If you are a wine connoisseur, then this European river cruise is for you! This river cruise sails along the Douro river, also known as “The River of Gold” through the Iberian Peninsula. Sailing the Douro river is the best way to see Spain and Portugal. There are many opportunities for tasting local wines on board and on land.
Port wine originated in Porto
Wine tasting in Portugal is the highlight of this European river cruise. A local Douro specialty, Port—originated in Porto. Port wine is sweet and is usually served at the end of the meal. Many other countries try to duplicate this delicious wine, but only Portugal is authorized to label this beverage Port or Porto.
Castles, mansions and monasteries
Surrounded by wineries, the Alpendurada Monastery, also called the Benedito Convent, in the tiny village of Bitetos is in the Douro Valley. It was built approximately 900 years ago and has a rare collection of 17th and 18th century old furniture and the architecture has Roman and Moorish influences.
A stop in Regua takes you to the Sanctuary of Our Lady, also referred to as Shrine of Our Lady of Remedy, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. People from all around the world come to pay their respects at the altar. Some have claimed they have felt the Virgin’s healing powers cast upon them when they were inside the church.
You can also take a guided tour of the Mateus Palace and Gardens and the birthplace of explorer Diogo Cão. English writer and art critic Sacheverell Sitwell called the home, “the most fantastic country house in Portugal.” It’s extensive gardens, box hedges and breathtaking cedar tunnel are picture perfect.
Cultural indulgence
In Pinhao you can enjoy a riveting folkloric music performance where singers inspire and amaze you with their passion and voices. The railway station draws art enthusiast to see the blue and white tile work called azulejos, which can also be seen throughout Portugal.
Explore Spain
You will also be able to visit Salamanca city by motor coach on a full-day excursion. Take a city tour and walk through the family-owned shops and restaurants in the Plaza Mayor, see a flamenco show and have a guide take you through the University of Salamanca, the oldest educational institution in Spain and the third oldest in the western world—and still have free time to explore.
At Vega de Terron you will be able to explore the Douro wine district. Listen to vintners explain the difference between Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz, and then try them all.
Call us for more information
If you’d like to know more about a European river cruise along the Douro River, then don’t wait. Contact one of our agents at CruiseExperts.com today. We’re here to answer any questions you have and give you more details about all the cities and tours there are to choose from. Log onto our website, www.CruiseExperts.com for more information or reach us by phone at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784).
2 Comments
Would like more information on this cruise. Also do you have a service for singles that are looking for a room-mate,otherwise what is the single supplement. Also give dates for the above cruise.
Thanks for your inquiry Janet. Here is a link to this particular river cruise with Viking River Cruises called Portugal’s River of Gold: http://www.cruiseexperts.com/river-cruise/river-cruise.php?itin_id=416 This itinerary takes you through 2 countries in 10 days and has sailings almost every week throughout 2014. Prices start at $2,256 but will vary depending on the stateroom and the time of year you would sail. Unfortunately, CruiseExperts.com does not have a service for those looking for roommates, and Viking does not offer a single supplement, unless they are running a special promotion. Please feel free to give one of our Cruise Experts a call to have all your questions about European river cruising answered – (866) 361-3405.