I have just returned from a Riviera Travel river cruise along the beautiful Douro river in Portugal with my mum, and I have to admit: I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect (a theme in my travel when I try something new!). I knew there would be wine, scenery and some charming stops along the way, but what surprised me most was just how relaxing the whole experience was. It was, quite honestly, one of the most peaceful holidays I have had in a long time.

From the moment we set sail from Porto, life seemed to slow down to the river’s gentle pace. As we cruised along, we passed terraced vineyards, pretty villages and steep valley sides that looked as if they had been painted in shades of green and gold. The weather was kind to us too, with plenty of sunshine, so much of our time was spent up on deck simply watching the scenery drift by, chatting, reading and enjoying that lovely feeling of having absolutely nowhere else to be.

Our itinerary was a lovely balance of culture, wine and gentle exploration. Starting in Porto, we had time to wander its historic streets and, of course, visit the famous Sandeman port lodge. Tasting port where it is actually produced, in those atmospheric cellars, felt like a real “only in Portugal” experience. As we travelled further along the Douro, we visited traditional wineries set amongst the vineyards, where we learned how the grapes are grown on those dramatic terraced slopes and sampled some superb local wines.

One of the most memorable days was our side trip into Spain to visit the beautiful city of Salamanca. With its golden sandstone buildings, impressive cathedral and elegant squares, it was a real standout. Strolling through the old town, stopping for coffee and simply soaking up the atmosphere, is something I will really treasure.

On board, the experience felt quietly luxurious without ever being stuffy. The food was excellent, with beautifully presented meals showcasing local flavours and international favourites, and the service was genuinely warm and attentive. The daily excursions meant there was always something to look forward to, yet there was still plenty of time to relax, unwind and enjoy the ship.

Perhaps unexpectedly, one of my personal highlights was going through the huge river locks. Watching the ship rise and fall within these vast concrete walls was surprisingly fascinating, and it really brought home the scale of the river and the engineering that makes these cruises possible.

If you are looking for a holiday that combines comfort, gentle exploration and lots of time to truly switch off, a Douro river cruise is a wonderful option. It is perfect for travelling with a parent or loved one: you unpack once, everything is taken care of, and you simply enjoy the journey together.

If you would like to know more about my experience on the Douro, or to see if a river cruise might be right for your next holiday, I would be delighted to chat and help you find the perfect itinerary.