A Special Birthday on the Douro: Our Uniworld River Cruise

Getting There & Covid Formalities

I booked return flights with TAP Air Portugal from London Gatwick in Economy Class.

At that time, no Covid testing was required to enter Portugal, just proof of vaccination, which was another big reason for choosing this cruise. There was also no additional testing needed to board the ship.

Once we landed at Porto Airport, a Uniworld representative was waiting to meet us and transfer us to the ship. Due to traffic, the transfer took around 50 minutes.

On board we were a small group of about 90 guests, mainly British and American. We were allocated cabin 221, a good‑sized French balcony cabin with a nice bathroom. One practical tip: avoid very large suitcases, as storage space under the bed is limited.

Life On Board S.S. São Gabriel

From the start, Uniworld’s Covid protocols were clear and strictly followed:

• No buffet meals
• Plenty of hand sanitising
• Controlled, small‑group touring

The crew were warm, friendly and very welcoming.

That first evening we had a welcome briefing, including details on excursions. Some tours needed to be pre‑booked, and we were each given a personal audio guide and headsets for excursions, returned at the end of the cruise.

With Uniworld, food, drinks and most excursions are included, which makes life on board very easy. There is a spa on S.S. São Gabriel as well, although we did not use it.

• Dress code is generally smart casual, with one formal night.
• There is evening entertainment most nights.
• At some docks you need to walk across other ships to access your own, which is normal on river cruises.
• Each evening, a daily programme is delivered to your cabin for the following day, covering timings, tours and what to look out for while sailing (including dams and locks).

Mealtimes & Dietary Needs

Meal times were:

• Breakfast: 07:30 – 09:30
• Lunch: 12:30 – 14:00
• Dinner: 19:00 – 21:00

There was always a vegetarian option, and the kitchen was very good at catering for dietary requirements if advised in advance.

Day‑by‑Day Highlights

Day 1: Porto (Embark)

We embarked in Porto, the atmospheric port city at the mouth of the Douro. After settling into our cabin, we opted for an early night, ready for a busy first full day and our Porto city tour.

Day 2: Porto – Entre‑os‑Rios

Portugal’s second city has given its name to both the country and its most famous export, Port wine. We joined the Porto city tour, which was excellent.

• We explored the historic centre on foot.
• Took a city tram ride, which added to the charm.
• Visited the stunning São Bento railway station, often described as one of the most beautiful in the world, with walls and ceilings covered in around 22,000 azulejo tiles by artist Jorge Colaço.
• Saw the Jewish quarter and learned about its history.
• Visited the famous Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, often linked to J.K. Rowling and the atmosphere of Harry Potter.

We also walked across the Dom Luís I Bridge, a double‑decker iron bridge that links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and offers fantastic views over the river and city. The upper level carries the metro and has a pedestrian walkway around 60 metres above the river, not ideal if you dislike heights but well worth it for the views.

Later that afternoon we began sailing down the Douro, surrounded by vineyards and dramatic landscapes. That evening we enjoyed the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3: Entre‑os‑Rios – Régua – Pinhão

Douro Museum & local quinta

The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in Europe. At the Douro Museum we learned why this area is so special and what makes Port wine unique.

• Exhibits showed how wine production has evolved over centuries, including original tools of the trade and a traditional rabelo boat.
• An interactive map helped explain the layout of the quintas (wine estates).
• We had fun sniffing vials of Port aromas and then enjoyed a tasting of Douro wines.

We then travelled up winding roads with spectacular views (and some breath‑taking drop‑offs) to a local quinta for lunch. The venue, views and food were all excellent.

Day 4: Pinhão – Pocinho – Vega de Terrón

Wine, walks & Castelo Rodrigo

In the morning there was a choice of excursions:

• A tasting at a prestigious Port estate, or
• A vineyard hike with tasting.

In the afternoon we visited Castelo Rodrigo, both a hilltop castle and the medieval village surrounding it.

• The views from the top are incredible.
• The village itself is full of tiny cobbled lanes, old stone houses, a Manueline church and a historic pillory and market square.
• The castle ruins tell a story of border struggles and shifting loyalties between Portugal and Spain over the centuries.
• We sampled local products including honey (flavoured by wild lavender), almonds, olive oil and cheeses, and visited a newly restored tea house.

Day 5: Vega de Terrón – Salamanca – Barca d’Alva

The “Golden City” of Salamanca & birthday touches

This was a long but very rewarding day. We travelled by coach to Salamanca, known as the “Golden City” for its honey‑coloured sandstone buildings.

On arrival, Uniworld had arranged breakfast at a hotel, which was a lovely touch.

In Salamanca we:

• Visited the Plaza Mayor and wandered among its baroque buildings.
• Saw the New and Old Cathedrals, which sit side by side.
• Explored the historic university, founded in 1218 and famous for its ornate façade and beautiful interiors.
• Visited one of Spain’s best food halls, where we sampled chorizo, cheeses, olive oil and ham.
• Had free time to browse shops along Rua Mayor.

The journey each way is around 5 hours, with a comfort stop included. It makes for a full day but is absolutely worth it.

That evening, the crew surprised my wife for her birthday with a special dinner including scallops, which she loved. She did not want any fuss or singing, as she gets embarrassed, and they handled it perfectly. We also enjoyed a flamenco show that night.

Day 6: Pinhão – Régua

Pastéis de nata & Quinta do Seixo

The day began with a pastel de nata (custard tart) cooking demonstration by the on‑board pastry chef, complete with samples, which was very popular.

Later, we travelled through the hills to Quinta do Seixo, a prestigious Port estate.

• We saw the unique terrace landscape, created by generations of wine growers who built stone walls and gradually turned schist rock into usable “anthroposoil”.
• The steep slopes mean the vineyards are still worked largely by hand, while the winery itself is very modern.
• We toured the state‑of‑the‑art facility and had a Port tasting in a beautiful room overlooking the Douro Valley.

In the evening we enjoyed the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 7: Régua – Guimarães – Porto

Where Portugal was born

On this day we visited Guimarães, the town proudly known as the birthplace of Portugal and home of the country’s first king, Afonso I.

• The Old Town is wonderfully preserved, with granite and half‑timbered houses and pretty little plazas.
• We visited the castle, which appears on Portugal’s coat of arms, and walked down to Largo da Oliveira to see the Monastery and Church of Our Lady of Oliveira and the 14th‑century Padrão do Salado.
• Although its history is ancient, Guimarães also has one of the youngest populations in Europe, so the pedestrian streets are full of lively cafés and shops.

That evening we sailed back towards Porto.

Day 8: Porto (Disembark)

Disembarkation was relaxed and well organised. There was no need to pack cases the night before, which made the final evening feel much more like part of the holiday.

Then it was time to fly home to the UK.

Cruise Highlights

For us, the standout moments were:

• Watching the ship pass through nine very different locks, each one fascinating in its own way.
• The railway line following the Douro, with trains running along the river against a backdrop of vineyards and hills.
• Visiting Port wine estates such as Sandeman, sampling various styles including white, rosé and ruby Port.
• The Porto city tour and simply falling in love with the city itself.

Porto is a beautiful and very liveable city; we would go back in a heartbeat.

Final Thoughts on Uniworld & River Cruising

A big thank you to Angela and Amy at Uniworld for arranging this wonderful trip. Amy was especially helpful before booking, sharing tips and advice that really helped us get the most out of the experience.

A few reflections:

• With Uniworld, you do not need to worry about paying for alcoholic drinks or most excursions, which makes it feel genuinely all inclusive.
• You do pay extra for spa treatments and a few optional tours.
• River cruising is perfect for people who want to see new destinations most days, in a smaller, more intimate setting with a mix of nationalities.
• On this Douro itinerary there is no night cruising, so you never miss the scenery and the ship moors overnight, giving you time to enjoy local Portuguese culture ashore.

Please note that some details may have changed since the Covid period, but the essence of the experience remains the same: relaxed, scenic, and very special.

This cruise has definitely given me first‑hand knowledge and advice I can now pass on to future customers who are curious about river cruising and the Douro.