Viking River Cruises

[Hobbit]

HID is already looking to book next year's jolly and has a fancy for one of the above, specifically the one up the Duoro river in Portugal from Porto to the Spannish border. Fly into Lisbon for a few days, then coach up country to Porto.

Anyone done one of their cruises, or anyone visited from Lisbon up to Porto...?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

If you go to Lisbon try to go to a restaurant on a Fado night. Weirdest thing but taken very seriously over there. Best done in a back street place, all atmospheric so ask a local for where to go. Basically old women sing songs about their loved ones going to sea and how likely they are to die. Sounded like wailing to me but it was an experience. Try not to giggle, I failed.

Go here for coffee and pastries. Don't queue up, walk through and find a table. It goes on for ages, it's huge so don't be put off. You just ask for a selection and tell them how many. Another Lisbon experience. http://www.pasteisdebelem.pt/en.html Near to here, opposite actually, there are lots of outdoor restaurants in a park where you can eat and it is very pleasant. Sardines are v. popular.

Be careful in taxis. I have yet to be not ripped off in a Lisbon taxi. Yes I'm still bitter.

I got the train from Lisbon to Porto. Brand new, very sexy, purpose built line. Very good but high speed and not a gentle meander if that is what you are looking for. Efficient if you just want A to B travel.

No help on the cruise aspect though, sorry. They do look good on the adverts though, didn't they sponsor Midsummer Murders?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Used them on a cruise down the Danube. Couldn't fault them

 

[hors limite]

Was it Noel Coward who described cruises as having all the appeal of a stretch in the Scrubs with the additional option of drowning?