The Douro – Portugal’s River of Gold with Viking Cruises: Day 4

Porto from Torre dos Clerigos Following our first breakfast on board we were taken on an included guided tour of Porto, the historic centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The highlight for Solent Richard was the opportunity to climb the ‘Torre dos Clerigos’ and take in the magnificent views over the city and out to the Atlantic. It was also a treat to get a special photograph looking down over Porto Cathedral.

The final call of our morning tour was to the Calem Vintage Port wine-making facility, on the directly opposite side of the Douro to Porto.

Calem Vintage Port winery For our afternoon my wife and I chose to take the Viking optional excursion to historical town of Guimaraes, yet another World Heritage site and a place that will feature later in my ‘One Way to do …’ series, so interesting was it.

Our evening schedule is an excursion to the ancient Monastery at Alpendurada. Actually no longer a monastery but a very grand hotel that has been restored to almost its original state.

We are scheduled to have dinner there and a Fado show.

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Viking River and Ocean Cruises

173 people found this helpful
17722

Share Article:

Richard Okill

Retired naval officer & businessman

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.