The scent of dried spices and grasses is in the air. You look out onto an intoxicating countryside of towering slopes and wine terraces of different shapes and sizes on which bulging vines stretch out towards the sun. The river makes its way gracefully through what is probably the most spectacular wine-growing region in the world – the home of port. With this exhilarating view, these famous wines taste twice as good.

Coming from Spain, the Douro flows from east to west across Portugal, then out into the Atlantic at Porto. In the old days, mariners transported the barrels to the wineries by boat. Picturesque vineyards adorn the river banks. Along the river, medieval towns captivate with their beauty. This region attracted Romans, pilgrims and aristocrats, all of whom created idyllic gems here. And then there’s Porto: the origin of the illustrious Portuguese fleet, with its mix of traditional and modern architecture, it tantalises all the senses making it a truly worthy finish to your cruise.