Douro question

[sjde]

We are going on a Douro cruise in November. Is there a lot of time on the bus? We aren't sure we want to sign up for all the excursions (though they are no cost) because we want to be able to see the local places. Or are there no towns where you dock? 

[Squawkman]

2 hours ago, sjde said:

We are going on a Douro cruise in November. Is there a lot of time on the bus? We aren't sure we want to sign up for all the excursions (though they are no cost) because we want to be able to see the local places. Or are there no towns where you dock? 

Yes - nothing is near where the ship docks, and often you’re dropped off at one port and picked up at another. Having said that, the included excursions were fantastic, and my wife and I agree it’s the best river cruise we’ve ever been on. You’ll see plenty of “local places”. We went last November - hope you get the same great weather we had.

[sjde]

Thank you! 
 

What made it better than other river cruises? We’ve been on the Rhône,  Danube and Rhine. 
 

What cruise line were you on? We will be on AMA Waterways.

[Got2Cruise]

Duoro starts in Libson if you take the precruise extension, and ends in Porto, or visa versa. In Libson and Porto the bus rides are not long. The ship docks where you can walk over the bridge to Porto.

 

Of course you can opt for optional trips to Sintra and Cascais from Libson, but it is not mandatory. The bus ride from Libson to Porto maybe two hours but you stop for lunch and visit the University v
 

The one long bus ride on Uniworld was to Salamanca, Spain. It was worth it. The other excursions involve going to wineries from the ship. Some are up in the mountains. 

Edited September 27, 2022 by Got2Cruise

[sjde]

It’s the excursion bus rides I am concerned about.

But if we don’t do those , is there any town to explore where the boat docks? 

[sjde]

How long is the bus ride to and from Salamanca? 

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, sjde said:

How long is the bus ride to and from Salamanca? 

Are you taking the AMA Porto roundtrip itinerary, or the one-way Madrid to Lisbon?  If the latter, Salamanca is included on the coach transfer from Madrid to the ship [and BTW, that itinerary sounds like a terrific introduction to Portugal].  If the Porto RT, the bus ride to Salamanca is about 2 hours each way – and if you don't go to Salamanca there probably isn't much to do that day, as the ship is docked in a very small town at the Portugal/Spain border.  [From my research, only Scenic offers an interesting alternative for those who don't want to go to Salamanca.] 

[sjde]

Porto Round trip

[texasstar]

SJDE, please report back after your trip.  We are on the AmaWaterways trip next May.

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, sjde said:

Porto Round trip

Everything I have read – and the report from some friends who just got back from this trip – is that Salamanca is really special and worth the long bus ride.  If you get a thoughtful guide, they will not talk on the return trip so you can get a 2 hour nap!

[sjde]

Thanks everyone!

[Canal archive]

 

Salamanca is a must not miss city it’s centre is beautiful and it’s history so very interesting as Jazzbeau says sleep on the way back.

[Squawkman]

We went with Viking, starting with 2 days in land in Lisbon. We did visit the university in Coimbra - highly recommend. Totally agree with Jazzbeau about Salamanca. Each river line may offer different excursions, but many are the same, so let us know which excursions you’re considering on AMA.

[sjde]

They’re all to wineries.