WORLD TRAVEL
Croisi Europe – Douro Valley River Cruise
Fred Sparksman MD Worldwide Cruise Centres
Croisi Vessel Gil Eanes
Of all the rivers offered for cruising in
Europe I have already been asked ,
why the Douro?
During the 1970’s I was lucky enough
to drive tour coaches in Europe and
Asia, I visited most countries, but never
Portugal. I had also read books that
highlighted the tradition of White Port
so when the opportunity arose it was
simply a must do. And I am so glad I
did.
Our journey started in Lisbon an
elegant and historic city with an
interesting history. A little known fact
is that the capital of Portugal moved
to Rio de Janeiro for a time when
Napoleonic Wars threatened the state.
Lisbon is certainly worth a few days
prior to or following the cruise.
The trains between Lisbon and Porto
are comfortable and efficient, about
a 3 hour trip through varying terrain.
Porto is an old city built on the banks
of the Douro River. Famous for its many
buildings to do with learning, trade
and the inevitable religious persuasions
with additions and changes made by
the bishops have indelibly marked the
streetscapes.
The river splits the cities of Porto and
Vila Nova de Gaia and the high banks
of the river have created wonderful
bridges across the waterway which
spills into the Atlantic on the western
edge of the old city, one being
designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel of
tower fame in Paris.
The cruise on the Douro starts with an
overnight at the Croisi Europe private
mooring on the river looking across at
the old city.
The Gil Eanes named after a
Portuguese Navigator is a very
comfortable vessel, the cabins are
well appointed, air conditioned with
international television channels and
good bathrooms. The cabins did not
have balconies but have full sliding
windows which worked very well. The
extra cabin space was appreciated.
The next day an optional half day tour
takes in most of the sights of the old
city including the Palácio de Bolsa,
Stock Exchange building where the
commercial side of the Port Wine
industry has been negotiated and
agreed for centuries. No visit would
be complete without a visit to the
Port Wine storage facilities set on the
southern river banks, featuring such
famous names as Sandeman and
Ferreira . The tour included a visit to
Ferreira for an informative lecture
on the history and modern day’s
techniques, a tasting and opportunity
to purchase. We were told the emblem
of Ferreira is an emu with a horseshoe
in its mouth which I found interesting.
Chosen because an emu cannot go
backwards, so the brand can only
move forward with the horse shoe for
good luck. On checking the emu story
there is a similar bird in Brazil called
a Greater Rhea and the company
moved to Brazil at the same time as
the capital.
Many of the key excursions are away
from the river so coaches provide
transport. The University city of Braga
is a small but interesting city with
architecture from the moors still well
represented. This half day excursion
ended with a rendezvous with our
vessel further up the river. The itinerary
is well planned with the parts of the
river missed on the outward journey
are included on the return trip.
During the afternoon lunch was served
as we cruised on the river before
entering the highest lock in Europe at
73 metres which took about 30 minutes
to navigate. There are several locks
along the river all negotiated perfectly
by our Captain.
The next excursion was to the Mateus
Manor a superb stately home.
Interestingly the Mateus wines we know
in Australia are not from this company
even though the Manor House is
featured on the label, the Fifth Count
of Mateus sold the image of the house
to a Porto based merchant who uses
the image on, according to our guide
a much inferior product.
The itinerary crossed the Spanish Border
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