Brinley Hineman
I just came back from a week in Portugal with Riviera Travel, on the line's new Riviera Rose, and for the first time I haven't felt like I needed a vacation to recover from a trip.
So far this year, I've cruised the Douro, Rhine and Danube rivers, but it was the Douro itinerary that left me feeling the most rejuvenated, due to the laid-back nature of the trip. There was a daily excursion, sometimes two, included on this itinerary, but the speed was relaxed, allowing for a leisurely pace, often capped with a glass of wine to round out the experience.
To be clear: I loved my Rhine and Danube itineraries and felt like I made the most of every moment on those trips. But cruising the sleepy Douro, where there was plenty of time to relax on the sundeck or lounge, or unwind in the pool, or enjoy a cocktail on my balcony, was a welcome change of pace. It also gave me an unhurried chance to catch up with my guest, a friend I hadn't seen in two years.
Douro Valley itineraries seem to be designed for those who want to catch their breath, enjoy some of Europe's best wines and still feel like they had a productive holiday. Several of our excursions were in the afternoon, meaning there was no need to set an alarm for an early wakeup call, which is an appreciated opportunity to overcome time zone differences for travelers.
Something, too, for foodies
It goes without saying that any foodie or wine connoisseur should have the Douro on their bucket list. Here you'll enjoy the birthplace of port wine -- even those who haven't been won over by port will have something to enjoy here, as wine abounds in general -- and have access to fresh seafood. I'd recommend clients seek out a restaurant with a charcoal grill out front to enjoy some mouthwatering seafood in Porto before embarking on their cruise.
Throughout the Riviera cruise we enjoyed traditional Portuguese fare both on and off the Rose and Port galore at local wineries. Clients sailing on the Rose should consider dining in the Rio, the ship's specialty restaurant, for top-notch traditional food. My friend and I were so wowed by our first dinner that we came back later in the cruise for two more meals, indulging in dishes like bife a portuguesa, espadarte grelhado and moqueca. The restaurant, though reservation-only, does not cost extra.
Though I haven't cruised the Douro on other lines, their itineraries are similar enough to Riviera's eight-day Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise itinerary that I'm sure their passengers would enjoy a similar unhurried pace. My only worry (aside from deadlines, of course) was whether I would enjoy my next glass of wine as much as the last.