When relaxation is the main thing you are looking for in a holiday, a soothing sailing journey is the best idea to recharge your batteries. A cruise on the Douro River, in the magic land of Portuguese vineyards, will tick all the boxes. You’ll discover breathtaking architecture, indulgent traditional cuisine, and enchanting verdant countryside as you wend your way east from Porto.
Guest post
The cruise starts from the Portuguese coastline and goes to a port at the border of Spain, a stone’s throw from the majestic Salamanca. Unlike more popular options, such as sailing the Seine or the Danube, a river cruise down the Douro is still blissfully away from Europe’s main tourist trail. That will allow you to totally switch off and reconnect to nature in utterly idyllic surroundings. It’s a memorable experience.
A Cruise on the Douro – Exploring UNESCO World Heritage
Both Porto and Salamanca, which lies within easy reach of the final port of a Douro river cruise, were recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Porto’s history dates back to the days of the Roman Empire. The city still showcases ancient architecture, including the Church of São Francisco, completed in the early 15th century and boasting beautiful Baroque features, and the grand Gothic cathedral.
Salamanca on the other hand is famous for its unique sandstone structures, including two equally awe-inspiring cathedrals. The ‘new’ one dates back to the 1700s. The older of the two boasts the rooftop domes and cavernous semi-circular arched ceiling, in typical Romanesque style.
Contemporary Culture
Both Porto and Salamanca also have a rich contemporary culture. It was influenced by each city’s unique heritage but also the major movements contributing to the modern world.
Art lovers should head to Salamanca’s Casa Lis Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum. Once there, browse through the astonishing 2,500-piece collection of 19th- and 20th-century art and artifacts, including a Fabergé egg.
Bookworms will love visiting the captivating library in Porto. This 20th-century building is a living piece of art with wood carvings, gold columns and ceilings. They are so heavily ornate you won’t be able to look away. The library was an inspiration to the author of the Harry Potter saga, J K Rowling. There are over 300,000 books here, so you are in danger of browsing for hours!
Authentic Cuisine along the Douro River
Porto, and nearby Pinhão, are prominent places within Portugal’s wine-making region. As you sail along the river, you will get the feeling you are passing through an amphitheater. The high valleys on either side are terraced with seemingly endless grape-growing vineyards. Port is the main product here, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample this wine and the other varieties grown in this region during your cruise on the Douro.
Salamanca, an inland area surrounded by agricultural lands, has the perfect cheese, meat, and fruit to pair with your wine. Local favorites include the cheese Hinojosa de Duero and salchichón, a spicy salami-like sausage. Figs and cherries are also a highlight if you visit in the summer season.
