Douro River Cruises

The cruise was conducted on the MS Douro Serenity which was built 2017. Our cabin was 224 which was very noisy - the ship has a vacuum toilet system which echos through the cabin at all hours all day. We asked to be shifted to another cabin and the only other cabin was 101 which meant that our "upgrade" was null and void. The actual cruise, staff, and the meals etc were excellent. The Travelmarvel Tours, staff etc were all excellent. I would advise anyone who is offered the last cabin in the decks ...read more to look at other cabins. It was a shame that this episode with the cabin spoilt a wonderful cruise with wonderful scenery and tours.

We had the most wonderful holiday with Travelmarvel. All of their guides were very knowledgeable and approachable, nothing was a trouble. This trip was not like any other coach trip we have been on where you arrive at a place only to find 2 or 3 other coaches already there. Travelmarvel took us to places where we were the only ones there, it was wonderful. All our accommodation was either 4 or 5 stars, a little out of the city centre which was less hectic. We could not have asked for better weather, ...read more not a drop of rain, temp between 25 and 30 most days. Highlights for us, oh sooo many. Let's start with the helicopter flight over Barcelona, a must do. Then there's the home-cooked meal we had in the kitchen of a local Spanish family on the way to Marbella, just fabulous. Next was the visit to Sintra and Cascais where we had lunch at the seaside. Onwards and upwards to the beautiful Douro Serenity, what an elegant ship with happy and friendly staff. The Douro river is so beautiful dusted with vineyards along the way and quaint villages which we visited. If you like doing a lot of walking then this is the trip for you as the tours through the different villages take up at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours walking. We have come away from this tour making some wonderful new friends who will we keep in contact with via Facebook.

This was a lovely trip and weather was perfect. It was well organised and as a single person travelling alone some great friendships soon developed. The hotel in Lisbon was central and comfortable and the sightseeing gave one a good insight into this vibrant city. Highlights for me were the famous pastry shop of the original absolutely delicious Portuguese Tart in Belem and the magnificent 18th century library at the university of Coimbra which we visited going up to Porto to board the ship. The ...read more Queen Isabel was a very comfortable ship and the meals fabulous. After sightseeing around the historic and lovey city of Porto we cruised through beautiful terraced vineyards, visiting wineries and given a good insight into this important industry. Other favorites were the museums, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca and the 12 Century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo. This trip certainly lived up to my expectations and I highly recommend Uniworld. Thank you Georgie for your excellent care in organizing my whole trip.

All went well, and according to plan. Happy with communication and arrangements. Perhaps a little more help in organising free time when docked would be helpful.