DOURO RIVER CRUISES

“As keen cruisers, we have honestly never experienced such a relaxing trip. Tourism is in its relative infancy on the Douro, so there isn’t a massive throng of people, and the boats are smaller and more intimate. The cuisine is top-notch, and you don’t have to be a knowledgeable wine buff to enjoy the different varieties on offer, but if you are into your wine, then this will be total heaven, guaranteed!”

“We’re mad keen wine enthusiasts, so this cruise was literally a taste of paradise for us. Having said that, there was a really laid-back vibe to this holiday, so if you’re not interested in wine, then you won’t feel excluded. The wine element is very much take it or leave it, and there is plenty to do and see for people with other interests.”

“This cruise was a surprise present for a significant birthday. I like wine, but I wouldn’t describe myself as an enthusiast, but you just can’t fail to get into it when you see how it is grown and produced. The whole cruise has a relaxed feel about it but was still very well organised with great attention to detail. I loved the local cuisine on board, so you didn’t feel that you need to go ashore to eat otherwise, you were missing out. A truly memorable experience which I would recommend to anyone, even if you’re teetotal!”

“As first-time cruisers, we deliberately chose the Douro because it’s not so well known, and we thought both the location and the cruise wouldn’t be over-commercialised. We were right! The staff were so helpful, with just the right amount of information and guidance, but you never felt you had to leave the boat. You could just relax and take in the scenery, which was spectacular. The endless wine was certainly very welcome, but we didn’t feel we had to be connoisseurs – you can just drink what you like. A great cruise. We would definitely go again as one trip doesn’t do it justice.”