Enticing Douro

Bridges and port wine are what characterises Porto, Portugal's gracious northern capital and second largest city after Lisbon. Porto sits astride a great gorge at the point where the River Douro enters the Atlantic. Although it's mainly industrial, the city centre has plenty of charm with art treasures, medieval cathedrals and museums. The narrow streets sport wrought-iron balconies decorated with splashes of potted geraniums.

The main reason tourists visit Porto is to sample its legendary port wine, processed, blended and aged in the various lodges of the Vila Nova da Gaia district across the river from the city, reached via the spectacular two-tiered Dom Luis bridge. Visitors can tour the lodges and finish up with a tasting session. The city also has a historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within easy reach of Porto are numerous coastal resorts and fishing villages along the Atlantic coastline, well-known for their seafood restaurants. It's the perfect end to a day spent cruising down the River Douro, ideal for taking in the scenic splendour.

Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life.

Régua is the largest city on the banks of the Douro in this wine-growing valley. It is such a beautiful place that the Alto Douro region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001

Located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the picturesque town of Pinhão lies at the heart of Portugal’s Port wine-making region.  Pinhão has a pleasant riverside location which makes it perfect for a relaxing visit, especially for lovers of Portugal’s food and wine.

Pinhão railway station is worth a visit. The walls are decorated with traditional azulejo tiles, with several panels portraying historic scenes of the surrounding area.

Vega de Terron is the gateway to Salamanca, one of Spain's greatest artistic and historical cities. Visit Plaza Mayor, the  main square located in the centre of the city and also the Roman bridge. Explore the legendary Cave of Salamanca in the ruined crypt of the former Church of Saint Cyprian.

Barca d’Alva is a Portuguese river port located near the Spanish border, and can trace its origins back to medieval times. This quaint town is surrounded mountains and miles of countryside overflowing with orchards and vineyards. Barca d’Alva sits within the Douro International Natural Park.

Located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the picturesque town of Pinhão lies at the heart of Portugal’s Port wine-making region.  Pinhão has a pleasant riverside location which makes it perfect for a relaxing visit, especially for lovers of Portugal’s food and wine.

Pinhão railway station is worth a visit. The walls are decorated with traditional azulejo tiles, with several panels portraying historic scenes of the surrounding area.

Régua is the largest city on the banks of the Douro in this wine-growing valley. It is such a beautiful place that the Alto Douro region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001

Bridges and port wine are what characterises Porto, Portugal's gracious northern capital and second largest city after Lisbon. Porto sits astride a great gorge at the point where the River Douro enters the Atlantic. Although it's mainly industrial, the city centre has plenty of charm with art treasures, medieval cathedrals and museums. The narrow streets sport wrought-iron balconies decorated with splashes of potted geraniums.

The main reason tourists visit Porto is to sample its legendary port wine, processed, blended and aged in the various lodges of the Vila Nova da Gaia district across the river from the city, reached via the spectacular two-tiered Dom Luis bridge. Visitors can tour the lodges and finish up with a tasting session. The city also has a historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within easy reach of Porto are numerous coastal resorts and fishing villages along the Atlantic coastline, well-known for their seafood restaurants. It's the perfect end to a day spent cruising down the River Douro, ideal for taking in the scenic splendour.