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The whole area is home to big-name port houses such as Graham's, Taylor's, Ferreira, Sandeman and Calem. Most Douro River cruise itineraries feature a tour and tasting at one of the wineries plus a trip to the scenic viewing point at the top of the Dom Luis Bridge. Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. In addition to its natural beauty, the Douro Valley is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including birds of prey, otters, and even the occasional wild boar.
Porto, Portugal: Picture-Perfect Streets and Glittering Historic Sights
Travel to Vila Real and admire the ornamental details of Mateus Palace; sample local wines. Perched high on a hill above town is the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios dating to 1750 and one of Portugal's most important Baroque pilgrimage churches. A decorative stone staircase with fountains, statues and tile murals leads to the shrine.
A closer look at Emerald Radiance
Emerald Radiance is your home away from home, a boutique floating hotel that provides guests with luxurious surroundings, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as the spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck. Or, if that's not your thing, find out how you still can have an incredible time, even if you don't drink wine. It's also fun to simply wander around Vila Nova de Gaia's narrow streets and take the cable car from the top of the bridge back down to the river. A relatively new attraction is the WOW (World of Wine) cultural district, which is housed in the neighborhood's old warehouses. It includes wine museums -- like the Pink Palace, dedicated to rosé and featuring a pool of pink bubbles -- a chocolate museum and shops.
A world of experience
Architecture lovers and history buffs alike will adore the forgotten towns and villages of the Douro Valley. Portugal is a rich tapestry of cultural delights that are just waiting to be explored and our scenic Portuguese river cruises are the perfect way to make everlasting memories with family and friends. A typical itinerary includes visits to charming towns and villages along the river, such as Porto, Régua, Pinhão, and Barca d’Alva. These ports of call offer opportunities to explore historic sites, sample local cuisine, and of course, enjoy wine tastings at renowned vineyards. For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York.
Take The Details With You
Interiors are renowned for a collection of religious artifacts and carved wooden ceilings, and outside there are beautiful gardens. Final Payment is due to Tauck 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply. Today, Portugal is a peaceful country that celebrates its place in history and offers a lot for tourists who stop off while exploring some of the lively towns such as Porto, Fatima, Coimbra, and Lagos.
If you are a resident of the U.S., please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.
Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents. The idyllic village of Pinhão, situated at a scenic bend of Portugal's Douro River, is considered the gateway to the quintas and large wine estates of the Douro River Valley, one of Europe's oldest and revered wine making regions. Enjoy a hike through some of the area's lush terraced vineyards on your visit to Pinhão and its stunningly beautiful landscapes. Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel. Douro River cruises offer a variety of itineraries and options to suit every traveler’s preference. Typically, cruises along the Douro River range from 5 to 8 days, with some longer voyages available for those who want to explore the region more extensively.
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Experience More
The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation. Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents. Discover the best sights and excursions to experience as you explore the Douro Valley. Savor a taste of local cuisine and learn why Porto is a delicious gastronomic destination.
When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore. Our ultra-luxury Scenic Azure Space-Ship has been designed to be the ultimate 5-star ultra-luxury river cruise experience of a lifetime for up to only 96 guests. Designed to take you to extraordinary regions, allowing you to relax and unwind as you explore multiple magical towns and cities with ease, an all-inclusive Scenic journey will inspire and excite you.
The Douro Valley is famous for its port wine production, a sweet, fortified wine produced in the region for centuries. Additionally, there are themed cruises available, such as wine-themed cruises that focus on the region’s famous port wine production, or culinary cruises that highlight the delicious gastronomy of the Douro Valley. The Douro River winds its way through the heart of one of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, the Douro Valley.
Archaeologists determined that these petroglyphs – originally created in the open air – dated to the Paleolithic era, between 10,000 to 22,000 years BC! The dam was eventually canceled, and 23 Côa Valley rock art sites became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. View and learn about this remarkable art on a visit to the high-tech Museu do Côa, rising over the valley. This is why we cover all port charges, provide all meals on board and with accompanying beverages, offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities onboard and onshore.
Ribeira, Porto's most-famous riverside neighborhood, is lined with cafes, shops and all manner of ready-to-explore spots. A maze of steep streets leads to the UNESCO-listed old town that's home to the 12th century Se Cathedral and Sao Francisco Church, with its fabulous golden interior. These intimate ships were custom built to sail Portugal's Douro River, with state-of-the-art engineering, deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. Like our Viking Longships, you can choose from a variety of stateroom classes, all with sweeping river views.
As one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers, the Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its terraced vineyards, historic Quintas (estates), and charming villages. A cruise along the Douro offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled beauty. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S.
This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties. Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs. Your visit to Quinta do Portal introduces you to the estate's vineyards and winemaking process, and includes a delectable wine pairing dinner featuring wines created on the estate. Overall, Douro River cruises offer a wide range of shore excursions and activities that cater to every interest and travel style, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all passengers.
Whether you are exploring the terraced vineyards, sampling the region’s famous wines, or simply relaxing on deck and taking in the scenery, a Douro River cruise promises an unforgettable experience. Many Douro River cruises also include meals onboard, giving passengers the opportunity to sample traditional Portuguese dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Overall, a Douro River cruise offers a feast for the senses, with opportunities to indulge in the region’s culinary delights and savor its world-class wines. Today, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding beauty and cultural significance.
Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel. If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses. This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies.
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