It is a wonderful experience to travel through the northern area of Portugal, which has always been the richest part of the country. You will experience the gleaming mountains that glow in the various colors of the rainbow, the hills, the wide valleys and the beautiful terraced slopes covered with vineyards as far as you can see.

Perhaps one of the best ways to experience this spectacular beauty is by taking a cruise on the great Douro River. The river is the backbone of this historic region and undiscovered section of the country.

The great Douro rises in from its source in the Spanish province of Soria. It joins the Portuguese border at Miranda do Douro and flows southward from there. At about Barca D' Alva it turns westward. Its works it's way along the border of the Trás-os-Montes region that is truly one of the undiscovered parts of Portugal.

It continues westward through the dams that have tamed the rapids and now maintain stable water levels throughout the year. Working its way through deep cleft gorges terraced with thousands of vineyards, past sleepy villages and a tranquil countryside of almond and citrus trees. There are no major roads in this valley that will spoil its tranquility and serenity.

This is the heart of the wine producing area. You will marvel at the steeply terraced vineyards hewn out of the mountainsides. You will notice the beautiful quintas (country wine estates) that dot the landscape in the heart of this Port Wine producing area.

Before long you arrive at Peso da Régua. Régua is the administrative point for controlling the wine shipments. Years ago wine barges were loaded here for shipment to the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Just to the north of here is Vila Real and the famous 18th century manor house, Casa de Mateus. Just to the south is Lamego with its stunning views of the city and the valley.

The river than continues on past more terraced gardens until it reaches Porto, Portugal's second largest city. Porto is a colorful working town that borders on the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most beautiful towns on the Iberian Peninsula.

A charming little village situated on a wooded hill above the river. It's famous for its spas and thermal waters. 

Marking the end of the Port Wine Trail. Pinhao is a typical rustic Douro town. Of interest is the Azulejos (glazed tile) decorated railway station. From here one can see the dramatic landscaped vine-clad terraces, dotted with white quintas where wine is produced and bottled.

Situated south of the Douro, the town is a major market center for the surrounding agricultural produce, and is charmingly set amid vineyards and lush, fertile countryside.

Lamego boasts several fine Baroque buildings including the 18th century pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, a Gothic Cathedral, and a 11th century castle. In 1143 Don Afonso Henriques was elected first king of Portugal.

It is the birthplace of the navigator Diego Cao who discovered the mouth of the Congo. Vila Real is an attractive old Episcopal town surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards. Nearby is the little village of Matus with the beautiful Baroque country house and gardens, belonging to the Counts of Vila Real. The famous rose wine is produced in the area.

One of the loveliest and best preserved of the Old Spanish cities, Salamanca justly deserves its place on the World Heritage List. With a tumultuous past, the city has been conquered, influenced and shaped by Hannibal, the Romans, the Moors and the French. Today it is a city of golden stone architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful plazas. Of particular interest is the 13th Century University.

Portugal's second largest city, and one of the most beautiful cities on the Iberian Peninsula. The town owes it charm to its dramatic position above the river, with little gabled houses closely terraced down the hill. It owes its wealth and fame to Port wine, first discovered and exported by the British in the early 18th century. With a population of nearly 500,000, the city today is a busy commercial and industrial center, and a major port.

Here is a truly delightful cruise holiday that seasoned travelers will appreciate. It offers a gentle relaxing journey of breathtaking scenery, quaint villages and towns. You will cruise on the Douro River from Porto, Portugal to Salamanca Spain, on the new ship m.s. Douro-Princess. All meals and shore excursions are provided.

Douro Cruise Information

In the spring of 1999 the m.s. Douro Princess was introduced to provide this first class service. This is a first class ship offering accommodations for 70 seasoned travelers. The ship has been completely rebuilt and has 40 spacious cabins and public areas - lounge, bar and restaurants. The m.s. Douro Princess is 50% larger than any other cruise ship on the Douro. The Douro Princess will set new standards for cruising on the Douro River. All cabins are outside with large picture windows. Cabins on the upper deck have hotel style beds; they can be arranged as two twin beds or one double bed. The public areas are on the top deck above the passenger's decks and are very spacious open and bright.

Creation Date: 15 Aug 1999
Last update: 22 Apr 2008
Maintained by Thomas J. Sullivan, MA