Day 7
Our week on board MS Riviera Rose was drawing to a close with just one full day left to enjoy the luxurious facilities on board. After another delicious breakfast served in the ship’s main restaurant we wandered up to the sun deck where we found some comfortable chairs shaded by a large parasol to enjoy our final morning’s sail.
With the scenery along the Douro Valley being so beautiful as the ship made its way back to Porto, neither of us had spent much time reading the books we’d brought on board with us. I always view this as a sign of a good holiday as we can always read our books when we’re back at home.
Lunch on board was served slightly earlier to take account of afternoon excursions. On offer was a choice between remaining on board the boat as it sailed into Porto and then visiting a local wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine tasting, or a coach trip to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. We opted for the latter and as on previous days, our coach was ready and waiting for us on the quayside as we approached.
The journey to Guimarães took just under an hour and after getting off the coach, we were led by our guide to the Paço dos Duques de Bragança palace just a ten minute walk away. The city is believed to be the hometown of Portugal’s first King who was born in the Romanesque castle which overlooks the city from its hilltop.
Included in the price of the river cruise is admission to any attractions where visits are scheduled to take place, so we did not need to purchase any tickets ourselves. The palace was once the home of the first Duke of Braganza and has been beautifully restored with architectural treasures furnishing the rooms, helping to tell the story of the historic city.
The Paço dos Duques palace has been classified as a National Monument since 1910 and is constructed in the style of a French chateau with displays of ornate tapestries and weapons adorning the grand hall.
Our stroll then took us into the centre where we enjoyed an hour to explore by ourselves. The narrow cobblestone lanes around Largo do Toural are lined with historic colourfully painted buildings, most of them with intricately designed wrought iron balconies. Oliveira marks the main centre with the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.
This square takes its name from an ancient olive tree which is still growing in the centre, providing welcome shade in mid-summer. Before returning to the coach we decided to treat ourselves to ice cream cones but when we ordered them it was recommended that we selected tubs instead as it was such a hot afternoon that the ice cream freezer was struggling to cope. Needless to say, the ice cream tasted just as nice from a tub and was very refreshing.
Back on the coach we drove onto the Douro Marina in Porto where the boat had re-positioned to. As always, we were greeted back on board with cooling soft drinks and after enjoying these we returned to our room for awhile to rest and freshen up prior to dinner.
As it was our final evening on board Riviera Rose after sipping champagne cocktails and being tempted into a couple of irresistible canapes, all guests were invited into dinner at the same time as for our final send off we were to enjoy the Chef’s dinner. Rather than the usual, contemporary styled table settings, starched tablecloths had been added with napkins expertly folded in the style of a dinner shirt with matching bowtie.
Although formal dress for the chef’s dinner is unnecessary almost all ladies had saved their favourite party dresses for the evening and men were wearing smart, casual attire, with several in jackets. Our multi course dinner, paired with local wines was expertly served by the restaurant staff with our main of filet mignon being flavoursome and very tender. To end our fine dining experience, Portuguese Pasteis de nata custard tarts were served and I believe these to be the nicest I’d ever tasted with their creamy centre encased in a light, crisp pastry.
Back in the bar we spent time chatting to all the lovely guests we had made friends with during the cruise as people were leaving at different times the following morning dependent on which airport they were returning to. A large number of guests had opted to extend their stay in Portugal by adding Riviera Travel’s three night Lisbon extension to their holiday. (Through WhatsApp messages, I later discovered that this had been very enjoyable too, which was good to hear).
Back in our cabin, much later than intended, we quickly gathered our belongings together for our after breakfast departure the next morning.
Day 8
All good things come to an end, and after a light breakfast we bid farewell to Sarah, our lovely cruise director who had been super organised all week looking after everyone on board. Our luggage was taken to the coach for us so there was no struggling down the gangplank with heavy cases required. It was then just a 30 minute drive to the airport where we checked into our TAP flight back to London Gatwick.
We were accompanied on the coach by a Riviera Travel representative who led people round to the check-in desks, assisting with luggage for those needing help.
Final Thoughts:
We both returned home with wonderful memories of our first ever river cruise, Riviera Travel definitely pull out all the stops to make their holidays lovely in every way possible. Time spent with sons and daughters who live away from home is very special and we were both in agreement that we couldn’t have found a nicer way to spend that valuable time together and we can’t wait to do it all over again! River cruises are sometimes perceived to be aimed at older travellers but that’s not the case in reality as there were guests of all ages on board our cruise, with everyone having a lovely time.
Feeling inspired to plan a river cruise then take a look at Riviera Travel’s website to find out more.
We were guests of Riviera Travel and as always, all views an opinions are entirely my own.
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