Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca with Lisbon Extension

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.

Nestled atop a granite hill in Portugal, Castelo Rodrigo enchants visitors with its medieval charm and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The well-preserved castle ruins transport you to a bygone era, revealing tales of history etched in stone. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, exploring quaint houses and ancient churches. The town's authenticity and tranquility make it a hidden gem, inviting travellers to savour the timeless beauty of Castelo Rodrigo's rich cultural heritage.

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).

Situated on the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, the small town of Pinhão is located at the halfway point of Douro River cruise itineraries. The railroad station was once used to transport wine to Porto and is now a scenic stop on the riverside railway that has become a tourist attraction. River vessels moor on the small waterfront, usually docking overnight, and use the town as a base for excursions to surrounding villages and wine producers.

Perched on the sloping vineyards of the Douro Valley, this pretty town is famous for its ornate baroque stairway that stretches up the Santa Estevao hillside to the stunning Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church. The sparkling wine produced in the region can be sampled at one of the wineries outside the town and makes for a pleasant trip out. 

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.

Lisbon, Europe's westernmost capital and Portugal's cultural hub, lies on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Tagus River. The city is a delightful mix of must-see museums, castles and cathedrals. Its charming neighbourhoods feature residences decorated with colourful tiled facades, sidewalk cafes along pedestrian thoroughfares and enchantingly original boutiques. The sidewalks are often paved with black and white volcanic stones in patterns specific to this city. Lisbon has a refreshingly non-commercial feel, old-fashioned and relaxed, and exploring on foot is a delight. Portugal enjoyed its heyday long ago, and some of the older buildings that reflect this era are as opulent as they get. However, much of the city was levelled in the devastating earthquake of 1755, so visitors will notice that the city's architecture is not as old as that found in some European capitals. Prices tend to be lower than in the rest of Europe, especially in the moderately priced meals, wine and entrance fees to the main attractions. If you like fish and shellfish, you've come to the right city. Pastry shops abound, many with lovely storefronts, providing sit-down respite for coffee, tea and something sweet. Lisbon is a city of hills, and the up-and-down geography adds to its charm. One of the best ways to experience it is via a tram ride through the medieval Alfama district, Baixa (the central business district) and the Bairro Alto (the major restaurant and nightlife area). Both the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts have wonderful miradoures, or viewpoints, to take in the city below, the nearby hills and the wide Tagus River that provides ships such easy access to the city. For cruise visitors, Lisbon is also a jumping-off point for day trips to Portugal's resort towns -- such as Estoril, near the mouth of the Tagus and lovely Sintra with its palaces up in the hills -- or a Catholic pilgrimage to Fatima.