Uniworld Boutique River Cruises - Portugal's Douro River Valley

Portugal? Definitely not a high ranked country on my bucket list! When this Uniworld agent education trip came available I jumped at the opportunity to experience the river cruise, but I'll admit I was less than thrilled about the destination. Little did I know that Portugal's wine country would be some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen!

We arrived in Porto and opened our eyes to the gorgeous blue skies and bright colorful stacked buildings of the city. Upon checking in onboard the Queen Isabel, we unpacked our bags in our beautifully decorated cabin. The 116 passenger ship had less than 60 cabins throughout the 3 decks. Our cabin had 2 twin beds, a dresser, closet, and nice size bathroom. We explored the 3 decks and the upper sundeck before departing for a city tour of Porto. 

Porto was simply beautiful as we walked miles up and down its colorful streets. We visited cathedrals - and took pictures inside which wasn't allowed - and visited one of the oldest bookstores in Europe. 

Our ship set sail on the Douro River and the landscape changed from city to peaceful wine country. We stopped in little vineyard towns and toured wine estates and enjoyed an evening harvesting and pitting olives, sampling Port wine, and learning about olive oils. 

One day we boarded motor coaches and drove inland to Salamanca, Spain. Salamanca is a university town with beautiful architecture and squares lined with shops and tapas bars. 

One of my favorite days was when rode up to a small village of only 65 people called Castillo Rodrigo. The village is perched on the top of a hill with ruins remaining and business still surviving. The village is a tourist destination but also a producer of almonds and honey. 

As we sailed back in to Porto, I sat on the sun deck and reflected on the week I learned a lot about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and I would love to experience another river cruise some day. I finally discovered the first wine I don't like; Port wine is way too sweet for my tastebuds. The landscape of Portugal surprised me with is beauty and I'm grateful for the experience and people I was able to spend the week with.