River cruising is likely one of the maximum stress-free techniques to discover Europe. Believe unpacking simply as soon as but getting to look a couple of towns, captivating villages, and breathtaking riversides—all from the relief of your floating lodge. And should you’re a commute fanatic who additionally loves meals and wine, then a Douro Valley River cruise with Avalon Waterways must be prime in your bucket record.
The place Is The Douro River Valley?
The Douro River, incessantly known as the “River of Gold,” is likely one of the maximum captivating waterways in Europe. Originating in Spain and flowing westward throughout northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean, the Douro carves a trail thru one of the vital continent’s maximum breathtaking landscapes. Its banks are embellished with terraced vineyards that produce the area’s well-known port wine, and its waters had been a lifeline for industry and tradition for hundreds of years.
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO Global Heritage web page, is famend for its dramatic surroundings, steep slopes, and quintas (wine estates) that dot the panorama. This majestic river provides a novel mix of herbal good looks, wealthy historical past, and lucious vineyards, making it a really perfect vacation spot for a river cruise.
Douro Valley River Cruise: Embarking From Porto
We have been invited to enroll in Avalon Waterways on their inaugural cruise down the Douro River and revel in the latest addition to their fleet of Suite Ships®, the Avalon Alegria. The Avalon Alegria, whose identify manner “happiness” in Portuguese, totally embodies the spirit of pleasure and birthday party this is intrinsic to Portuguese tradition.
I used to be overjoyed to search out the send’s inside embellished with conventional azulejos (ceramic tiles) in addition to fresh design components that created a heat and alluring surroundings.
Our adventure started in Porto, checking into our Landscape Suite. If you happen to’re no longer acquainted with the Landscape Suite, this is a little other from different river cruises in that as a substitute of a balcony, it options floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall home windows that speak in confidence become all of the room into an open-air balcony. It’s a phenomenal option to cruise since you’ve unobstructed perspectives of the passing surroundings. And it additionally makes the bogs exceptionally massive for a river cruise, for the reason that there’s more space.
As we left Porto in the back of on our first day crusing, the Douro River unfolded an international of scenic good looks. The terraced vineyards that line the riverbanks are a testomony to the area’s winemaking heritage, and the small, old fashioned villages be offering a glimpse into the normal way of living in Portugal.
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Guimarães – The Birthplace of Portuguese Nationality
On the second one day of our adventure, we visited Guimarães, a town incessantly known as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality.” After a guided strolling excursion and a few time to buy souvenirs, we drove as much as Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa.
Nestled within the hills of Guimarães with a gorgeous view of the town, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa is a surprising ancient lodge set inside a former Twelfth-century Augustinian monastery.
This architectural gem fantastically blends medieval appeal with fashionable luxurious amid lush gardens, cloisters, and a lovely tiled staircase.
As a UNESCO Global Heritage web page, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa was once an enriching marvel to revel in the historical past and tradition of Portugal.
And, in fact, it resulted in a port tasting earlier than heading again to the send which was once a super option to finish the day.
Mountain climbing In The Douro Valley
Our 3rd day presented a extra energetic journey with a surprising hike within the Douro Valley. This expedition took us in the course of the lush landscapes and terraced vineyards that inform the tale of Portugal’s historic traditions and precious tastes.
Even earlier than we were given to the vineyards, the terraced landscapes have been lush with citrus bushes, towering cypress, and red wisteria. The hike above the village of Pinhão supplied breathtaking perspectives of the Douro River and its surrounding vineyards.
After our simple hike, we loved a port wine tasting at Quinta Do Bomfim, nestled at the financial institution of the Douro River.
Quinta do Bomfim is understood for generating one of the vital twentieth century’s greatest port wines, proceeding a practice that spans 5 generations.
After the wine tasting, we walked over to BomFim 1896 for a good looking lunch off the send, however with a lovely view of the Douro River.
Right here, we savored unique delicacies designed by means of Michelin-starred chef, Pedro Lemos. It was once an afternoon that blended bodily job with culinary delights, making for a really memorable revel in.
Porto on Two Wheels and A Wine Discovery
The fourth day of our cruise presented a mix of job and discovery, so Pete and I each and every went on a distinct tour according to our non-public pursuits; mine being wine, and his biking!
Pete went on a journey accompanied by means of a qualified biologist excursion information, exploring the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal elegance of Porto. The excursion integrated recent ocean air and lovely landscapes alongside the seashores, with attention-grabbing insights into the maritime fauna and plant life.
I discovered extra about Portugal’s wine tradition with a talk over with to the WOW cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia. This district honors the historical past and achievements of Portugal’s innovators and creators. WOW additionally has a “wow” view of the town of Porto. After sipping a espresso and taking pictures of Porto, we visited the Cork Museum to be informed in regards to the intriguing technique of cork harvesting and manufacturing.
The day concluded with a talk over with to a centuries-old, famend cellar, Fonseca, the place I skilled the precious custom of serving port wine. The spotlight was once witnessing the finesse of a fireplace opening of a bottle of Antique Port. This adventure for the senses integrated tales and legends of the cellars and concluded with time to savor beautiful tastes passed down thru generations of wine growers and masters.
As a result of there’s such a lot to look in Porto, I do suggest including a couple of days to the beginning or the tip of your Douro river cruise to spend extra time exploring Portugal’s 2nd biggest town. (Make sure you take a peek at our on-line information for Porto!)
On Board The Send, Alegria
Being on board the Avalon Alegria was once an absolute pride. There’s a pool! Which is the primary I’ve noticed on a river cruise. I’ll must carry my bathing swimsuit subsequent time.
Even though you’re no longer going for a swim, the Sky Deck was once a lovely spot for viewing the surroundings, and there was once quite a lot of seating.
Probably the most culinary highlights was once gazing the chef’s pastry demonstration, the place he shared his grandmother’s liked almond tart recipe, filling the air with the candy aroma of custom. I haven’t attempted the recipe but at house, but if I do, I can without a doubt percentage it.
Navigating in the course of the inner most lock in Europe, the Carrapatelo Dam, was once additionally an excellent feat and an revel in distinctive to being on a Douro Valley river cruise.
And I used to be additionally inspired with the send’s robust focal point on sustainability—there have been no single-use plastics, and as a substitute, we had get admission to to a water replenish station that even presented vitamin-infused water with herbal flavors like ginger and lime.
We cherished frequenting the Membership Front room behind the send, the place we incessantly indulged within the espresso station and a deal with.
Each second at the Avalon Alegria was once a mix of luxurious, sustainability, and sheer pleasure. We will be able to’t wait to sail with them once more! If you happen to’re curious about a Douro Valley river cruise with Avalon Waterways, we have now a partnership be offering code for you under:
PARTNERSHIP OFFER: Save an extra $100 in step with particular person on choose 2024 and 2025 Avalon Waterways Cruises: Ask & Obtain TRAVELBITE
