River Cruises on the Douro

On the Douro, a region strongly influenced by port wine awaits you. Breathtaking vineyards adorn the banks as you cruise along one of the most important rivers in northern Portugal. In addition to the alcoholic delights, you can also discover the history of the valley. Towns such as Regua or Pinhao will win you over with a mixture of museums that show how the Douro Valley has developed and nature that will leave you speechless. The trip is rounded off with Porto, where you can always discover something new.

Click here to get to the voyage: Douro Discoverer | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

River cruises on the Douro are ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing yet enriching vacation experience. They are suitable for couples who want to enjoy a romantic getaway, as well as families and groups of friends who want to discover the beauty of Portugal together. Due to the leisurely pace and picturesque scenery, river cruises are also well suited for older travelers looking for a comfortable and accessible way to explore new places. In addition, they offer a great opportunity for wine lovers who want to explore the renowned wine regions of the Douro Valley.

The special feature of an all-inclusive river cruise with VIVA Cruises: from full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner to snacks in between and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, everything is included in the price of our cruises. Even the mini-bar in the cabins is refilled daily.

Join us on a day trip to Salamanca, the "Golden City", whose impressive honey-colored sandstone architecture will immediately enchant you. Discover the rich history of this city, famous for its renowned university, one of the oldest in the world, and still a vibrant center of knowledge and culture today. Salamanca is vibrant and full of energy, with a significant student population that makes up around a fifth of the population.

During your guided tour of Salamanca, you will be able to admire the magnificent cathedral, an outstanding example of the city's rich heritage. But this is just the beginning of your journey of discovery. After the guided tour, you will have plenty of time to experience the city's charm on your own and stroll through its picturesque streets.

Visit a local snack bar filled with delicious treats such as olives, cheese and ham and take some time to enjoy a relaxed lunch. Let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere of this great city as you discover the culinary delights and welcoming hospitality of the locals.

Welcome to Freixo de Espada à Cinta, an idyllic village with an intriguing name that means "ash tree with a sword". The history of this place is as rich as its name. According to legend, King Dinis of Portugal founded the village in the 14th century when he tied his sword to an ash tree during a rest. This romantic gesture led to the unique name, which still captures the imagination of visitors today.

During a guided tour of the Silk Museum, you will witness a centuries-old craft that is becoming increasingly rare in Portugal. Here, silk is still worked entirely by hand, a fascinating insight into the traditions and techniques of times gone by. Learn more about the history and importance of silk production for the region as you get to know the artful processes of weaving and dyeing.

After this inspiring experience, return to the ship where a delicious lunch awaits you. Indulge in the flavors of the regional cuisine as you reflect on the impressions of your voyage of discovery through Freixo de Espada à Cinta.

Viticulture in the Douro Valley in Portugal has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. The Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world and is known for its port wine as well as its high-quality red and white wines.

The region is characterized by its steep, terraced vineyards planted along the banks of the Douro River. This unique topography and the valley's special microclimate create optimal conditions for viticulture and give the wines of the Douro Valley their unmistakable character.

The grapes for port wine, one of the region's most famous wine varieties, are traditionally grown on steep slopes and harvested by hand. The wine is then vinified and aged in the region's historic wineries, where it develops its characteristic aromas of dark fruits, spices and nuts.

In addition to port wine, the Douro Valley also produces a variety of high-quality red and white wines, including the famous Douro DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada). These wines are characterized by their freshness, complexity and ability to age and are increasingly appreciated by wine lovers all over the world.

Viticulture in the Douro Valley is not only an important economic sector, but also an essential part of the regional culture and identity. The people of the Douro Valley are proud of their wine traditions and are happy to invite visitors to visit their wineries, taste their wines and learn more about the fascinating history of viticulture in the region.