Douro River Cruise Part 1

I was looking for ideas of what to do for my wife’s special birthday. I finally decided on a river cruise, as my wife and I have always wanted to try one. I have been to a few presentations where Uniworlds representative has presented that product to me in training, plus hearing such good things about them. so I felt it was time to sample their product and I decided to book with them. My choice was 7 November 2021 for 7 nights on S.S Sao Gabriel in a French balcony cabin sailing on the river Douro. We both always wanted to go to Porto plus sailing along the Douro which was perfect opportunity. I booked return flights with Tap airlines from Gatwick in economy class. For Portugal no Covid testing was required, just proof of vaccination to get into Portugal which was another reason for choosing this cruise. No further test was required when boarding The ship had strict protocols which were enforced with no buffet meals and hand Sanitizing. When we arrived at Porto airport our Uniworld rep was at the airport to take us to the ship. Transfer time around 50 minutes due to traffic. We were group of 90 people with two nationalities Americans and British. We were given cabin number 221 which was a good cabin with a nice bathroom. A tip - make sure you don’t take big cases as space is very limited for suitcases. The staff onboard the ship were very friendly and welcoming. That evening we had a welcome meeting and with details about excursions as some excursions you need to sign up in advance. You are given a free audio guide with headsets for all tours to be given back on the last day. With Uniworld river cruises all food and drink plus most excursions are included in the price. We had a spa on the ship but we didn’t use it. Dress code is smart casual for river cruise ,although one night is formal dress. Most night there was entertainment. Also be prepared to cross over other ships to get onboard at any docking stations. Every day you are given a free daily program left in your cabin the night before to help you plan your day ahead plus you can see any interesting sights whilst cruising along including dams. Meals time Breakfast 7.30-9.30am Lunch 12.30-2pm Dinner 7-9pm there was always a vegetarian meal option plus they cater for other dietary requirements if given advance notice. DAY 1: Porto (Embark) Arrive in Porto, the port city at the mouth of the Douro. we decided to have an early night ,as next day we had arranged to go on a city tour of Porto which we both looking forward too. DAY 2: Porto, Entre-os-Rios Portugal’s second city (after Lisbon), Porto gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. We chose Porto city tour which was really good, as we walked around the city of Porto, we also took a city tram. We also stopped at The S. Bento railway station, in the city centre of Porto which is often described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the entire world. And this is not an overstatement. Indeed, we are talking walls and ceilings covered with 22 thousand tiles - azulejos - by Jorge Colaço, painter, caricaturist and potter. We saw the Jewish quarters which was interesting to hear the history. The Harry Potter book store. Livraria Lello is arguably one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (Lonely Planet ranks it 3rd in the world). Many say that J.K.Rowling was inspired by the bookstore’s old, ornate staircase and magnificent detailing throughout. Many also say that it resembles the book shop, Flourish and Botts. J.K. Rowling frequented the bookstore when she lived in Porto. Travel tip: This bookstore is normally flooded with people and lineups so I suggest you pre-purchase a ticket online and arrive early in the morning, after lunch or later before closing. Off-season is even better. Tickets are 5 Euros each and will be applied towards your purchase of a book. We also walked on the Dom Luis bridge with great views of Porto. The double-decker Dom Luis I bridge is an icon of the city of Porto. It spans the River Douro linking the Port wine houses of Vila Nova de Gaia with the bustling downtown Ribeira district of Porto. Construction took place between 1881 and 1886 with the bridge being built adjacent to an existing bridge which it replaced. The granite pillars of the original bridge are still in place, standing on the Ribeira like a pair of gate posts. It is probably no coincidence that the bridge passes more than a fleeting resemblance of its neighbouring bridge, the Dona Maria Pia bridge. Both bridges consist of huge and complex ironwork frameworks with a great arch supporting the transit way. This should come as no surprise as the D. Maria Pia bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel of Paris tower fame! One of the notable features of the Ponte Dom Luís I is it's two levels; one on top of the arch and the other suspended below it. Both decks were initially intended to carry road traffic but these days the top carries the Porto Metro trains as well as having a pedestrian walkway. It is worth making the crossing on the upper level, although being 60 metres (190 ft) above the waters of the Douro, it might not be for everyone! Later that afternoon we started sailing down the Douro seeing some magnificent views of vineyards and landscape. In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner DAY 3: Entre-os-Rios, Re´gua, Pinhão DOURO MUSEUM The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine-growing district in Europe. Why? What makes Port the wine it is? Learn about the region’s unique geology and winemaking history—Romans planted vines in this region 2,000 years ago—at the Douro Museum. Exhibits laid out in buildings that were once home to Port winemaker Real Companhia Velha let you see how the process of making Port evolved over the centuries: You’ll find the tools of the trade and even a rabelo (a boat that carried wine from the vineyards to Porto) on display. An interactive map shows where the quintas are and how the region developed; and by sniffing vials of concentrated fragrance, you can learn to identify the many aromas that a good Port exhibits. It’s fun and informative—plus you can sample some regional Douro wine. We travelled up winding roads with spectacular views—and breath-stealing drop-offs—for lunch at a local quinta. Which was amazing venue with great food.