Focus on: the Douro
From sleepy wineries to the bustling hub of port production, the River Douro offers cruisers the chance to drink in Europe’s most scenic vistas, says Jessica Pook
Like the wine this region is renowned for the Douro flows generously across Spain and northern Portugal, winding through one of the world’s oldest grape regions and four UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Historically, the Douro played an essential part in the transportation of port barrels by small wooden Rabelo boats. Today, it’s more common to see river cruisers winding the 556 miles through the
Douro Valley with passengers enjoying a glass of Quinta do Crasto Douro as they pass the dramatic Urbion Mountains on their way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Hidden surprises
One of the charms of a Douro cruise is that clients can switch off and really enjoy being transported through the rural terrains and peaceful mountains in this part of Portugal and Spain. The busy tourist traps along other European river cruises are replaced by a slower and more relaxed pace, with no hectic schedule of sightseeing.
The banks harbour small, quaint villages such as San Esteban de Gormaz in Spain, known for its cave dwellings carved from the mountainside, or the rural Roman villages of Bitetos and Regua where locals greet tourists with a warm welcome.
History-lovers will enjoy Miranda do Douro, known as Portugal’s ‘Museum
City’, while Tordesillas in Spain is home to religious architecture dating back to the 17th century.
The Douro Valley is dotted with quintas, (Portuguese wineries or vineyards) that mostly focus on the region’s sweet ports but are now tapping into the more popular red and white market.
When to go
The Douro enjoys a long cruise season, beginning in March and running until November. September and October offer harvest season colours while th shoulder season months between March and May offer the best prices.
Agents should be aware that there’s no nighttime navigation on the Douro, which means ships must cruise during the day with stops for shore excursions. But being on the move offers the best views of the passing surroundings.