Taking a cruise on the Douro (the 'golden river') opens up an enormous amount of fine food and wine, along with insight into Portugal's colourful culture and history. Discovering the place is better done slowly on the water, so you can appreciate the many flavours and sights along the way.
Portugal has featured inside the 'hot' lists of travel magazines all over the world within the last year or two. Weight reduction people discover its charms, tourist numbers for this country – whose capital, Lisbon boasts probably the most hours of sunshine of any European capital – are actually growing. And no wonder – visitors can't have an adequate quantity of exotic Lisbon, pretty Porto, enigmatic Madeira, the attractive Algarve, and one of the largest areas of all – the Douro river. The Douro runs from Vega de Terron (in Salamanca, western Spain) to Porto, and vino is an enormous part of the journey. The Douro Wine Region – the Alto Douro – remains producing wine to have an astonishing 2,000 many is among four World Heritage-listed sites along the river.
DOWN THE DOURO
Just like a dark red is going to be savoured, the easiest method to go through the rural and historic great thing about this river is to board board the spectacular Scenic Azure river cruiseship. Consume the verdant landscape, with family-run quintas (estates) and everywhere, rows and rows of vines kept neat and tidy on old stone socalcos or patamares (sloped terraces), creating a liquid gold that belongs to them. Your meals are similar in results, with traditional favourites like pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), Alheira sausage and polvo (octopus) around the menu.
THE SCENIC ROUTE
Unlike the initial wooden rabelo boats once familiar with carry wine barrels on the river to Porto, the Scenic Azure was custom-built for your Douro and can ensure a memorable experience of five-star luxury. The vessel carries just 96 guests in 48 suites, who're spoilt for choice as soon as of boarding, using the added bonus of all-inclusive luxury the whole day, every single day – from unlimited complimentary drinks to on-shore excursions, tipping, gratuities and wi-fi – not to mention butler service for those suites.
Guests can take advantage of a Scenic Enrich experience – an exclusive classical concert inside the glittering gold interior from the Church of Sao Francisco in the World Heritage- listed historic centre of Porto.
And with Scenic Freechoice, they could select from a variety of 14 activities, including going to the Ducal Palace at Guimaraes – the seat of the first King of Portugal, or tasting the sparkling wines and strolling through the immaculate gardens at Quinta da Aveleda in the Vino Verde region.
Lovers from the famous Mateus can select a guided visit at Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal's famous Mateus rose wine. More adventurous pursuits will also be on offer, such as hiking with the vineyards at Pinhao or canoeing by having an offshoot from the Douro at Pocinho.
When not on an outing, guests can laze through the vitality pool, benefit from the wellness centre or simply sit and relish the spectacular landscape passing by, a glass of port or even a rose at hand.
FLY EMIRATES
Emirates flies 4 times per week from Dubai to Porto, its second destination in Portugal, giving
easy connections to passengers from Nz and Asia. Flights take presctiption Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with two classes – Business and Economy. You will find 38 lie-flat seats operating a business Class and 264 seats in Economy. Passengers will love the famed hospitality and service from Emirates' multinational cabin crew, regionally inspired meals, complimentary beverages and over 4,000 channels of entertainment on 'ice', featuring the newest movies, music and games.
Flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Emirates also operates two flights each day between Dubai and Lisbon.
If you're ready to discover enchanting landscapes & culinary loves Portugal, get in touch with the neighborhood YOU Travel specialist to talk about itineraries. There's a range of cruise possibilities and when we've helped you book your cruise, we'll assist you in finding the most effective flights and accommodation to match. We're along with you all the way. Visit youtravel.co.nz
