My journey on Viking River Cruises’ “Portugal’s River of Gold” showcased the great thing about the Douro River Valley and the wealthy tradition of Portugal and Spain. I traveled on the Viking Torgil, a ship designed for the Douro River. The Torgil accommodates 106 friends and 33 crew members. The ship options trendy engineering, comfy lodging, and Scandinavian-style interiors. My 185 sq. ft. veranda suite provided sweeping river views.
The journey included a cultural enrichment program with visitor audio system, regional menus by grasp cooks, and fascinating leisure. I attended courses on Portuguese language, wine, and methods to make pastel de nata, the well-known custard tarts.
This cruise was an immersive journey into the historical past, tradition, and pure fantastic thing about Portugal and Spain. Viking’s excursions revealed Lisbon’s maritime historical past, Coimbra’s medieval college, and the Douro Valley’s wine making traditions. Every day introduced new discoveries, from Porto’s streets to Pinhão’s vineyards and Salamanca’s historic websites. The Douro River Valley provided beautiful landscapes and centuries-old wine manufacturing. The Viking Torgil’s design allowed me to understand the river’s magnificence up shut, making it the perfect vessel for this journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
My journey started in Lisbon, a metropolis recognized for its vibrant tradition and historic allure. The bustling Alfama district, with its slender streets and soulful Fado music, set the tone for my journey. The Belem district, well-known for the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, provided a glimpse into Portugal’s wealthy historical past.
Day 2: Lisbon Monuments and Day Journeys to Sintra and Cascais
I started my day in Lisbon with a panoramic drive, stopping on the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO website. We then paused at Eduardo VII Park for pictures and views over the Tagus River and St. George Fortress. With some free time afterward, I took a day journey to Sintra and Cascais. Sintra, with its romantic palaces and plush gardens, felt like a fairy story. The colourful Pena Palace, perched on a hill, provided panoramic views of the encompassing countryside. In Sintra, I had my first pastel de nata, a deal with that originated in Lisbon. Created by monks to forestall meals waste, pastéis de nata are made with egg yolk-based custard and are offered throughout Portugal.
Cascais, a coastal city, was an ideal distinction with its stunning seashores and relaxed environment. I strolled alongside the marina, visited Boca do Inferno, and loved a conventional Portuguese meal of grilled octopus with garlic, olive oil, and broccoli at a neighborhood restaurant.
Day 3: Coimbra and Porto
On my method to Porto, I explored Coimbra, considered one of Portugal’s oldest cities and residential to a medieval-era college. Coimbra holds a particular place in Portuguese hearts, because it was the birthplace of six kings. I visited the Santa Clara-a-Velha convent and ascended the hill to the college, the place 700 years of studying are preserved. The library, with its 300,000 books, and the baroque organ within the chapel had been highlights. After a lunch accompanied by fado music, I continued my drive to Porto.
Day 4: Régua and Pinhão
In Régua, overlooking the Douro River, I explored the guts of Portugal’s wine-making area. At Casa do Douro, I admired stunning stained glass home windows and realized concerning the area’s wealthy port wine historical past. The encompassing Serra do Marão mountains offered a surprising backdrop.
Later in Pinhão, the epicenter of port wine manufacturing, I visited a number of quintas, the place I realized concerning the wine-making course of and sampled native wines amidst serene vineyards. A go to to the Mateus Palace, well-known for its baroque structure and wine labels, was one other spotlight. The grand stairway and formal gardens had been spectacular. The day ended with a wine tasting at a neighborhood quinta, deepening my appreciation for port wine.
Day 5: Barca d’Alva and Castelo Rodrigo
Barca d’Alva, the final Portuguese city on the Douro River, sits only a quick distance from the Spanish border. The village is surrounded by cherry, almond, and olive groves, and its terraced vineyards supply beautiful views. The straightforward cafés and scenic riverbanks add to its quiet allure.
I ventured into the breathtaking countryside to go to hilltop Castelo Rodrigo, a tiny medieval fortress city. This Nationwide Monument, acknowledged since 1922, is called for its fort. The city’s maze of cobblestone streets and Sixteenth-century homes, together with the distinct Portuguese Manueline-style home windows, took me again in time. I explored Sinagoga Road, a poignant reminder of the Jewish neighborhood that after sought refuge right here from the Spanish Inquisition, and visited the native church earlier than returning to the ship.
Day 6: Salamanca, Spain
Crossing into Spain, I explored Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site recognized for its fantastically preserved buildings. Based by a Celtic tribe earlier than the arrival of the Roman Empire, Salamanca is house to considered one of Europe’s oldest universities, established in 1134. The principle sq., typically bustling with college students, is commonly referred to as probably the most stunning in Spain. My tour included visits to the College of Salamanca, the Home of Shells, and the New Cathedral.
In my free time, I totally embraced the native flavors of Spain. I indulged in conventional tapas, savoring the number of small, flavorful dishes. Churros dipped in wealthy chocolate offered the proper afternoon deal with. For lunch, I loved a hearty plate of paella, accompanied by a refreshing glass of sangria. Exploring town by its food and drinks added a scrumptious layer to my expertise in Salamanca.
Day 7: Pinhão and Régua
Pinhão, nestled among the many terraced hillsides of the Douro River Valley, affords a quiet environment regardless of its significance within the port wine trade. The village’s scenic river promenade made for an ideal leisurely stroll.
Our first cease was Favaios, recognized for conventional bread-making. I visited one of many final bakeries within the Douro Valley nonetheless utilizing wooden and outdated grapevines to warmth the oven. Tasting the freshly baked bread was a spotlight, and the native museum of wine and bread provided perception into the area’s deep-rooted traditions.
We then continued to Sandeman’s vineyard, a famend title in port wine. The journey alongside winding roads offered beautiful views of the Douro Valley. The vineyard tour was fascinating, providing a behind-the-scenes take a look at the winemaking course of, with breathtaking vistas that made the go to really memorable.
Day 8: Lamego
In Lamego, I visited the Sanctuary of Our Woman of Treatments, an 18th-century baroque chapel perched on a hilltop. The chapel is a well-liked pilgrimage website, and historically, religious pilgrims have crawled up the 686 steps on their knees as an act of penance. This ritual is much like what pilgrims do at Fátima, the place they crawl from the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity to the Chapel of Apparitions on their knees, circling the chapel whereas praying the rosary.
Impressed by this custom—and maybe feeling the necessity to stability out the consequences of two desserts and a number of other glasses of wine every day on the vineyards—I made a decision it was time to pay my very own penance. As a substitute of crawling, I took on the problem of the whole staircase, climbing up and down 3 times for a complete of two,000 steps. The views from the highest had been spectacular, making each step value it. Afterward, I explored Lamego’s Gothic cathedral and browsed the native outlets for handcrafted merchandise.
Day 9: Porto
Porto is a metropolis wealthy in historical past and tradition, formed by the Douro River and the port wine commerce. Town’s prosperity was tied to the barcos rabelos, the single-masted boats that after transported wine from the Douro Valley to Porto. Although not in use, these boats nonetheless grace the river’s edge, including to Porto’s allure.
I spent the day exploring Porto on foot, beginning with a stroll throughout the long-lasting Luís I Bridge, a double-decked metallic arch spanning the Douro River. I then visited Porto Cathedral, a Twelfth-century Romanesque landmark with beautiful historic stonework and a serene inside.
Afterward, I made a short cease at São Bento prepare station, recognized for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portugal’s historical past. The station was much less spectacular than anticipated, however nonetheless a notable a part of town’s architectural heritage. I then wandered down Rua das Flores, Porto’s most well-known avenue, having fun with some free time to discover. The day ended with a leisurely stroll alongside Ribeira’s riverfront, soaking within the views of the Douro River and Porto’s distinctive character.
A Private Contact: An Expat’s Journey
Julie Hosch, from St. Paul, describes coming into the “third section” of her life when she determined to depart behind a 26-year profession. After a transformative cruise on the Danube, she realized she didn’t need to return to her job. “One Friday night time, with a glass of wine in hand, I made up my thoughts. By Monday, I parked within the short-term customer spot, walked into HR, handed in my badge, and stop. The aid was quick.”
Impressed by Worldwide Residing journal, Julie was drawn to the concept of retiring in Portugal. Though she had by no means been there, the European life-style appealed to her. She joined a Fb group for Individuals in Portugal and started the advanced technique of shifting overseas.
Adjusting to life in Lisbon wasn’t simple. “Town’s reserved environment was a stark distinction to the Minnesota friendliness I used to be used to. I spent sleepless nights questioning my choice.” However over time, Julie settled into her new life, shifting from the busy metropolis middle to the quieter space of Belém. “Every day walks by the river, previous the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, turned a cherished routine.”
Making pals took effort, however by native meetups, Julie constructed a neighborhood of each locals and expats. Regardless of the challenges, together with the language barrier, “I now really feel at house.” Over a yr later, Julie displays on her journey with pleasure, “embracing the liberty and fantastic thing about my new life in Portugal.”
Conclusion
The “Portugal’s River of Gold” cruise provided a exceptional mix of historic exploration, cultural immersion, and private discovery. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the tranquil vineyards of the Douro Valley and the historic attract of Salamanca, the journey was full of unforgettable moments. This was doubtless my favourite journey in years. The locations I visited, the connections I made, and the tales I heard made this expertise really particular. This journey encapsulated the essence of journey—exploration, studying, and, above all, dwelling totally.