I have just been lucky enough to enjoy the most wonderful river cruise along the Douro River in Portugal with Emerald River Cruises, sailing onboard the Emerald Radiance.
I had never visited Portugal before this trip and had always been fascinated by its history and culture. I certainly was not disappointed.
Life on Board Emerald Radiance
The Emerald Radiance was built in 2017 and designed specifically for the Douro River. With its boutique-style feel, it offers intimate luxury for just 112 guests. Onboard facilities include a Sun Deck pool, bar, lounge, restaurant, spa and stylish staterooms, many with balconies.
One thing that really surprised me was how local the crew were. Most were from the surrounding area and spoke both English and Portuguese. The Captain himself trained for his role and then returned to sail on his local river, having grown up just miles from one of the enormous 35-foot-high locks we passed through. Watching the ship navigate those locks was definitely a highlight.
Exploring Porto Before We Set Sail
We boarded in Porto after spending the morning exploring this beautiful city, whose origins date back to Roman times. With its museums, galleries, stunning architecture and cobbled streets, there was plenty to admire. The Baroque churches and the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district were particularly impressive.
Of course, no visit would be complete without coffee and a Pastel de Nata, the traditional Portuguese pastry, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
That evening, the ship docked beneath the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. This gave us the perfect opportunity to wander the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere by the river. We also sampled the famous Tawny Port, although I quickly discovered I prefer it neat rather than served as a spritz, which seemed very popular in the bars.
Cruising the Douro Valley
We then set sail and experienced the Douro in all its glory. The scenery was breathtaking, with dramatic green landscapes covered in vineyards and olive groves lining the riverbanks.
It was fascinating to learn that in 1871, vines imported from the USA brought with them a virus that devastated large areas of vineyards along the Douro. To maintain production, the Portuguese planted olive groves where the vines had died. You can still spot these groves today. Over time, the vines were interbred to become resistant, eventually eradicating the disease.
Pinhão, the Heart of Port Country
Our cruise took us to Pinhão, a picturesque village at the heart of Port wine country. Nestled where the Douro and Pinhão rivers meet, it is surrounded by stunning terraced vineyards.
The 19th-century railway station is famous for its beautiful Azulejo tiles, which depict scenes of Port wine production. It attracts visitors from far and wide and is well worth seeing.
A Day in Salamanca, Spain
Our next stop was the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. Its bright, golden sandstone buildings shine in the sunlight, earning it the nickname “The Golden City”.
Salamanca has been a Christian settlement since the 11th century and is now a lively university town. The stunning Baroque Plaza Mayor, built in 1729, was originally used for bullfighting until the 1800s. Today it is a social hub filled with cafes, ice cream parlours, jewellery shops and tourist boutiques, where locals and visitors alike gather.
Salamanca is also known for its Iberian ham, so we stopped at a cafe with a deli and tapas bar to try some. The ham comes from pigs fed on acorns, which gives the meat its sweet flavour. I can honestly say it was nectar.
We also saw students from the Medical University performing traditional “Tuna” music. This style of performance dates back to the Middle Ages, as does their traditional dress, and was originally a way for students to earn money towards their tuition.
Exceptional Service and Comfort Onboard
I loved this river cruise for its itinerary, packed with history and culture, but the onboard experience was equally outstanding. The food was exquisite and the staff were exceptional. One evening I asked for a Baileys and the waiter arrived with two. One was the original and the other was the Portuguese version made with brandy. You can guess which one I chose for the rest of the cruise.
The cabins were incredibly comfortable, with the dreamiest beds, making it easy to relax after full days of exploring.
Would I Recommend It? Absolutely
I would recommend this river cruise to anyone looking for history, culture, fantastic food, comfortable accommodation and truly superb service. I absolutely loved it. And if you’re looking for your very own river cruise adventure, just give me a call and I can give you all of my personal recommendations.