Highlights of the Douro with Salamanca

I recently returned from a fantastic Riviera River Cruise along the Douro onboard their new ship, Riviera Rose, Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca Cruise.

This was my first river cruise, I‘ve always been curious about the m being so difference between ocean cruising and what a beautiful region to explore, an area in my beloved Portugal that I‘ve yet to discover.

The Riviera Rose is a beautiful ship - contemporary and spacious design, every meal is outstanding, paired with wines, of course, port, together with first-class service from the moment you embark.

Facts about Riviera Rose

MS Riviera Rose - Built in 2025 - a luxurious 80-metre-long boutique hotel

Crew 38

Cabins 57

Passengers 114

£120 million to build

1200 eggs per week

300 towels per day

250 toilet rolls per week

400 to 450 bottles of wine per week

We sailed from Porto, spending the first night and morning moored in the harbour, giving enough time to get acquainted with this vibrant city. I spent a few hours on a small walking to, ur then time to wander on my own before getting back on board for sail away.

Over the next week, I explored vineyards in the sunshine, sampled Portuguese food, Ports and wines. With excursions every day included, you can fully immerse yourself in the region, the cruise calls at -

Castelo Rodrigo

Lamego or Mateus Palace

Salamanca, Spain

Pinhao

Quinta da Avessada

Regua

Vila Nova de Gaia Port Cellar

Crossing from Portugal to Spain to visit Salamanca, the home of one of Europe’s oldest universities, two of its finest cathedrals and Spain’s finest city square. I saw churches, medieval castles, beautiful blue tiled train stations, sleepy villages, forts, unchanged for centuries and of course the main highlight.....the cruising.

What can I say! A week of endless breathtaking scenery at every turn of our journey, with rolling hills and terraced vineyards that slope down the hills - the Douro Valley is marvellous.

Portugal’s once wild Douro has now been tamed by several unforgeable locks, we went/down up five and it was fascinating to watch and experience.

MS Riviera Rose is a beautifully crafted ship spread over four decks. It's a brand-new, state-of-the-art ship that has been built to provide a first-class service to each and every guest. Whether you are relaxing on the Sun Deck, enjoying a drink with your fellow travellers in the bar or curling up for a good night's sleep in your spacious and well-furnished cabin, everything has been meticulously designed for your comfort.

The restaurant offers a relaxed fine dining experience with informal seating, allowing guests to mingle if they wish. At the Rio restaurant, enjoy a more intimate dining experience and al fresco dining options.

I really loved my cabin, these are spread over 3 decks, with individually controlled air-conditioning, a contemporary bathroom with a rain shower and double or twin beds. They really are beautiful.l I was on the middle deck just above the water line and felt so close to the water it was mesmerising - a Juliette balcony is a great addition, allowing you to just keep it open as you watch the world go by - one of the best views from a bed I've ever had!

The top Sun Deck is the place for relaxation, with a gorgeous splash pool - the weather was so glorious, I spent many an afternoon in the pool. There are also plenty of chairs and loungers for everyone to relax during cruising.

It's cliché, but the crew really make Riviera Rose special - they just want you to be happy. My service in all areas was faultless, and I felt almost as though I was saying goodbye to new friends.

River cruising in this region is a slower, relaxed pace, but I'm here for it! I've never had such a relaxing week; it was such a treat, and now I know why everyone loves Porto and the Douro region so much. It's very special.