Cruising along the Douro

The Douro is very scenic; in fact it’s enchanting all the way through. You’ll find spectacular valleys, rolling hills, sweeping bends, hillsides cloaked with vines – it’s all so wonderfully picturesque from start to finish. And these glorious views go hand in hand with the peace and serenity you’ll experience as you cruise. The tranquility experienced on a Douro river cruise, it’s almost like you’re on another planet. And you’re virtually guaranteed sunshine, so if you’re so inclined, you could just while away the days on the sundeck, soaking up the warmth and enjoying the scenery that slips past.

But if you look at any of Saga's Douro cruises, you might be surprised at just how many excursions we’ve arranged, both included and optional – at times the programme can look very busy indeed! That’s because the berthing points along the banks are small, quaint little villages; whilst this is another plus for people who river cruise to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we're aware that this kind of laid-back holiday won’t suit everybody. We like to make sure our cruises offer something for everyone, and a mixture of active days and calmer ones can make all the difference between an enjoyable cruise and an unforgettable one.

One excursion we include is a visit to the city of Salamanca in Spain. It goes back to Roman times and features so many different types of architecture. Another thing to bear in mind is the product this part of Europe is most famous for – port! We make sure we dock in Oporto, where you’re surrounded by the port warehouses, and there are ample opportunities for tasting and buying bottles of the delicious local tipple. It’s a brilliant way to really immerse yourself in the culture; drinking port as the ship sails past the very vines that the grapes in your glass grew on – it’s just perfect.

One of the best way to explore this region is by river cruise. Our customers seem to agree – some will come back two, three times a year, maybe in April and again in October, because the weather is lovely almost all year round. It’s a great compromise holiday too; if you are a couple where one loves relaxing in the sun and the other loves seeing new sights, then it ticks all the boxes.

Find out more about a river cruise with Saga, and discover the delights of the Douro.