Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise

One of Europe's oldest cities, Porto, or Oporto, dates to the 4th century when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire and served as an important commercial port where the Atlantic Ocean and Douro River converge. As a thriving boat-building hub, the city served as the starting point for Prince Henry the Navigator's exploration of the western coast of Africa in 1415, initiating the Portuguese "Age of Discovery."

The old town area of Porto, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, encompasses Ribeira within 14th-century Romanesque walls, as well as the city's many architectural landmarks, ranging from the gothic Igreja de Sao Francisco to the baroque Torre dos Clerigos (Clerics Tower) to the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace).

On the southern bank lies the Vila Nova de Gaia, an amphitheatre-shaped slope densely populated by port warehouses emblazoned with Hollywood-style white letters that spell out familiar names: Grahams, Taylors, Sandeman. The warehouses continue a tradition dating to the 13th century, with wine produced in the Douro Valley transported there to mature in giant oak casks.

Rich in history, littered with architectural treasures, home to delicious wines and melt-in-the-mouth pastries, and bristling with lively street markets, cafes, bars and restaurants, Porto is a tourist's delight. It is worthy of at least a full day's exploration, even if only to sip a glass of chilled white Port in Gaia and soak up the views of Porto opposite.

Régua, nestled in Portugal's Douro Valley, enchants visitors with its picturesque landscapes and rich wine culture. The town, flanked by terraced vineyards along the Douro River, offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Explore historic wine estates, cruise the Douro's meandering waters, and savour renowned port wines. Régua's warm hospitality and stunning vistas create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape in Portugal's scenic heartland.

The ancient city of Salamanca, on the north bank of the Tormes River in western Spain, is one of the country's greatest historical and artistic places. The Plaza Mayor, a beautiful main square, is the centre of the city while on Cathedral Square you will find the city's twin cathedrals - the Romanesque 12th century old cathedral and the new cathedral (begun in the 16th and completed in the 18th century). Facing the new cathedral is the main building of the university with a wonderful 15th century Plateresque facade. Nearby is the Neoclassical 18th century Colegio de Anaya and the only remaining old residential college, the 16th century Colegio de Fonseca. Also worth visiting are the 17th century church of the convent of the Augustinians, the 16th century Dominican convent and church of San Esteban where Christopher Columbus was reputedly examined by the Council of Theologians in 1486, the Romanesque Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury and the 12th century Church of San Martín. Other sights of note include the Roman bridge, the Torre del Clavero - almost all that remains of the town walls from the 15th century and the legendary Cave of Salamanca in the ruined crypt of the former Church of St. Cyprian. The 16th century Casa de las Conchas has outside walls that are covered with carvings of scallop shells, the symbol of the military Order of Santiago. Captured by Hannibal in 217 BC, it was an important town for the Romans and Visigoths. From the 8th to the 11th century, the city was in the no man's land between Christians and Moors. Christian repopulation took place in the 11th century and it became the second city under a string of Catholic kings. The University of Salamanca was founded by Alfonso IX of Castile in 1218. Occupied and sacked by the French in the Napoleonic Wars, General Franco took up residence during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).

The ancient city of Salamanca, on the north bank of the Tormes River in western Spain, is one of the country's greatest historical and artistic places. The Plaza Mayor, a beautiful main square, is the centre of the city while on Cathedral Square you will find the city's twin cathedrals - the Romanesque 12th century old cathedral and the new cathedral (begun in the 16th and completed in the 18th century). Facing the new cathedral is the main building of the university with a wonderful 15th century Plateresque facade. Nearby is the Neoclassical 18th century Colegio de Anaya and the only remaining old residential college, the 16th century Colegio de Fonseca. Also worth visiting are the 17th century church of the convent of the Augustinians, the 16th century Dominican convent and church of San Esteban where Christopher Columbus was reputedly examined by the Council of Theologians in 1486, the Romanesque Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury and the 12th century Church of San Martín. Other sights of note include the Roman bridge, the Torre del Clavero - almost all that remains of the town walls from the 15th century and the legendary Cave of Salamanca in the ruined crypt of the former Church of St. Cyprian. The 16th century Casa de las Conchas has outside walls that are covered with carvings of scallop shells, the symbol of the military Order of Santiago. Captured by Hannibal in 217 BC, it was an important town for the Romans and Visigoths. From the 8th to the 11th century, the city was in the no man's land between Christians and Moors. Christian repopulation took place in the 11th century and it became the second city under a string of Catholic kings. The University of Salamanca was founded by Alfonso IX of Castile in 1218. Occupied and sacked by the French in the Napoleonic Wars, General Franco took up residence during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39).

Régua, nestled in Portugal's Douro Valley, enchants visitors with its picturesque landscapes and rich wine culture. The town, flanked by terraced vineyards along the Douro River, offers a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Explore historic wine estates, cruise the Douro's meandering waters, and savour renowned port wines. Régua's warm hospitality and stunning vistas create an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape in Portugal's scenic heartland.

Nestled in Portugal's embrace, Entre-os-Rios enchants with tranquil riverside beauty. Quaint charm, historic allure, and scenic grace converge here, offering a warm welcome to visitors. The Douro and Tâmega rivers dance harmoniously, reflecting the town's serene spirit. Rich history unfolds through cobbled streets, inviting exploration of old churches and local treasures. A picturesque haven where time slows, inviting you to savour moments by the water's edge and immerse yourself in the authentic Portuguese ambiance. Entre-os-Rios is a hidden gem that whispers stories of the past while embracing the present with open arms.

One of Europe's oldest cities, Porto, or Oporto, dates to the 4th century when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire and served as an important commercial port where the Atlantic Ocean and Douro River converge. As a thriving boat-building hub, the city served as the starting point for Prince Henry the Navigator's exploration of the western coast of Africa in 1415, initiating the Portuguese "Age of Discovery."

The old town area of Porto, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, encompasses Ribeira within 14th-century Romanesque walls, as well as the city's many architectural landmarks, ranging from the gothic Igreja de Sao Francisco to the baroque Torre dos Clerigos (Clerics Tower) to the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace).

On the southern bank lies the Vila Nova de Gaia, an amphitheatre-shaped slope densely populated by port warehouses emblazoned with Hollywood-style white letters that spell out familiar names: Grahams, Taylors, Sandeman. The warehouses continue a tradition dating to the 13th century, with wine produced in the Douro Valley transported there to mature in giant oak casks.

Rich in history, littered with architectural treasures, home to delicious wines and melt-in-the-mouth pastries, and bristling with lively street markets, cafes, bars and restaurants, Porto is a tourist's delight. It is worthy of at least a full day's exploration, even if only to sip a glass of chilled white Port in Gaia and soak up the views of Porto opposite.

One of Europe's oldest cities, Porto, or Oporto, dates to the 4th century when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire and served as an important commercial port where the Atlantic Ocean and Douro River converge. As a thriving boat-building hub, the city served as the starting point for Prince Henry the Navigator's exploration of the western coast of Africa in 1415, initiating the Portuguese "Age of Discovery."

The old town area of Porto, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, encompasses Ribeira within 14th-century Romanesque walls, as well as the city's many architectural landmarks, ranging from the gothic Igreja de Sao Francisco to the baroque Torre dos Clerigos (Clerics Tower) to the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace).

On the southern bank lies the Vila Nova de Gaia, an amphitheatre-shaped slope densely populated by port warehouses emblazoned with Hollywood-style white letters that spell out familiar names: Grahams, Taylors, Sandeman. The warehouses continue a tradition dating to the 13th century, with wine produced in the Douro Valley transported there to mature in giant oak casks.

Rich in history, littered with architectural treasures, home to delicious wines and melt-in-the-mouth pastries, and bristling with lively street markets, cafes, bars and restaurants, Porto is a tourist's delight. It is worthy of at least a full day's exploration, even if only to sip a glass of chilled white Port in Gaia and soak up the views of Porto opposite.