Secrets of the Douro River cruise

(256 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Ann Castagna Morin

Southampton, MA

Luxury River Cruise & European travel specialist

I have had a sense of wanderlust since I was a child, always yearning to go off and explore the world.

I will take my own personal passion for travel and use it to craft an extraordinary luxury experience for you.

Europe is my specia...

I have had a sense of wanderlust since I was a child, always yearning to go off and explore the world.

I will take my own personal passion for travel and use it to craft an extraordinary luxury experience for you.

Europe is my specialty, I have dual citizenship holding both Italian and US passports. I have personally traveled to over 3/4 of the countries in Europe and have visited Italy more times than I can count.

The first-hand knowledge I gain from my own adventures I will utilize to create your inspiring journey.

I work with many tour providers, whether you wish a private custom excursion, a rail package with a local concierge in each city, or a group tour, I not only can arrange it, I have personally experienced the product.

As much as I enjoy land tours, I have become enamored with luxury river cruises and small ship/yacht cruising.

After my first glide down the Danube I was hooked!

I have sailed 20 different small ship itineraries in both Europe and Asia and have two more currently booked. I make it a point to cruise at least once a year so that I can keep up with new ships, and offerings.

It is one thing to read about a product, to fully understand all the nuances of a journey, and how it will fit their client's personality, one needs to experience it first-hand, and more than once!

On a river cruise luxury abounds with high end bath products, indulgent linens, and extraordinary service all along your journey. River cruising is such a delightful experience, similar to staying in a high-end boutique hotel, except that it travels along with you.

No detail is overlooked for your comfort, but you can leave your fancy clothes at home, I call it "laid-back luxury".

A small ship/yacht cruise on Ponant, Scenic, Windstar, Azamara or Seabourn is a journey filled with pure indulgence. These small ships can visit ports the large vessels must bypass and are able to stay late into the evening. With guest capacity ranging from 189-700 there are no crowds or lines like the large ocean vessels.

Wading through all of the choices in ships and itineraries can be overwhelming.       I will answer all your questions and show you photos and videos from my own journeys to narrow down the perfect cruise for you.

As one of the top selling Key Partners in the world for both Globus Tours and Avalon Waterways I have the unparalleled experience and skills to ask the right questions to match you up with the perfect itinerary for your interests and budget.

I look forward to working with you!

Email meCall Me

Ann Castagna Morin

Can Be Reached At

1-413-552-8941

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Douro river Portugal

The Douro river is a photographers delight!

    It is a stunning itinerary, probably the most picturesque I have sailed. 

The grape vines cling to the side of the cliffs at an almost impossible angle, very similar to the Rhine gorge but even more challenging. Dramatic mountains are covered with vineyards are far as your eye could see, it was very relaxing after the stressful year of constant Covid conversations.

     The landscape changes constantly throughout the cruise, at the end of the river the lush mountains turn to barren stone walls.  The rocky cliffs are jagged and quite impressive reminding me of the Iron Gates gorge on the Danube as one enters Romania.   

I sailed with Emerald Waterways on the Radiance, the ship itself is laid out very nice with an enticing spa pool on the top deck and the staff could not be friendlier.  I could tell that they were a real "team".  All were from Portugal, had a true love of their country, and a fondness for each other, it was quite touching. The food was excellent and they were very accommodating with my allergy which is a priority for those of us who have limitations.    

There is a small gym and spa downstairs, I liked how they had it set up with a water bottle and towel already set up in cubbies for guests.  I had a massage and it was quite relaxing, I kept my mask on when I was faced up but then when I turned over I removed it- it worked out fine.

Part of traveling now is being flexible and accepting that just because things are not exactly the same does not mean they still can't be excellent!    

     We had several great included excursions such as a visit to a beautiful vineyard for a tasting and a dinner at another gorgeous wine estate.  On board they had some fun activities like a cocktail making lesson featuring port wine and a tile painting class.  I loved the nightly "game show" activities like trivia etc. it was fun proving yet again I know more than my husband.

The highlight for myself was an optional excursion to the Mateus Manor house, the mansion and gardens were something I will not long forget!    

     This is a cruise one takes for the scenery, it is jaw dropping gorgeous, a photographer's dream. It is also a trip for wine lovers with many included tastings and the wines served on board are very good.  The cruise is very relaxing and a great way to de-stress, it is important to note that it is not an itinerary for shoppers though.  The towns are small, no jewelry stores etc., that didn't bother me as I wasn't looking to shop on this trip, many husbands will be thrilled about that!

If you are looking to see some of the prettiest views in the world in a "laid back luxury" atmosphere Emerald Waterways Secrets of the Douro may be the perfect match for you.

Give me a call at 413-552-8941 we can chat about it.