From Porto to Lisbon · Europe (River) · 10 nights
From Porto to Lisbon
S.S. São Gabriel brings luxury to the Douro river, featuring stylish Portuguese-inspired decor and lavish suites with butler service.
The S.S. São Gabriel is the newest ship on the Douro river, and
you can expect the same high standards as Uniworld’s existing
European ‘Super Ships’, with features including open seating
dining, an outdoor pool and a small spa.
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal's second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance. Porto is best known as the home of the country's most famous export, port wine, but there's a lot more to this characterful city than getting sloshed; the crumbling historic centre, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a fascinating district to wander around. Porto also serves as the gateway to the spectacular Douro valley, a landscape of verdant vineyards where the city's famous wine is produced.
Peso da Régua (Régua for short) is the main river port for the vineyards of the Upper Douro Valley, and is the perfect base for exploring the port-wine region. Nearby attractions include the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus, with its intricate furnishings and beautiful gardens, and the important pilgrimage site of Lamego.
Pocinho is a tiny village with few tourist attractions, but is perhaps most well-known for being the end of the historic Linha do Douro railway line, arguably one of Europe's most scenic railways, winding alongside the Douro for 160km from Porto. Day trips from Pocinho allow you explore Portugal's Douro Valley in depth, from hiking scenic trails to visiting local quintas for tastings.
Vega de Terrón is the drop-off point for excursions to Salamanca, a beautiful UNESCO-listed city built from golden sandstone. The baroque-style Plaza Mayor is one of the most magnificent squares in Spain, while other highlights include the twin-towered cathedral and the unusual House of Shells.
The pretty little town of Pinhão, situated on a bend in the Douro, is all about one thing: wine. The surrounding hills are covered in vineyards, and you’ll have ample opportunity to sample a variety of tipples, including the region’s most famous product, port.
Blessed with a dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, Portugal’s second city is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, and is best known as the home of the country’s most famous export, port wine.
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon’s colourful cityscape includes Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums. But for many the best times will be had wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets, with their great local food, wine and music.
