Published on May 10, 2024
By Molly Waldstein, Travel Writer
For travelers who love the luxury and convenience of VBT’s Bike & River Cruises and also yearn to put their cycling skills to the test, VBT’s Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley strikes the perfect balance.
The rich soil of Portugal’s Douro River has been producing some of the world’s finest grapes for centuries—and it’s no wonder. Among the carefully terraced vineyards that descend in gentle, orderly rows down to the riverside, the combination of schistose rock and light clay make an excellent environment for grape cultivation. Here, underlying layers of rock soak up the heat of the day—keeping delicate roots warm all night to promote ripening. In the spring, flowering vines are a vibrant backdrop against the serene riverbanks; in autumn, cheerful yellow and orange foliage lends the valley an iconic golden glow. While renowned the world over for port wine and rich red varietals such as Touriga Nacional, the Douro River Valley is a popular destination for wine lovers—and also for cyclists. The hills surrounding the Douro River offer both dramatic scenery and thrilling opportunities to pedal among these peaceful hillsides. For travelers who love the luxury and convenience of VBT’s Bike & River Cruises and also yearn to put their cycling skills to the test, VBT’s Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley strikes the perfect balance.
No matter who you travel with, chances are you share plenty of common ground—and also some differences. For example, one traveling companion might prefer to spend their vacation cycling every mile—while another traveler might prefer to mix it up with a bit of shopping, sightseeing, or exploring on foot. That’s where VBT’s Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley really shines! This adventure offers something for everyone—including fantastic cycling routes, and a wide range of optional activities. If you’ve never been on an Emerald Cruises ship, they are truly something to behold. The Emerald Radiance, designed especially for cruising on the Douro, is the most intimate ship in the fleet with room for just over 100 passengers. “Due to the capacity of the river, there really aren’t many cruise ships sailing along the Douro,” says VBT Trip Designer Csaba Gacs. “It’s quite peaceful, and the river is lined with quaint villages and breathtaking scenery. Personally, I consider the Douro River to be one of the most scenic places in Europe—with a huge variety in the landscape from day to day. There’s always something new to see!” With VBT guests comprising a small portion of the ship’s total passengers on any given departure, the ship’s layout and activity plan also provide ample opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow passengers on the ship’s sundeck, or maybe rub elbows during a magical evening of movies under the stars as the waters of the Douro lap gently against the ship’s hull. All VBT guests are welcome to join any of Emerald’s included excursions and sight-seeing tours—which provide built-in options for travelers who are interested in doing more than just biking. The scenery along the Douro River changes rapidly, and no two days of cycling are alike. With short drives to the start of the region’s most spectacular rides, each day offers exciting new terrain and unique discoveries. “One of my favorite rides on this trip is along the top of a plateau,” says Csaba. “We take a short van ride up a steep hill to the top of a scenic ridge where we ride along a rolling landscape past olive orchards, almond groves, and chestnut trees. The views of the valley are gorgeous!” Along the way, you’ll pedal deep into the Portuguese countryside—exploring walled medieval villages, ancient hilltop castles, and even a fascinating example of prehistoric cave paintings among the valley’s rocky outcroppings.
Whether you’re a serious cyclist, enthusiastic beginner, or someone who just wants to see the sights, there’s one thing that brings everyone together—the pleasures of the table. On this foodie tour of Portugal’s Douro River, the cuisine is as varied and authentic as the Douro River itself. An excellent on-board restaurant serves delicious five-course meals each day with a wide variety of menu options—including authentic local delicacies and comfortable international favorites such as steaks and salads. “When the ship is near the Atlantic coast, there’s plenty of fresh, delicious seafood on the menu,” recalls Csaba. “As the cruise continues East along the Douro towards Spain, the cuisine reflects dishes typical of inland Portugal—with large meat portions, fresh vegetables, and deep, rich, red wines.” At each meal, the chef’s recommendations reflect the local flavors—and offer plenty of options for those looking for something more familiar. Of course, no journey into Spain would be complete without experiencing the famous Spanish tapas! As your ship crosses the Spanish border for a day’s adventure, travelers have two activity options. You might choose to cycle a spectacular route through the Spanish countryside, stopping for lunch at an authentic local eatery in the small hamlet of Lumbrales. Or, you may prefer to join an included Emerald Cruises excursion to Salamanca—an ancient Spanish city built of iconic golden limestone. Here, you’ll explore the elaborate Plaza Mayor, and two cathedrals, with a local guide. Following your guided tour, you’ll have time to explore the charming local shops—and of course, stop for a classic Spanish lunch of tapas, paella, or perhaps a delicious Spanish tortilla. Truly an experience to be savored!
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