Riviera Travel has announced an exciting addition to its river cruise offerings for 2024.
The new seven-night itinerary on the Douro River will be aboard the 118-guest Porto Mirante ship, promising unforgettable journeys through Portugal’s heart.
Introducing Porto Mirante: A New Milestone
Riviera Travel unveils a significant addition to its fleet for 2024 with the introduction of the Porto Mirante. This 118-guest river cruise ship will navigate the captivating Douro River, offering a distinctive seven-night itinerary. Scheduled for 10 departures from July to October, the journey promises an immersive experience into Portugal’s renowned landscapes and cultural landmarks.
Exploring the Douro Valley
The new itinerary, branded as The Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca, starts from Porto, a city rich in maritime history and stunning architecture. Guests will enjoy a guided exploration of Porto’s Old Town, renowned for its medieval streets and Baroque churches. The route further includes visits to Mateus Palace gardens, Castelo Rodrigo, and Lamego, offering a comprehensive taste of the region’s splendour.
This cruise is priced from £2,049 per person, covering regional flights, transfers, and all on-board meals. Additionally, the package includes a superior drinks package, ensuring passengers have access to a diverse selection of refreshing beverages. Complementary on-board amenities such as tea, coffee, and wifi are also provided to enhance the cruising experience.
On-Board Excellence
The Porto Mirante prioritises passenger comfort with its comprehensive on-board facilities. A sun deck equipped with a splash pool offers a perfect place for relaxation. Meanwhile, an atrium bar and lounge, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, provide sweeping views of the river’s scenery. Fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines at the on-board fitness centre, ensuring wellness is a key part of the voyage.
Outside of the itineraries, guests can extend their stay through Riviera Travel’s three-night city extension packages. These add-ons cover popular destinations including Porto, Salamanca, and Vienna, providing further exploration opportunities. Whether it’s the historical charm of Guimarães or a classic Viennese wine tasting, these extensions cater to diverse interests.
In her statement, Katja Hildebrandt, Riviera Travel’s head of product for river and ocean cruises, remarked, “This stunning new Douro itinerary takes us into the heart of the winelands along the river. It offers guests the chance to explore this fascinating area of Portugal with its magical landscapes and history, in style and elegance aboard a state-of-the-art vessel.”
Customised Travel Options
Riviera Travel has placed an emphasis on personalisation by introducing customised travel options. Guests may choose to extend their cruise experience with city extensions tailored to their preferences. These extensions are designed for those who wish to delve deeper into the culture and sights of each port visited, thereby maximising their travel experience.
Such initiatives demonstrate Riviera’s dedication to offering a flexible and enriched travel proposition. Their ability to combine expert-led guided tours with ample leisure time ensures that passengers can enjoy both structured learning and independent exploration.
Commitment to Service and Quality
Riviera Travel further underlines its commitment to unparalleled service by launching a new trade-dedicated contact centre team. This initiative ensures that trade partners receive personalised service and support, enhancing their ability to provide clients with exceptional travel experiences.
Katja Hildebrandt highlighted, “For guests looking to maximise their time away, we can offer the flexibility to personalise their holiday by adding one of our extended city stays.” The service commitment extends through a wide array of offerings, from superior dining options to a variety of on-board activities.
An Integrated Cruising Experience
By offering a dynamic combination of cruising and city exploration, the Porto Mirante provides an integrated travel experience that is both enriching and flexible. This new offering exemplifies Riviera Travel’s forward-thinking approach to river cruising, aiming to captivate both seasoned travellers and newcomers to the cruise world.
With robust itineraries and comprehensive on-board services, Riviera Travel continues to evolve the river cruising landscape, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Whether for the stunning landscapes or the incredible cultural experiences, the Porto Mirante promises a journey that redefines luxury and exploration.
Riviera Travel’s 2024 Douro cruise, aboard the state-of-the-art Porto Mirante, sets a new standard in river cruising.
With its rich itinerary and exceptional on-board amenities, it is poised to offer travellers an unparalleled blend of cultural exploration and luxury.
