The holiday got off to an excellent start with the excellent Tivoli Hotel in Lison, with very comfortable rooms and a well-judged recommendation from the Concierge for a local Portuguese restaurant. We enjoyed the tour of the city and the well-organised trip by coach to the Hemming in Porto. The male Republica de Saudade Fado players who provided entertainment during lunch were truly brilliant (note: FAR better than the fado players at the dinner at the Monastery/Pousada!)

The 7-day cruise along the River Douro was truly faultless and lived up to our expectations. Food on board was of an excellent standard and the menu and portions well judged, as were the accompanying local wines. Service in the restaurant was overseen by Claudio the superb Maitre D' for whom nothing was too much trouble.

Shore excursions were very well chosen with adequate time to explore Porto, Salamanca and Lamego as well as delightful local insights into port, wine and local bread production. Read more