Would appreciate any current information on a day river cruise from Porto on the Douro River through the port wine region. We also will have a car, so any other suggestions in the northern regions would be appreciated. Would also like suggestions in the Coimbra area & how long to spend as we make our way up to Porto, etc.

Hi,

there are several day cruises from Porto to the Douro Valley region. You just have to choose the company and the length of the trip. The more common ones will take you to Régua, and don't enter too much to the wine region. So I recommend that you choose one that goes to Pinhão at least. One thing that you must be aware is that in those cruises you go upstream by boat and return by train, or the other way around.

I really recommend you to do this because it's really worth it. If you need more help just let me know.
Cheers

Thanks Bruno. Glad to know that the day trips you described are worth it as I've looked into them & hoped that I could get some feedback, as you provided.

We took a day trip on the Douro Azul and highly recommend this company. Continental breakfast and a full lunch were included. www.douroazul.com We left Porto on the boat and returned by train.

We will be there in November, so I have other cruise companies if you are still looking.

Rotadodouro.pt; portotours.com and barcadouro.pt. Enjoy. jk

Does anyone who's been on a Douro river cruise feel it's necessary to reserve in advance? We'll be cruising Sept.10 this year. Thanks for everyone's responses.

May be of interest to you:


http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/05/30...ortugal&st=cse

ekscrunchy-thanks for the link to the NY Times....that's actually why we chose Portugal as our location for this holiday so I'm familiar with the article(and am taking it on our trip!)

Maybe too late for this thread, but do any of the cruises allow you to get off and on to visit wineries/tastings?