For decades, Portugal has maintained its position as one of the most popular European sunshine destinations. Beach lovers simply cannot get enough of the idyllic sandy stretches along the Algarve and culture vultures are continually finding new sources of inspiration in the small but vibrant capital city of Lisbon. If you’ve already got a few Portuguese holidays under your belt and you are looking for a new kind of trip that will allow you to see a different side of the country, how about a river cruise? High street travel agents and online companies such as avaloncruises.co.uk are currently offering a range of affordable last minute breaks so you might even find yourself a river cruise travel bargain.
The most popular cruises in Portugal start in Lisbon and wind their way along the spectacular Douro River. Each cruise will have something slightly different to offer but here’s a quick look at a few particular highlights to give you a taste of the Portuguese river cruise experience:
Lisbon will be your starting point, giving you an all-round flavour of delights to come. Lisbon is a fantastic place to experience a range of different kinds of Portuguese cuisines and locally made wines – the perfect way to unwind after a strenuous day of sightseeing along the city’s steep hillside streets.
There will be more wine to come, with trips to some of Portugal’s most spectacular hillside vineyards, stretching dramatically upwards from the banks of the Douro. Portuguese wine has a distinctive flavour and history and a trip to one of the countryside vineyards in Regua or Pinhao will allow you to enjoy deeper insight into both.
Before joining the mouth of the river Douro, on your way up from Lisbon, all tour companies will allow you to spend a little time in the cities of Coimbra and Porto. Coimbra is Portugal’s largest city and one of the most significant in terms of the country’s rich historic and empirical past. Porto, often referred to as the ‘city of bridges’, sits on the coast over the mouth of the Douro and offers views of many a geographic and architectural wonder.
Tours frequently dip into Spain with a brief visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Salamanca. This is a unique opportunity to see one of Spain’s oldest cities, usually off the beaten track of most Spanish tours and cruises.
For further information a quick online search or a visit to your local travel agents should provide you with an accurate price guide and details of how to book.
No comments yet.