A Douro River cruise is the absolute best way to experience everything that Portugal has to offer in a short period of time. Despite its relatively small size, Portugal has endless things to see and do, even when compared to other voyages like Danube River cruises. One of the top places to visit on one of these cruises is Lisbon, which is the capital of the country and is over 2,000 years old. This ancient city was founded on a series of seven hills, which gives the city a rolling landscape that is unique to say the least. Lisbon is also the cultural and architectural capital of the country, with numerous castles and cathedrals to be seen. Your cruise will likely begin with an exciting tour of this great city, which is sure to be one of your favorite parts of the cruise.
From Lisbon, a Douro River cruise will then take the Douro north to the region of Costa Verde. This is a region of the country that produces many world famous wines, so be sure that you sample some of them along the way. This region's largest city is called Porto and it is another city that is chock full of history and culture. The ancient city streets are still largely intact from times gone by, even though Porto has now become very much a modern industrial city. You will be in awe of the architecture that is present in this expanding city, as it has managed to blend both old and new into one incredible whole. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many bridges that are found in Porto, as they are definitely something to behold in what many consider to be one of the best European river cruise destinations.
Douro River cruises are not all about these cities, however, as Portugal also features a great landscape for you to explore. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to leave the boat on excursions into the countryside, where you can visit vineyards or climb to the top of bluffs that overlook some of the most beautiful parts of the country. The Douro river cruise also travels past castles and monasteries that appear to be in the middle of nowhere, but were once places of great importance in Portugal. All of these areas are very well preserved, since there is not much in the way of urban sprawl around to threaten them, making this cruise one of the only ways to visit these tourist spots.
You will have countless options on your Douro river cruise, as this is one of the most customer friendly tours around. You will not be rushed from place to place too quickly to explore these locations, but will rather be given time to take side trips into various parts of Portugal. Portugal is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but that is a good thing for you because you will have access to the unique culture of the country and everything that it has to offer. Your Douro river cruise will definitely not disappoint because you will be able to tour world class cities and explore the countryside, all from the comfort of a cruise ship.
From Lisbon, a Douro River cruise will then take the Douro north to the region of Costa Verde. This is a region of the country that produces many world famous wines, so be sure that you sample some of them along the way. This region's largest city is called Porto and it is another city that is chock full of history and culture. The ancient city streets are still largely intact from times gone by, even though Porto has now become very much a modern industrial city. You will be in awe of the architecture that is present in this expanding city, as it has managed to blend both old and new into one incredible whole. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many bridges that are found in Porto, as they are definitely something to behold in what many consider to be one of the best European river cruise destinations.
Douro River cruises are not all about these cities, however, as Portugal also features a great landscape for you to explore. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to leave the boat on excursions into the countryside, where you can visit vineyards or climb to the top of bluffs that overlook some of the most beautiful parts of the country. The Douro river cruise also travels past castles and monasteries that appear to be in the middle of nowhere, but were once places of great importance in Portugal. All of these areas are very well preserved, since there is not much in the way of urban sprawl around to threaten them, making this cruise one of the only ways to visit these tourist spots.
You will have countless options on your Douro river cruise, as this is one of the most customer friendly tours around. You will not be rushed from place to place too quickly to explore these locations, but will rather be given time to take side trips into various parts of Portugal. Portugal is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but that is a good thing for you because you will have access to the unique culture of the country and everything that it has to offer. Your Douro river cruise will definitely not disappoint because you will be able to tour world class cities and explore the countryside, all from the comfort of a cruise ship.