Sail back in time on the photogenic Douro
Fruitful Portuguese waterway full of beautiful sights
THE intoxicating Douro is one of Europe’s most photogenic river valleys — and all the most captivating angles can be seen from the sun deck of a river ship. So recline with a lens poised, as you cut an unhurried course between lofty vineyards that cascade down terraces, bolstered by ancient dry-stone walls.
Along this fruitful waterway, you’ll encounter elegant quintas (farmhouses), hilltop chapels, graceful iron bridges, awe-inspiring locks, rare wildlife and incredible night skies.
Sometimes the silence is palpable in the warm Portuguese sunshine, the only sounds the twitter of birds, the chirping of crickets and the ripple of lamprey in the water.
Cruises are blissful out-and-back journeys, full of unforgettable experiences and jaw-dropping scenery.
Stepping ashore, you’ll wander around medieval hilltop villages that have barely changed in centuries — and visit the cellars of port-growing dynasties, whose names grace the steep slopes in huge letters.
You’ll also see the exquisite cities of Porto and Salamanca, as well as enjoying simpler pleasures such as eating freshly grilled sardines on the deck.
For those who have cruised the Rhine and Danube, the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley is the perfect ‘where-next’ choice. The eightalso day Secrets of the Douro itinerary from Emerald Waterways starts with a sunset illumination cruise from Porto, introducing this famous ‘river of gold’ in all its glory.
And, as you cruise the Douro’s charming twists and turns, special experiences on and off the ship add to the journey’s richness.
Gather for cocktail and cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, talks, guided walks, tile-painting, yoga lessons and more.
The chic and intimate Emerald Radiance, introduced in 2017 and carrying just 112 guests, is a worldleader in design, complementing the stunning beauty of the Douro.
With one crew member to every three guests, you can look forward to incredible levels of service, as well as outstanding food.
The sun deck, with its al fresco dining venue, is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious bite to eat or a drink with new friends.
And why not try a few lengths in the pool, under beautiful Iberian skies? FIRST up, uncover the secrets of Pinhao’s outstanding port wine at a beautiful quinta vineyard, where there’s an EmeraldACTIVE option to walk amid the vines. Sail on towards Spain to take a coach towards gorgeous Salamanca (pictured above), the absolute highlight of a Douro cruise. The Plaza Major is an 18th-century square completely surrounded by grand, golden sandstone buildings. The hallowed halls of Salamanca University, founded in 1218, were graced by Christopher Columbus. And it’s where the Spanish Inquisition’s records are kept. There’s plenty of time to explore the city’s tapas bars and listen to the Spanish music that fills the streets. Next morning, try an EmeraldACTIVE canoeing experience in Pocinho, or visit the CoaValley Museum to see local prehistoric stone carvings. And a short meander on, a special EmeraldPLUS treat awaits at the Quinta da Pacheca wine estate where you’ll be served a wonderful regional dinner with local wines. There’s also a chance to be an uphill or downhill pilgrim — tackling the 686 steps of the picturesque Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary in the baroque city of Lamego. Fans of the classic rose wine, meanwhile, might want to make an optional visit to the famous baroque Mateus Palace manor house. Lastly, romantic Porto’s ravishingly beautiful World Heritage old town centres on the Sao Francisco Church, laden with gold brought from Brazil by the conquistadors. The city’s Clerigos district is home to the gothic-style Livraria Lello bookstore, which inspired J.K. Rowling, while teaching English here, to write the Harry Potter series. And don’t miss magical Afurada, a fishing village where grilled fresh fish and beautiful seafood stews are cooked on the street each evening. There’s also the option of a visit to the World Heritage city of Guimaraes, the original Portuguese capital, where the beautifully preserved medieval centre is a warren of labyrinthine lanes and picturesque plazas, framed by 14th-century edifices. With so much beauty, charm and interest to discover in this pastoral region of simple pleasures, a rewarding river cruise along the stunning Douro Valley provides a most wonderful step back in time.