They say, “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.” This is exactly how I would describe the Vineyards & Villages of Portugal Singles Cruise along the Douro River. It’s a very different experience than any other European River Cruise.

Most European river cruises travel overnight while the boat inhabitants peacefully slumber. In the morning, when travelers wake up, they are docked in a new city with activities just waiting for their exploration. But this cruise was a little bit different.

Due to the laws of Portugal, the ships are not permitted to sail at night. So sailing was incorporated into the cruise, making the scenery itself the destination. It was common to find our Singles Travel International Members lounging on the ship’s Sky Deck, with a glass of wine in hand, watching the hills of vineyards along the banks of the Douro.

While the cruise seemed slower paced, we quickly formed friendship, leading to storytelling, laughter and lots of wine. We gazed at the rows of grape vines, olive trees and fruit orchards that stretched on for miles. We pondered together how the plants were planted and harvested on the steepest of angles. We wondered how different life would be if we had grown up in this unique environment.

When we arrived at the dock, we were welcomed by calm, peaceful and rural life. We took excursions to see small historic villages and various wineries that perfected their craft in wine; some were family businesses for centuries. And then we came back to the ship for dinner to share our experiences together.

This Douro River cruise is full of the unexpected at a pace that lets you absorb and with Singles Travel International, with a group of friends to share it with. This was a European River Cruise like no other.