River Cruises in Portugal

Portugal uses the Euro, having adopted the currency in 1999. They were one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, along with Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain.

Lisbon 

Lisbon has almost everything you could want from your Portugal city break wishlist: unique architecture, beautiful local food, a wide vibrant river, and contemporary galleries and museums. Art is everywhere in Lisbon, and the city is awash with incredible buildings, many covered in the famous azulejo tile facades. Visit The Gulbenkian for arts and culture, and the A Vida Portuguesa Emporium for traditional Portuguese bric-a-brac. No Lisbon stay is complete without a scenic tour of the Tagus River, which winds through the city and under the stunning Vasco da Gama bridge or picking one of Lisbon’s gorgeous landmarks like the Belem Tower or São Jorge Castle to watch the sunset over the city.   

Douro Valley 

A trip along the Douro River offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world, yet this incredible region is still relatively unknown to many who decide to visit Portugal. With its dramatic cliff faces, medieval villages and beautiful groves of olives, almonds and grapes, the Douro Valley should be a feature on everybody’s bucket list. The stunning river flows to its outlet in Porto, while being renowned as one of the world’s oldest wine regions due to its exclusive production of port for centuries. Vineyards cover the hand-terraced hills of the valley which contains the perfect grape varieties needed to give port its rich, vibrant flavours, as well as contributing to some exquisite table wines which are rarely found outside of the region. 

Porto 

The endpoint of the Douro River is the bustling city of Porto, known for its trams, churches and port cellars, with an old-worldly charm that contrasts the growing hip and happening heart of the city. Kerbside cafes and cobbled medieval streets give way to a vibrant nightlife and a raft of experimental contemporary cuisine. The city also boasts stunning gardens and cathedrals, including the Sé do Porto, a Romanesque cathedral with a gothic style and views overlooking the city, and the stunning Mateus Palace Gardens over in nearby Vila Real. 

Madeira 

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese archipelago boasts a subtropical climate year-round, making it a haven for nature-lovers and sun-seekers alike. Madeira's dramatic coastline is adorned with towering cliffs, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The island's rich cultural heritage is evident in its charming towns and villages, where colourful markets, historic churches, and traditional festivals offer a glimpse into Madeira's past. Moreover, Madeira is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, succulent meats, and delectable pastries, accompanied by the island's famed Madeira wine. 

The palaces of Sintra 

The historic city of Sintra lies within the Greater Lisbon area and is a fantastic daytrip from the capital. Famed for its dramatic landscapes and incredible architecture, Sintra hosts several palaces and iconic landmarks. A visit to Sintra should include the eclectic 1000-year-old Palacio Nacional Sintra, the gorgeous, white-walled Royal Palace and the romantic, almost Disney-esque hilltop Palácio da Pena. The latter of these is surrounded by dense forest, contributing to its enchanting aesthetic and even has its own microclimate which causes the foliage to flourish.   

Fado 

Portugal’s most famous sound emanates from the narrow streets of Lisbon’s Alfama district, a musical mix that evolved from folk, African, and Brazilian styles. You’ll find Fado being played in bars and cafes all over the city, with live performances available to catch all across the city, but you can learn about the history of this unique music in the excellent Museu do Fado (Fado Museum) in the historic Alfama quarter. Here you’ll see artefacts, artwork, and instruments, and listen to some of the best recordings of this beautifully melancholic music. 

Wine tasting 

Any trip to the Douro Valley is not complete without a spot of wine tasting, and there are plenty to choose from in this region. A visit to the Porto district of Gaia is a chance to learn more about the history of port and sample the full range of the local wine, alongside artisanal cheese and chocolate pairings. Visit Taylor's Wine Lodge for a fascinating tour of the 300-year-old cellars and a delicious tasting experience. For a truly amazing wine tasting experience, visit some of the estates on the Douro River including Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Pacheca. 

Portugal's climate is generally characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Along the coast, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, the climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures year-round. Winters are typically mild, with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 15°C, while summers are warm to hot, with temperatures often reaching 25°C to 30°C - temperatures in inland regions can exceed 40°C.

In terms of food and drink, Portugal’s most famous exports are port and Piri Piri chicken, but the country has plenty more amazing cuisine to try. With such great access to the ocean, seafood is a big part of the Portuguese diet, with the national dish of bacalhau a family favourite in homes across the country. Portugal is also known for its sheep’s cheese, Queijo Serra da Estrela, and the hugely popular Pastel de Nata – a crispy custard tart. For a taste of the original recipe, try a Pastel de Belém in the Belém café in Lisbon where they were invented. 

Visitors to Porto should try the city’s signature sandwich – the Francesinha – a delectable combination of sausage, chorizo, ham and steak inside white bread, encased in cheese, and doused in rich tomato sauce. For those looking for a tipple, in addition to port, you should also try Ginja – the sweet cherry liqueur, which is often sold in chocolate cups, and vinho verde, the ‘green wine’ known for its fresh and fruity flavour.

Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal but for good service in restaurants, hotels, taxis and on tours, the customary amount is 10% however, you should only do so if you feel comfortable.

The vast majority of the Portuguese population identify as Roman Catholic (81%), interestingly, most consider themselves non-practising. The remaining population, over 6% identify with no-religion, over 3% with another Christian denomination, and 0.6% with another religion, such as those who identify ad Jewish or Muslim.

Cruising along the Douro River, often called the "River of Gold," is an unforgettable experience. You'll be treated to stunning views of vine-covered terraces, charming villages, and historical landmarks. One of the best parts of a Douro River cruise is exploring the renowned Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its beauty and exceptional wine. During the journey, you can visit delightful wineries, taste local port wine, and discover the age-old winemaking traditions that have defined the area. Additionally, these cruises usually make stops in historic cities like Porto and Coimbra, where you can explore Portugal's rich cultural heritage through guided tours of architectural wonders, bustling markets, and charming neighbourhoods. On top of that, the onboard amenities and personalized service ensure a comfortable and relaxing trip, and the small size of river cruise ships allows for a more immersive and authentic travel experience.