festive holiday lights seem to dance along its ancient walls and narrow streets. Later, enjoy the option of a spirited hike for a more active exploration amid breathtaking winter vistas.

VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN – SALAMANCA. Drive into the golden-hued streets of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage “living museum.” While there, step back in time on a festive tour of the city’s historic university, majestic cathedrals, ornate House of Shells, and the bustling Plaza Mayor, all aglow with holiday charm.

BARCA D’ALVA. Savor a festive Douro evening as you cruise into Pinhão for a cozy port tasting and a holiday-warm dinner at a storied quinta.

RÉGUA. Journey into picturesque Lamego to visit its iconic hilltop sanctuary and celebrate the season with tastings of local specialties and sparkling Espumante. Later, enjoy a warm, holiday-style lunch at a traditional 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. Discover the vibrant, storybook charm of Porto on a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed historic quarter or an invigorating hike, then embrace the festive spirit with an afternoon Port wine tasting before sailing through the city’s twinkling holiday lights on a magical evening 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.

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