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One Day in the Douro River Valley, Portugal

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Heaven on earth.

 

No trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to Porto. Add to that a cruise from Porto on the Douro River and you have ‘heaven on earth’.

The Douro River river is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula running from its source in northern Spain through Portugal to its outlet in Porto. The river forms part of the national border line between Spain and Portugal in a region of narrow canyons. These canyons have a microclimate perfect for growing grapes, olives and almonds. The canyons of the Douro River are lined with port-making wineries/ ‘quintas’, olive oil mills and terraced vineyards making for spectacular scenery. This postcard-pretty valley has fast become one of Europe’s leading wine destinations. The Douro River Valley was named by Travel + Lesiure, as one of the ‘Best Places to Travel in 2016’.

On our tour, PORTUGAL NORTHWARD TO SPAIN, June 13 – 25, we will spend a day on a cruise from Porto upstream on the Douro River (‘river of gold’). We’ll leave Porto in the morning, board the boat and spend a leisurely day taking in the valley, the calm water and the dramatic landscape. Then, we’ll stop at a select quinta for a tour of its port and wine making facilities, walk their vineyards, enjoy lunch on the patio and taste their port and signature wines.

We’ll take the train back to Porto which has scenery of its own. The destination will be the Bento Rail Station in Porto where we will find an architectural delight. The interior of the rail station is covered in 20,000 hand-painted Portuguese blue and while tiles detailing the history of Portugal.

Portugal Northward To Spain Itinerary At-A-Glance (June 13-25, 2017)

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Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal

Join us as we discover the Baixa and Alfalma districts in Lisbon. Take in the views of the Tagus River from the Elevador de Santa Justa and St. George’s Castle. Visit the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Learn about Manueline architecture unique to Portugal. Enjoy a day in Sintra to visit Pena Palace, the opulent home of a Portugese king. Dine on grilled local seafood while gazing over the Atlantic. Also not to be missed: Lisbon’s famous custard pastries! 

 

Porto, Portugal

Visit this beautiful city on the banks of the Duoro River, fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Home of port wine, taste with us at some of Porto’s famous port tasting houses along the banks of the river. Enjoy a walking tour through this city taking in the riverside district, the Se Cathedral, the Lello Bookstore (one of the top ten in the world), the Majestic Cafe (home to writers, artists and thinkers of the 1920’s). Did we mention wonderful restaurants and shopping? Porto has some of the best in Euope !

 

The Douro River Valley, Portugal

Spend a one day cruise in The Douro River Valley where port wine has been made since the 17th century and shipped down the Douro River to Porto. The Douro River runs across the Iberian Peninsula through Spain and Portugal into the Atlantic ending in Porto. Fall in love with the picturesque terraced vineyards and ‘quintas’ (port-making houses). Taste and learn about port winemaking as it was done 100 years ago. No fancy technology here. Enjoy the scenery – it’s out of this world!

 

Cies Islands, Spain

The Galicians call this string of islands “The Galician Seychelles”. Rodas Beach on the Cies Islands was voted the ‘Most Beautiful Beach in the World’ by The Guardian. Backed by forest and fine white sand dunes leading down to a curved sliver of beach, the calm lagoon of turquoise crystal-clear water is breathtaking. It’s easy to see why this is one of the top beaches in the world. There are several walking trails to help explore the island. There also are no hotels, cars or bikes. We will arrive by boat. A perfect day relaxing on this beautiful beach!

 

Galicia, Spain (think Seafood)

Galicia, the green, rainy region in Spain’s northwest corner, is famous for (arguably) the best seafood in the country. With almost 1500 kilometers of coastline, the choices of local catch are plentiful: octopus, scallops,
‘mariscos’ or shellfish such as lobster, prawns, crab, shrimp, clams, cockles, razor clams and mussels are just some of the choices. Pair that with Galicia’s Albarino wine and you have heaven!

 

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

A UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of Galicia, this city is most known as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes (there are three) at the Cathedral de Santiago de Compestola. Consecrated in 1271, the cathedral is the burial place of the apostle St. James. With it’s elaborate towers and carved stone facades covered with bells, stars, crosses and weathercocks, it opens onto a grand plaza. The old streets of Santiago that run up to the cathedral are some of its pleasures to be discovered. A medieval charm like no other city.

 

The Camino de Santiago

Walk 3-4 miles on a rural section of the French Camino and experience its culture and traditions. Meet pilgrims who have been walking for days and miles. Stop at a typical family-owned restaurant visited by pilgrims on their journey and enjoy the local fare. Our guides will tell you about their experience walking the full Camino with their children. Learn about the history of this pilgrimage dating back to the 9th century.