The Douro River with a lock
with a full day excursion to the city of
Salamanca. As with many of the cities
visited the streets are narrow some
pedestrian only as most planning was
done before the motor vehicle was
invented.
Most evenings the vessel moors in
or near towns or villages so after
dinner it is very pleasant to stroll
through the cobbled streets viewing
the landscapes and seeing the
spectacular changes of light on the
vineyards that adorn the very steep
slopes down to the river. Most are
terraced with either one or two rows of
vines clinging to the hillside, all grapes
are harvested by hand as it is too steep
for machines.
Meals on board served as a fixed
menu, normally a buffet breakfast, four
course lunch and three course dinner.
The staff were most obliging should any
guest prefer something other than the
menu provided. Beer, wine and most
spirits are all included in the cruise fare.
Other wines are available for purchase
however we did not feel the need to
do this as the labels included were
more than adequate.
above the Douro the views are simply
stunning. The tour of the winery is both
interesting and informative. Both the
port brands we have visited were put
on the world stage by the Matriachs of
each family, a credit to the women of
the Valley.
The staff take a pride in their work
and do their very best to satisfy guests
needs. As an example my luggage
was misplaced by the airline on arrival
into Lisbon. I mentioned to Mathew our
Purser that I was hopeful my luggage
would be delivered while we were on
an excursion the next day. As we left
the ship the next morning he informed
that he had confirmed the arrival
of the luggage with the airline and
courier company.
As the cruise nears Porto our Captain is
delighted to inform us he has approval
to ^ [