DESTINATIONS CRUISE |DOURO
3 PRIME PORT STOP
Most river ships moor on the Vila Nova side of the Douro, alongside the port houses, but Scenic Azure (and its sister company’s vessel, Emerald Radiance) has a quiet berth on the opposite Ribeira bank, so guests can walk into Porto without crossing the bridge. Better still, great-value deals on off-peak departures in November and December afford an opportunity for Christmas shopping, as Porto has so many boutique shops selling regional specialities. Each guest on the 96-passenger ship is invited to Portobellos Restaurant during
the sailing for a five-course Portuguese meal and regional wines. Book it: An eight-day Delightful Douro sailing from Porto on December 2 starts
at £2,680 including flights, a choice of 10 excursions, Wi-Fi, tips and drinks.
scenic.co.uk
Heights of luxury
Riviera Rose stands out with its distinctive double-height rear atrium that transforms into the Rio Bistro. Here, seafood buffets and salads are served, while in fine weather, there’s alfresco dining on the sun deck. It’s a beautifully furnished spot with loungers and a splash pool. The five-star ship has 57 cabins including four with outside seating. The light and spacious main dining room features open
4
seating and serves a four-course à la carte dinner. Book it: The seven-night Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca cruise, departing July 21, leads in at £2,549 including drinks, flights from a choice of UK airports and nine excursions. Tips are extra.
rivieratravel.co.uk
5 Striking ceramics
AmaWaterways’ elegant AmaSintra joined AmaDouro and AmaVida on the Douro in 2025. Most of the ship’s 51 cabins have twin balconies, with beds facing the windows, to maximise the views. Marble bathrooms add to the sophistication. The onboard experience is rooted in local culture, from the Portuguese-inspired decor and contemporary ceramics in public areas to world-class wines served at meals. Guests can extend
their trip with pre and post-cruise hotel stays in Lisbon. Book it: AmaSintra’s eight-day Enticing Douro cruise starts at £2,741, departing from Porto on December 25, including flights from Manchester or London. A three-night pre-cruise stay in Lisbon costs from £808.
amawaterways.com
6
WORLD OF WINE
Uniworld offers an interesting cruise combination for wine lovers. The operator’s Douro cruise on board São Gabriel can be combined with Bon Voyage’s Bordeaux sailing to form a Wine Roads of France and Portugal 18-day themed voyage that visits vineyards, chateaux and quintas. On board the luxury vessels, there’s a big focus on regional specialities, as well as olive oil, port and wine tastings, and lessons in how to make a
Portuguese custard tart (pastel de nata). Book it: The 18-day Wine Roads of France and Portugal cruise starts at £7,599, departing on August 9, which covers flights, all meals and drinks, including champagne.
uniworld.com
68 22 JANUARY 2026
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURES: Paulo Dias; Alex Cantrill-Jones/ACJ Media; TM Studios Visuelle Medien
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