Christmas River Cruise on the Douro
(40 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Mendy Kooi
Edmond, OK
Europe, River and Ocean Cruise Specialist
During the past 20 years, I have helped more than 1,000 travelers explore this great, big, beautiful world. In the process, I have accumulated a vast amount of first-hand experience on some of the most fascinating places in the wo...
During the past 20 years, I have helped more than 1,000 travelers explore this great, big, beautiful world. In the process, I have accumulated a vast amount of first-hand experience on some of the most fascinating places in the world. One of the most important things I learned during this period was how to get a traveler the most travel bang for their buck. It is important for me to find interesting and fulfilling excursions, activities and tours that will give clients the best travel experience all while staying in excellent hotels in the best locations.
Besides staying busy booking travel for clients, I also travel as much as possible. I have family members who live in Austria, so I try to head to Vienna as much as possible. Besides many places in Europe, other destinations I have traveled to include but are not limited to:
- Honduras
- Japan
- China
- South Korea
- Russia
One of the "bonuses" of my frequent travels are the personal connections I have developed over the years with hotels and guides in some of the major cities. Because of these connections, I'm often able to give my clients a more personalized experience as they explore their dream destination.
During my travels, I have discovered many unique tours and excursions that I enjoy sharing with my clients. That means you can expect the unexpected from me. For example, while those packaged itineraries you find on the Internet will only include a standard "city tour," I'll help you find that excursion with a twist. In Japan, it might be the Ghost Tour of Kyoto. Or if you're heading to Austria, I might suggest the "Dark Secrets of Vienna." If you are an art lover, like me, I can give you suggestions on exceptional museums, since I have visited many of the great ones during my journeys to Europe.
I also have a special passion for river cruises, especially in Europe but also in the US and Asia. I would love to sit down and visit with you about this unique experience. It is a great way to see some unique destinations up close and you only have to unpack once.
In addition to my travel experiences, I have also earned training certificates from the following suppliers:
- RIVER CRUISES: Viking Cruise Line, AMA Waterways, Avalon Cruise Line, Uniwold River Cruises, American Cruise Line
- OCEAN CRUISES: Windstar Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
- RAIL: Rocky Mountaineer, Rail Europe
- TOUR PACKAGES: Globus Family of Brands, Insight Vacations, G Adventures National Geographic Tours, Disney's College of Knowledge.
So are you ready to explore the world? Then please contact me and I would be happy to help. I have the experience and knowledge necessary to create a unique and personalized vacation for you that will also be within your budget.
Set up your free consultation now. https://calendly.com/m-kooi-primetimetrvl/travel-initial-consultation
Your trip, your way!
Can Be Reached At
1-405-340-1120
Overlooking the Beautiful City of Porto
Before heading to Vienna to spend Christmas with our grandkids, we decided to treat ourselves to something a little different—a river cruise on Portugal’s Douro River. What started as a scenic getaway turned into a heartwarming and magical journey through history, tradition, and unforgettable landscapes. The quiet beauty of Portugal in December, the festive touches on board, and the warmth of the people made this an experience we’ll never forget.
Our adventure began in Porto, where we spent our first nights in a charming boutique hotel that once served as a stationery store. It overlooked a cozy, lantern-lit square where musicians played nightly and locals danced under strings of twinkling lights. The square buzzed with holiday cheer—families gathering, couples sharing bites, and children twirling to the sound of guitars.
Porto itself was a delight to explore. We strolled through cobbled streets and lunched along the Douro’s banks as local musicians played beside us. One highlight was our visit to the stunning St. Francis Church, where the golden baroque interiors glimmered with the warmth of candlelight. Around every corner, Porto reveals its beauty—from intricately tiled facades to elegant balconies. Even the São Bento train station is a work of art, with its vast blue-and-white azulejo tile murals telling the stories of Portugal’s past.
We also hopped aboard one of Porto’s historic San Franciscian cable cars, which clattered through the city before delivering us to the Atlantic Ocean. There, we walked along the breezy promenade and stood where the Douro meets the sea—a dramatic, windswept moment that reminded us of the natural power surrounding this historic region.
Soon, it was time to embark on our river cruise. We boarded our small, elegant riverboat and began sailing eastward toward Spain. Unlike ocean cruises, this Douro voyage allowed for peaceful daytime sailing, so we never missed a view. The valleys were lush and green, even in December, dotted with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and orange trees that still clung to their fruit. One of the most unforgettable moments was passing through the deepest lock in Europe—an engineering marvel that had everyone on deck, cameras ready.
Onboard life was equally enchanting. The ship was dressed for the season with garlands, lights, and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. The staff and crew were exceptional, attending to every detail and ensuring we felt the warmth of the season throughout the journey. One evening, we enjoyed a traditional Portuguese holiday dinner featuring regional favorites and local wines. The Christmas spirit was kept alive with special seasonal experiences: we decorated the tree together as a group, sang carols with the crew, and learned about Portuguese Christmas traditions like bacalhau (salt cod dinners), bolo rei (king cake), and the nativity displays that grace many homes.
Each day brought new discoveries. We visited a family-owned winery for a candlelit dinner and enjoyed lunch at a sun-drenched wine estate surrounded by rolling hills. In the mountains, we explored a medieval village famous for its cork production—narrow cobblestone alleys, stone buildings, and sweeping views made it feel like a scene from a storybook. We even visited an old palace not far from the banks of the Douro River.
A highlight of the cruise was a full-day trip to Salamanca, Spain. This golden-hued city, known for its ancient university and magnificent architecture, was alive with holiday energy. We explored its squares and historic streets, enjoyed a delicious paella lunch, and were treated to an energetic flamenco performance that had everyone clapping in rhythm.
We eventually returned to Porto for one final day of touring with a local guide who shared stories and history that deepened our connection to the city. We ended the day with another scenic ride on the cable car and a scary walk across a very tall bridge over the river.
That night, our captain treated us to a special farewell—a scenic cruise through Porto, with the city glowing under thousands of lights. The reflections danced across the water as we sipped wine and took in the beauty of a city and a season we would never forget.
This Christmas on the Douro was more than a vacation. It was a heartwarming celebration of culture, tradition, and togetherness—wrapped in the beauty of Portugal, the joy of discovery, and the magic of the holidays. It was the perfect way to begin our Christmas season—recharged, inspired, and ready for hugs, hot cocoa, and holiday memories with our grandkids in Vienna.