Do you have a positive or negative outlook for the biofuels industry in 2025 View Results We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Learn more. with Viking River Cruises adding a fourth ship The vessel is the line's fourth "baby Longship" so called because it’s roughly half the size of Viking’s signature “Longships,” carrying only 106 passengers (as opposed to the 190 that the line’s ships usually have on other European rivers) The smaller size allows Viking Helgrim to get through the narrower locks along the Douro but it also means there is less public space -- no shuffleboard or mini-golf for example (yet there is a much-needed pool) We sailed on Viking Helgrim last week Viking Helgrim on the Douro River (Photo: Adam Coulter) Anyone who has been on a Viking Longship -- and there were many passengers onboard who had as this is usually a third or fourth river cruise for many people-- will immediately recognize popular Viking River Cruise features: The Aquavit Terrace where you can sit outside at the front of the ship (in a departure complete with baby grand piano and a tiny library It’s all scaled down to fit the Portuguese locks The décor is also the same: black and white photos on the walls light Scandinavian woods and plenty of light Viking Helgrim has modern essentials such as USB sockets by the beds above the desk as well as plenty of sockets (for different plug types) dotted around the cabin We also love the shower rooms -- all wooden floors throughout including in the shower itself; own brand Frejya products rather than generic dispensers and Hans Grohe showers Viking has installed a small pool on the sun deck it’s a great place to cool off in the scorching Portuguese summer and has a strong jet on one end so you can swim against it for exercise overseen by Hungarian-born and Swiss-trained chef All river cruise lines offer local specials taking time at the nightly port talk to explain what was in season (there was always a Chef's Recommendation section on the menu every night – and it was ALWAYS the best) often from the village we were visiting that day Sample Portugese dishese were grilled sardines on toast; "Pichanha com Esmagado" -- a steak marinated for 48 hours and cooked for four; Piri Piri chicken; seared rack of lamb and – on the day of our excursion to Salamanca in Spain -- gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic) every night there was a delicious local speciality and Peter even gave a demo on how to make the Portuguese classic Pastel de Nata It's also worth mentioning that the always-available selection -- rib eye steak the Norwegian salmon and roast chicken -- was also delicious Marialva Castle & Picnic shore excursion on a Douro River cruise hosted by Viking River Cruises Viking has carefully curated their excursion options on the Douro River The fortified wine is made at "quintas" (wineries) But the standout excursion was not to a vineyard but one billed simply as "Marialva Castle & Picnic.” Capped at 12 people the excursion began with a short bus ride to a tiny town  where we then all hopped onto an open-back truck and trundled through the village's tiny streets and nearby fields to a clearing in olive groves we found a table groaning with food -- salads pasta and fresh-made local bread – as well as limited edition wine from a local vineyard the proprietors of the nearby hotel Casas do Coro followed by a slightly tipsy truck ride to the hotel (with music blaring from the speakers) and a lazy afternoon by the pool (although you could visit the  ruined castle We returned to the ship 90 minutes late -- which speaks volumes about how special this was One issue on the Douro is that you do need to expect coach journeys often 45 minutes or longer (Salamanca was two hours away.) It means you are off the ship an awful lot (often all day) and so you miss one of the loveliest aspects of this cruise -- just sailing along the river just staring out the window at the endless olive groves and vineyards Crew onboard Viking Helgrim (Photo: Adam Coulter) We use the word "intuitive" when describing great service and that’s exactly what we found on Viking Helgrim The service was at an extraordinarily high standard from the cabin steward Attila; to our waiters -- Abdul and Milan; to the Captain Hotel Manager David and Maitre D' Manuel the A/C was down very low and we were clearly uncomfortable (though being British  Manuel spotted this and turned up the air for us he spotted we were on the "Silver Spirits" beverage package and instead of serving us the standard wine immediately brought over the wine menu for us to choose Peter knew our omelet preference after day one; Manuel cracked open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot because he said we could do better than the house bubbles; Abdul put aside fresh mint for tea every evening; David and Sam gave us tips on where to go for a run; Sam suggested spots to go for a drink and which excursions to do; David gave us a bowl of olives because he noticed we liked them but this was particularly hard and we will miss them -- and their smiles and infectious enthusiasm The full "cruise" can begin in Madrid or Lisbon where the ship is overnight for two nights including the famed Dom Luis 1 bridge (the longest of its kind in the world);  steep streets with doorways leading into tiny restaurants; a cable car and rickety old trams as well as a number of world-class monuments The whole city center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site The only problem is you have to stand in line for at least and hour and a half to get in with lots of bars by the river and summer street parties; it all changes a few miles inland The Douro River is a total contrast to the Rhine and Danube rivers -- there’s no industry Instead you'll see wild and wooded banks with houses falling to the water and little marinas at the bottom; miles and miles of forested hills just occasionally the cute train track that hugs sections of the river The only sound you hear are crickets and birds It’s utterly idyllic – and Viking Helgrim is the perfect way to see it Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times Wikimedia commonsThe historic town of Marvão, nestled in Alto Alentejo within the Portalegre district, is a place of undeniable charm that truly deserve its place on the historical villages of Portugal map. Perched atop walls that soar to 860 metres, Marvão captivates with its blend of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Strolling through its narrow streets, you'll encounter remnants of a rich past and sweeping views of the walls that ascend to the majestic castle. A climb to the top of the keep is well worth the effort, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas over the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park. In addition to exploring the castle, be sure to visit the Marvão Museum and the nearby Roman ruins of Ammaia. If the sun is shining, take a relaxing break at the Marvão River Beach for a refreshing dip. Wikimedia commonsNestled within the Peneda-Gerês National Park, in the municipality of Ponte da Barca, lies the picturesque village of Lindoso. This charming countryside is home to the largest collection of granaries in the Iberian Peninsula, a testament to the area's deep-rooted communal traditions, alongside the imposing medieval castle that dominates the landscape. Visitors can also explore several scenic walking trails offering breathtaking views, while discovering other historic landmarks such as the parish church and the old washhouses, which stand as reminders of the village's enduring heritage. Wikimedia commonsOur next stop takes us to one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal, just a short drive from the city of Mêda. This village, believed to date back to the 6th century BC, is divided into three distinct areas: the citadel of the castle, the ravine that stretches the town beyond its walls, and the devesa, which slopes down to the Marialva stream, once home to an ancient Roman city. Stepping into the citadel within the now-deserted castle feels like travelling back in time. The remarkably well-preserved streets and buildings offer a glimpse into a bygone era. You'll still find the main square with its pillory, the Magistrates' House, and the old Town Hall. Don't miss the Church of St. James and the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos, both essential stops for any visitor. Wikimedia commonsLinhares da Beira is a historic village dating back to the 12th century, having been granted its charter by D. Afonso Henriques. It was only later, during the reign of King Dinis, that its castle was built, which now stands as the main attraction of this village in the municipality of Celorico da Beira. This village is like an open-air museum, where every corner reveals a piece of its rich history and significance. Its varied past makes walking through the village streets feel like a true journey back in time. Moreover, the view from the castle, perched 820 metres above sea level in the Mondego Valley, offers a truly unforgettable experience. The best hikes in Portugal: trails you can’t miss Portugal may be famous for its golden beaches and historic cities but it’s also a dream destination for hikers From rugged coastal paths to mountain adventures Portugal offers trails for every level of experience here’s your guide to the best hikes in Portugal.