Taking a river cruise on the Douro River provides a comfortable and exciting experience. You can view and explore spectacular scenery and interesting historic medieval hilltop villages that have barely changed over the centuries. The entire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The steep hillsides are filled with carefully patterned terraces of vineyards, olive trees and almond trees. You can sample many wines including vintage port, and learn about Portuguese wine making in one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
A cruise on the Douro differs from those on other European rivers. The sailing is done by day as the river is narrow, shallow and rocky, making navigation by night somewhat risky. Here are some of the highlights.
Deepest lock in Europe
Carrapatelo on the Druoro in Portugal is the deepest lock in Europe at 113 feet 9 inches (36 meters). A lock is a device for raising and lowering boats between stretches of different-level water and makes a river more navigable.
Porto
This attractive UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 is a port city known for its historic center and internationally famous port wine houses. Its wonderful atmosphere comes alive in the evenings with the locals socializing in the many bars, restaurants, market stalls and shops in the harbor area. It is the second largest city and the second major great urban area in Portugal. It is one of five global cities on the Iberian Peninsula with,the others being Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Lisbon.
Pinhao - Castelo Rodrigo
This small 12th-century walled village is high in the mountains above the Douro. It is beautifully surrounded by vineyards, wild lavender, and olive groves. In spring, the ancient walls are draped with purple wisteria and the fields are carpeted with wild flowers. Explore the cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and the old Jewish area with its remains of a synagogue and a ritual bath.
Salamanca
The city is situated in Spain's Northern Plateau and is on part of the Duero river system. Another UNESCO city, it maintains the intimacy of a village with inhabitants who speak the "purest" Spanish, Castilian. Therefore, the city is popular with those who want to learn Spanish. Also, Columbus studied at the 13th century university there.
