Photo Story - 2024 Douro River Excursions

Pictures alone can never give you the full flavor of a place. For this you must see, feel, breath it all in for yourself. However, pictures can provide inspiration for possibilities. This itinerary sailed between Vilshofen and Budapest. Enjoy!

Day 1: Embarkation and Douro evening illumination cruise

Day 2: Excursion to Braga and Guimaraes

Braga is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. The most iconic monument of Braga is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Monte. Guimaraes, a UNESCO world heritage site, is known as the birthplace of Portugal - its history is closely linked to the foundation of the country.

Day 3: Lamego - Active hike to Our Lady of Remedios church

I had seen pictures of the tiles on the stairways going up to the church and thought this would be an interesting excursion. Instead of taking the classic bus ride that took everyone directly to the church, I chose the walking route from town as that was the best way to see the tiles PLUS great exercise (needed after all the great food!). Lovely walk through the surrounding forested park and the tiles did not disappoint.

Day 3: Porto Antigo Douro Museum (Museu do Douro)

Well worth the visit. Interesting and informative - the museum walks through the history of winemaking in the Douro Valley. We ended the tour with a few port wine samples.

Day 3: Olive Oil Farm and Tasting

This was an optional excursion - HIGHLY recommended. We learned about the various trees, olives (did you know there is no difference between the green, black or brownish olives other than maturity?) and the differences between warm and cold pressed, EVOO, VOO and regular olive oil. Of course the best part were the tastings!

Day 4: Vila Nova de Foz Coa - Archaeological Park and Museum

The River Coa and surrounding archaeological park, a UNESCO world heritage site, contains hundreds of Palaeolithic engravings along the river’s banks, extending all the way to the River Douro. The museum showcases replicas of the actual paleolithic era rock art. We also were given the opportunity to see the tools used during this timeframe. Amazing that they were found and identified.

Day 5: Freixo de Espada a Cinta

Today's choice was an all day excursion to Salamanca or a half day excursion to a remote part of Portugal along with a lovely sailing to our overnight dock in Ferradosa. Avalon was testing a new excursion but I stayed with my original choice, a visit to Freixo de Espada à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park along with a stop in the park with amazing views. We did catch a glimpse of the large birds of prey they are famous for (vultures). The village was hundreds of years old and still home to about 500 residents, all involved the harvesting of wine. Biggest surprise - a local organic wine tasting and a visit to a silk factory. Who knew! In the top picture - to the right of the river is Spain, to the left is Portugal.

Day 6: Casa de Vila Boa

Another new tour Avalon was testing - a visit to a local wine estate specializing in the famous Green Wine. Green wine isn't "green" - its named this because the surround region is so green. The owner of the beautiful estate greeted us and took us on a special tour, including his museum and art gallery. We later met the winemaker and of course had wine tastings - delicious white wine. This tour is a keeper.

Day 7: Porto - Port Wine Tour at Casa Ferreira

As I love Port wine, I couldn't miss out on this tour. We visited one of the larger port wine producers, Casa Ferreira, which dates backs to 1815. All producers are actually located across the river from Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia. Why? Because this side of river gets less direct sun which is better for the production of port. Too much sun = too hot = not ideal for the production. The tour offers a little history, a look at the different vats (barrels) used for the different types of port, vintages and of course, a tasting. I learned a lot - never know there was a white port.... and oh my, it too is quite good!