Ryan just returned from Portugal, and his review is simple: 10 out of 10—but he has notes.
Before boarding his river cruise, Ryan spent five days working from Lisbon and Porto. His routine involved hotel breakfasts, plenty of travel-agent work, afternoon cappuccinos, and an impressive amount of Portuguese pizza.
Then he boarded the AmaSintra for seven nights on the Douro River.
That's where things got interesting.
If you've previously cruised rivers such as the Rhine or Danube, the Douro may feel surprisingly different. Instead of waking up each morning already docked in the middle of a city, Ryan spent many mornings watching Portugal's vineyard-covered hills pass by while the ship sailed through the valley.
The result?
A much slower and more social style of river cruising.
Ryan explains the locks, low bridges, afternoon excursions, wine focus, visits to smaller towns, and a full-day trip to Salamanca, Spain. He also talks about why this itinerary may be especially good for groups of friends who want sightseeing without giving up time to relax together.
But there are a few things he would make sure every client understands before booking.
We also get serious about pizza during this week's Crusty Review, when Ryan tells Stephanie about Oldman Pizza Studios in Porto and one of his favorite pizza experiences anywhere.
If you're considering Portugal, AmaWaterways, or your first European river cruise, this episode will help you decide whether the Douro fits the way you actually like to travel.
Want help planning your river cruise?
Stephanie and Ryan work with several major river-cruise companies and can help with itineraries, dates, cabins, extensions, airfare, current offers, and the small details that make a major difference once you're there.
Email us at Bookings@OneSlicePod to start planning.
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AmaWaterways describes its current Douro options as seven-night sailings through Portugal and Spain, with experiences that may include Porto, vineyards, wine estates and Salamanca.
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