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In addition to its natural beauty, the Douro Valley is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including birds of prey, otters, and even the occasional wild boar. Whether you are exploring the vineyards on foot or simply relaxing on deck, the Douro Valley never fails to impress with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. The Douro Valley is also home to many charming villages and towns, each with its own unique history and culture. From the medieval town of Lamego to the picturesque village of Pinhão, the Douro Valley is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
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The commercial port of Doca de Alcantara, with its traditional passenger liner terminal, lies just east (upriver) of the 25th of April bridge (a dead ringer for San Francisco's Golden Gate). It's about a 90 minute walk from here into town, but some cruise lines provide shuttle services into the center. Also, there is an efficient rail, bus and tram system -- or take a taxi to the center and to Belem. Refer to the itinerary of your cruise ship for its destinations.
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One of the highlights of a Douro River cruise is the opportunity to indulge in the region’s rich culinary traditions and world-renowned wines. The Douro Valley is famous for its port wine production, a sweet, fortified wine produced in the region for centuries. Today, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding beauty and cultural significance. A cruise along the Douro offers the opportunity to explore this fascinating history and experience the rich culture of the region firsthand. Discover Portugal’s bright, fun-loving capital city on your cruise to Lisbon. The nation’s hundreds of years of nautical heritage is concentrated in Lisbon, and the riverside Belém district is where Portuguese navigators like Magellan and Vasco da Gama would begin their journeys.
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You should also pack a couple swimsuits for beach lounging at select ports. During cooler months, it's wise to bring along a light jacket to stay warm on chilly evenings. Then discover Faro, the capital city of the Algarve, boasting divine views of the coastline.
First impressions of Avalon Alegria, a new river ship in Portugal - Travel Weekly
First impressions of Avalon Alegria, a new river ship in Portugal.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Scenic Beauty of the Douro Valley

Today, cruise ship passengers make landfall not far from that spot. With its rumbling yellow trams and stately plazas, irresistible patisseries and bluesy fado music, expect exotic sights and sounds — and more — on your cruise to Lisbon. Many Douro River cruises also include meals onboard, giving passengers the opportunity to sample traditional Portuguese dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Overall, a Douro River cruise offers a feast for the senses, with opportunities to indulge in the region’s culinary delights and savor its world-class wines. The Douro River has a rich history dating back centuries, with evidence of human settlement along its banks dating back to the Paleolithic era. The river played a crucial role in the region’s development, serving as a vital trade route for transporting goods like port wine, olive oil, and grains.
Sail to Spain to sink your teeth into tapas, Portugal to sip sweet port wine or the Canary Islands to feast on the majesty of natural bliss. No matter where in southwestern Europe you visit, a feast is guaranteed. Your cruise to Portugal and its islands will be an unforgettable experience on one of Celebrity’s luxurious, contemporary ships. Enjoy Michelin-quality dining, relax in the sunshine by the pool, and breathe in the sea air from the sanctuary of your own veranda.
Be sure to change some money if you plan to pick up snacks or ride the buses, trams or metro. Lisbon is a city of hills, and the up-and-down geography adds to its charm. One of the best ways to experience it is via a tram ride through the medieval Alfama district, Baixa (the central business district) and the Bairro Alto (the major restaurant and nightlife area). Both the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts have wonderful miradoures, or viewpoints, to take in the city below, the nearby hills and the wide Tagus River that provides ships such easy access to the city.
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From Lisbon, explore the lush countryside of the south to sample floral Moscatel wines. Madeira, meanwhile, produces its own fortified wines from grapes ripened in the Atlantic sunshine. Portugal cruises will offer you an insight into its enchanting culture. Indulge in the country’s robust cuisine that celebrates the riches of the ocean and its lush, rolling countryside, not to mention the crisp whites, fruity reds, and famous port wine. Marvel at fairytale castles, lounge on endless sandy beaches, explore colorful markets, and experience ancient musical traditions. Most importantly, connect with the people, who are as warm and welcoming as the sunny climate.
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These are some of the spookiest places in Europe, from the streets of London to the forests of Transylvania. This thrill-seekers guide will show you where to get the ultimate adrenaline fix on European vacations. Need a break from the bustle of Barcelona or the lazy crowds of Lisbon? Browse eclectic clothes and jewelry in the backstreets of Bairro Alto. Feira da Ladra, or "thieves' market," is the place to go for handmade crafts and antiques. Walk down Chiado or Avenida da Liberdade to shop international brands.
We've narrowed down a list of the most; historic, cultural, famous, and royal significance. No matter which 7-day cruise to Europe you end up booking, here's how to plan a European vacation that's high on adventure with low added stress. Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait. Take a moment to make the most of your Greek island hopping travels, reveal the best places to visit in Greece. Uncover the history of Italy through Italian architecture and art tours as you travel to Rome, Florence, and Milan. Learn about the types of Greek architecture you can explore during your next Mediterranean vacation.
One fine example is the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1514 that commemorates the expedition of explorer Vasco da Gama. The climb to the top of the tower offers spectacular views of the river and city. For those looking for more a leisurely travel experience, Lisbon offers spectacular scenic views from its famous seven hills, with vantage points to admire the city’s horizon.
The metro, buses and trams are relatively easy to navigate, with unlimited-use daily passes available at ticket machines. In addition, the Rossio train station offers frequent service to the out-of-town destination of Sintra (40 minutes). Some cruise lines offer a shuttle service to Praca do Comercio, an elegant 18th-century square facing the riverfront near the Baixa (central business district in the lower town). You will spend 10 days at sea where you can admire the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean from the upper deck, relax in a spa or pool, learn sailing techniques, and above all enjoy a break from everyday life.
You may also call at the remote Azores, where you can explore dramatic volcanic scenery around Ponta Delgada, or join a whale-watching excursion. Sail to Portugal in luxury on a European cruise with Celebrity Cruises. As one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers, the Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its terraced vineyards, historic Quintas (estates), and charming villages.
History, great food, and beautiful scenery are just the beginning of your experience on a Mediterranean cruise to Portugal. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a friendly, low-key cruise destination with a casual vibe and fantastic coastline. Destinations on a Portugal cruise include Lisbon and Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira. This lavish design native to Portugal, is best observed when touring monuments and exploring medieval alleyways.
Visit the Sete Cidades crater for breathtaking views of the twin lakes, and sit on a quiet beach to watch the waves crash against the volcanic cliffs. With so much to see and do, a luxury cruise to the Azores with Celebrity is an experience you'll never forget. Whether you're a true foodie, wine connoisseur or adventurous explorer, Portugal offers tons of unique experiences. Lisbon is a paradise for culinary enthusiasts, culture lovers and history buffs, while Porto is a great hub for sampling local port wine and admiring its Baroque architecture. Some cruises also offer onboard wine tastings, where passengers can sample a selection of wines from the region. A typical itinerary includes visits to charming towns and villages along the river, such as Porto, Régua, Pinhão, and Barca d’Alva.
These ports of call offer opportunities to explore historic sites, sample local cuisine, and of course, enjoy wine tastings at renowned vineyards. The best way to take in the grand, diverse landscapes of Portugal is to go on a river or ocean cruise. When it comes to ocean ports, experience Funchal's vast food and drink scene -- and hike the island's levada walking paths.
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