Douro is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, flowing from its source near Duruelo de la Sierra in the province of Soria across northern-central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Porto.The reaches of the Douro have a microclimate allowing for cultivation of olives, almonds, and especially grapes important for making the famous Posrt wine. The Douro or Duero (Latin: ofIberian Peninsula, flowing from its source near Duruelo de la Sierra in the province of Soria across northern-central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Porto. Its total length is 897 km, of which only sections on the Portuguese river are navigable by light rivercraft. The name may have come from the Celtic tribes that inhabited the area before Roman times. (However, although in modern Welsh dwr is 'water' with cognate "dobhar" in Irish, the Celtic root is *dubro- ). In its Spanish section, the Duero crosses the great Castilian meseta and meanders through five significant provinces of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon: Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora, and Salamanca, passing through the towns of Soria, Almazán, Aranda de Duero, Tordesillas, and Zamora. In this region, there are few large tributaries of the Duero. The most important are the Pisuerga, passing through Valladolid, and the Esla, which passes through Benavente. This region, for the most part, is one of semi-arid plains planted with wheat and in some places, especially near Aranda de Duero, in wine grapes, in the Ribera del Duero wine region. Sheep rearing is also still important. Then, for 112 km, the river forms part of the national border line between Spain and Portugal, in a region of narrow canyons, making it an historical barrier for invasions and a linguistic dividing line. This isolated area has now a protected status: the International Douro Natural Park.
Authentic port comes only from the Douro (durr-oh) River Valley, located in northeast Portugal, whose inhospitable climate and landscape create the perfect conditions for port. The Douro River flows west from the Spanish border to the city of Oporto, from which port takes its name. Just across the river from Oporto lies the town of Vila Nova de Gaia, where the warehouses - or lodges - of all the major port houses are situated. Wine is shipped in bulk from the Douro area to these lodges to age in the cool seacoast climate. Originally demarcated in 1756, the Douro is divided into three regions: the Baixo Corgo (bay-shoo corg-oh), the Cima Corgo (see-ma corg-oh) and the Douro Superior. The steep, rugged hillsides of the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior were found to produce superior wines, and it is here that all of the great port houses, including Cockburn's, established vineyard holdings here. The Douro climate is one of extremes. Winters can bring severe frosts while summers are long, dry and hot. Vines grow in a meager topsoil derived from a rock called schist, that sometimes must be shattered with dynamite before planting can begin. Vineyards must be terraced in most of the Douro due to the steepness of the terrain.
This is an excellent way to get to know Portugal in a short time. Visit Lisbon, the 2,000 year old city founded by the Phoenecians. Built on 7 hills this old world European Capital city highlights the amazing history of Portugal's world discoveries. You'll have 3 days to visit the cultural and historic sights and 3 nights to experience the amazing nightlife that makes this city so popular with other Europeans. Then head north to the Costa Verde (Green Coast) to experience the Douro River. This river is the lifeblood of the Costa Verde or Green Coast Region of Northern Portugal. This is the area world famous for port wines and excellent table wines. Cruise this historic river from the comfort of a modern, immaculate river boat with an attentive international crew. Daily shore excursions will take you to the most interesting sites and they are all included in the price. Cruise the lovely Douro River through terraced vineyards the climb hundreds of feet above the river valley. This river travels through time past palaces, monasteries and ancient manor houses. The people of the Douro are friendly and helpful. Each village offers up a surprise for the visitor. This river has been the lifeblood of the region for centuries providing the highway for travel and commerce through this rugged land. It is home of the port wine and remarkably good table wine industry .Explore the history and charm of northern Portugal on a Douro River Cruise. We have several itineraries that enable you to explore the historic Douro River your way!
