Winery tours and port wine tastings are available year-round at riverbank vineyards, but the region really comes to life in the fall months of, If youre hoping to snag a deal,consider traveling during the, Veteran river cruisers might be wary of planning a cruise in the spring months where you can get some excellent discounts. Visit Portugal Shares Insights as Cruisers Return to Porto and Douro River The most populous cities along the Douro River are Valladolid and Zamora in Spain, and Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Climate varies; Porto can be cool, due to its location right off the Atlantic, but the further inland you travel, the warmer it gets. If youre curious about Douro River cruises, heres everything you need to know. Mid-July through August is another good time for snagging deals; the region can be very hot then. Douro River Cruise Tips | Cruise Critic These changes are frustrating for travellers, many of whom only learn that there is a problem with their river cruise after arriving in Europe, ready to start their holiday. We are fully committed to low impact travel that not only preserves but gives back to the amazing places we visit. The waves you will find on the shore can be slightly affected by the orientation of the coastline and the seabed of the beaches, although in most cases they are usually equivalent. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Douro-River. CIBIO found that the presence of small hydropower plants deeply affect endangered pearl mussel populations. My Bookings. Major Spanish riverside towns include Soria, Almazn, Aranda de Duero, Tordesillas, Zamora and major Portuguese towns include Miranda do Douro, Foz Ca, Peso da Rgua, Lamego, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Porto. The convention superseded an agreement on the Douro, signed in 1927, that was expanded in 1964 and 1968 to include tributaries. At this moment the current water temperature in Porto (Rio Douro) is -. So dont stress about the what-ifs; be excited about your amazing journey through the vineyards and history of Portugal. the water level in Douro river is controlled, so between winter and summer time there's no much difference, but of course winter months the level is slightly over the year average. On the Douro, this option is really only open to companies like CroisiEurope and Viking River Cruises that operate more than one vessel in the region. 2024 | Douro River Valley | Uniworld River Cruises 2. One of the longest rivers of the Iberian . Porto is the main hub city in northern Portugal. The scenic Douro railway line runs close to the river. The good news? If things are bad enough (like during the once-in-a-century flooding that occurred along the Danube in 2013), your river cruise might turn into a bus trip as the cruise line attempts to do its best to hit all the major sights and attractions along the way. Unannounced releases of water from upstream Spanish dams occasionally causes navigation issues in these locks. The Douro's last five dams are in Portugal, and allow for navigation: Pocinho, Valeira, Rgua, Carrapatelo, and CrestumaLever dams. Speaking of water in the Douro, here is a question I've been meaning to ask someone from Porto . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Nowadays port is transported there in tanker trucks. As far as Aranda de Duero, Spain, it is narrowly confined by its banks; it then widens across the broad plains of Old Castile. Also take note of the Rabelos moored nearby on the Douro. What's also fun is simply wandering around the waterfront and checking out less well-known tasting houses. Visits to a range of quintas, the Portuguese term for wineries, mostly focus on the region's famed port wines, but the winemakers in the Douro region also produce beautiful reds and whites. I can't locate any news regarding these issues. Still, river cruise industry leaders say they haven't seen a pattern yet that gives them pause. Re: Douro River 17 years ago Save Hi Yes! Research the Douro Rivers Weather & Dress for the Occasion. The cable car station is also on this side of the river -- if you don't fancy or can't manage the walk up to the top of town this is a lovely and reasonably priced (nine euros return) option, which affords fantastic views -- and even a free glass of port! Most of the ships that ply the Douro have small swimming pools on their sun decks. While the 2017 season was abnormally large, hot and dry summers create all the necessary conditions for potentially devastating wildfires. In some cases, ships are operated by DouroAzul, a Portugal-based company that owns much of the region's cruising infrastructure, from docking facilities to a fleet of river ships. on Twitter Saving the best for last, the Plaza Major, the heart of Salamanca, is an 18th-century square, completely surrounded by golden limestone buildings and ringed with alfresco cafes. Still, be prepared, as the most interesting places to visit are not accessed by simply walking off the gangway. Just because one year was affected by abnormally-heavy rainfall doesnt mean the following one will be identical. When I last visited, in October 2012, there were many fish visible from the quay along the Ribera. While it's best known for the production of port wine (wine that's fortified with the addition of brandy), it's also a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis. The region around Pinho and So Joo da Pesqueira is considered to be the centre of port, with its quintas (or farms/estates) that extend along the steep slopes of the river valleys. You will find most of the itinerary highlights on all the lines. Consider this, too: this could have been one of several sailings that the crew has had to deal with so far this season. The seven-night cruise itself travels between the delightful UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto (where you'll likely spend a couple of nights) and either the last little village in Portugal, Barca de Alva; or, just over the Spanish border, another tiny village called Vega de Terron; both are the jumping-off point for the two-hour bus ride to {#widget:image|decorators:article_image|image:3568|title:Vega de Terron (Salamanca) (Photo:canadastock/Shutterstock)|description:Vega de Terron (Salamanca) (Photo:canadastock/Shutterstock)#}. BUT the BMW is a car and the VW is a car so we actually delivered on our contract. . "My feeling is this was a unique year. But note: It has become so popular that they charge to get in, and if don't want to wait in line for an hour, buy your tickets online and get there early. Corrections? In 1998, Portugal and Spain signed the Albufeira Convention, an agreement on the sharing of trans-boundary rivers to include the Douro, Tagus and Guadiana. Example: +water -Europe [9], It is the third-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula after the Tagus and Ebro. What happens if high/low water levels affect my sailing? The river has an half dozen dams on its course, the crossing of the dam locks it's another of the highlights (besides the landscape). [5] At Douro's mouth at Porto, the second largest city of Portugal, the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. In the last decade, Douro River cruises have become increasingly popular. The Douro has some help, though, in avoiding water level-related snafus. The good news is the scenery is just gorgeous and varies throughout the region, so there's a lot to look at. Data available from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2024 *. Vega de Terron is located about 125 miles east of Porto and is the most eastern cruise port on the Douro. Very enjoyable cruise to see and the Douro Valley, where wine and port are made. The average water temperature in Porto (Rio Douro) today is -. Be aware that it can be a lot cooler on the water so take a sweater or something like that with you. Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile. So what can you do when water levels threaten to scuttle your river cruise? Having been on the Douro in early April during a period of higher-than-average water levels that prevented river cruise vessels from sailing for a short period, one thing passengers repeatedly . Please, use with caution. There are lots of options for tasting port in Gaia. It sounds cheesy, but the best thing you can do should the unexpected arise is to go with the flow. Also hilly as it rises off the river, this area is best known for the port houses that stud its mountainside. In the 21st century, many of these are owned by multinational, reputed wine companies. Use a + to require a term in results and - to exclude terms. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Solstice vs. Millennium Class on Celebrity Cruises, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, Countries That Require Visas for a Cruise, The World's Best Beaches to Visit on a Cruise, The Pros and Cons of a Port-Intensive Cruise, Mystery Cruises: What They Are and What to Expect, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, 48 Hours in Brisbane Before or After a Cruise, How To Cope With Cruising's Pause? Viking had known about this condition for at least two prior weeks but did not notify their customers. Cruises on this Portuguese and Spanish waterway stretch from Porto on the Atlantic Ocean, all the way east into Spain's Vega de Terron (essentially a docking station where passengers head to the gorgeous golden city of Salamanca). Some cruises spend overnights there, giving you time to explore the waterfront. To improve the knowledge on the impacts of existing dams (including the Portuguese Large Dam Program) and projected new dams, the Douro Vivo Network studied the cumulative impacts of hydropower on ecosystems and livelihoods. Here are a few things you should know about taking any river cruise, not just one operating along the Douro: Chances are good that your Douro river cruise will proceed exactly as expected but there are some things that are good to know about these water-related events, and what to do should one arise. While most of the cruise lines do offer pre- and post-cruise trips to better-known cities like Lisbon and Madrid, consider spending a few extra days there. Dating back to the Roman Empire, it's first and foremost a university town since the 12th century. All images are copyrighted to their respectful owners and we make every effort to credit photographers. Since the 1930s the Douro has been harnessed extensively for hydroelectric power and irrigation. This enables operators to use motorcoaches to complete the itinerary as scheduled, while still allowing guests to continue to use their floating accommodations each evening. One of the benefits of a mostly rural itinerary is that you're not cruising through industrial regions. In the more rural stops, however, English isn't necessarily understood away from your group and guide; a phrasebook comes in handy. Box 471 The Douro River is the third longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and has the largest river basin. Booked an all-day cruise up to the wine estates and then back by train - started well, average continental breakfast. On the other hand, you run the risk of a modified itinerary because your riverboat may not be able to get under a low bridge due to the high water caused by snowmelt and rains. We safeguard and restore wetlands for people and nature. Douro River Sailing Experience Porto - Booking.com Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Porto - Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel. Most of the attractions are well off the river, requiring motorcoach transportation that averaged about 45 minutes per place. The next five downstream are along the Portuguese-Spanish border; the first three are owned and operated by Portugal: (Miranda, Picote and Bemposta Dams), while the next two belong to Spain: (Aldeadvila and Saucelle Dams). Fish are cold blooded, which means their metabolism is strongly influenced by the temperature of their surrounding environment. It was like purchasing a BMW and then when they car company dilivered the car it was a VW-- and then they say it is not our fault, the BMW you ordered was not available. We did the six bridges tour. There is a wide range in average temperatures in the stunning Douro Valley. [6] The meaning of this element is however unknown. and in Italy Dora, etc. For the rest of the trip, you'll be stopping at places like Bitetos, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d'Alva and Vega de Terron -- small rural villages that you've likely never heard of. We are booked to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Each company does have input into their own operations, whether it's menus, tours or onboard ambience. +31 (0) 318 660 910, [emailprotected] The Water Level is defined as the height, in meters above the geoid, of the reflecting surface of continental water bodies. (and has been for the last 20 years) We arrived in Lisbon and then received an Email notice from Viking that they were experiencing river problems and were sorry. Things will be normal in June, the dams are at their maximum capacity and may be still discharging a lot of water, but that's going to stop pretty soon, we need as much water as we can get. Its a huge logistical nightmare, and one that is guaranteed to displease some. Nothing in the information given us by Viking indicated that all river traffic on the Douro in April is "ify" at best. TIDES4FISHING | RISING AND SETTING OF THE MOON IN PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, The effects of the sun and the moon influence the activity of all living creatures on earth, TIDES4FISHING | SOLUNAR CHARTS FOR PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | MOON PHASE | 4 MARCH 2023, 9:33, Calendar of Lunar Phases and Eclipses for the next 2000 years, TIDES4FISHING | UPCOMING MOON PHASES | MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION | 4 MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | LIGHTING THE EARTH IN THIS MOMENT | 4 MARCH 2023, 9:33, TIDES4FISHING | FISHING SITES CLOSE TO PORTO (RIO DOURO), Plan now and enjoy your activities at sea with the tides4fishing app, Enjoy to the max a well-planned fishing expedition in Porto (Rio Douro). If in difficulty, those with swimming pools on board can empty them. The tiny town of Pinhao, lying at the heart of Douro's wine country, reminds you of a cross between California's Napa Valley and Italy's Tuscany (only far less touristy). The wine was taken downriver in flat-bottom boats called rabelos, to be stored in barrels in cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. We left at 8am, breakfasted on board the boat, cruised along the beautiful Douro Valley, passing through amazing locks, and had an excellent 3 course lunch before arriving in Regua at 3pm. In these isolated areas, in which the Aldeadvila Dam impounds the river, there are protected areas: the International Douro Natural Park (on the Portuguese side) and the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (on the Zamoran margin). water level made us too high to clear a bridge. Europe's drought could signal the death of river cruising - CNN Answer 1 of 7: Wondering if any locals can provide insight into the extreme water levels of the Duoro River that are causing river cruises to be cancelled. Pocinho is near the very small city of Foz Ca, which is close to Ca Valley Paleolithic Art site. If you own rights to any of the images and they are not credited, or you do not wish them to appear on our site, please contact us at [emailprotected]. We can sympathize; after all, if we liked coach tours, wed call our site. The solar transit will be at 12:46:12 h. The tidal coefficient today is 64 (average). High Water, Low Water: Dealing With Water Levels on a River Cruise more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Europe's Drought: Will It End River Cruises? - Out Traveler High Water, Low Water: Dealing With Water Levels on the Douro Scientists and conservationists highlighted the threats to freshwater biodiversity stemming from hydropower dams and obstacles in the Douro river. Scientists uncover new information on the Douro river ecosystem, Small hydropower plants as a threat to the endangered pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, Reviving Douro Basin Identification of Biodiversity Hotspots, Georeferencing and characterization of the Douro River Basin obstacles, Contra barragens, pelos santurios do Douro: o SOS dos investigadores, Investigadores e ambientalistas defendem que no se faam novas barragens, Associaes ambientalistas no querem mais barragens no Douro, Assessment of terrestrial protected areas for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity (CIBIO). River cruise checklist: Weather and water levels - Travel Weekly Today Saturday, 4th of March of 2023, the sun rose in Porto (Rio Douro) at 7:04:12 h and sunset will be at 18:28:13 h. In the high tide and low tide chart, we can see that the first high tide was at 1:30 h and the next high tide will be at 13:57 h. The first low tide was at 8:12 h and the next low tide will be at 20:17 h. Today we have 11 hours and 24 minutes of sun. Vila Nova de Gaia: This city lies across the Douro from Porto, and it's where ships dock. Checking Water Levels? - Portugal Message Board - Tripadvisor The portuguese name it's "Tainha", no idea about the english name. In Portugal, the Douro flows through the districts of Bragana, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, Aveiro and Porto. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Analysis of impacts and definition of minimizing measures in a reservoir located in a KBA (Key Biodiversity Area).

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