As I sip Champagne and sink into the red velvet armchair topped by a regal crest, I reflect that there are few occasions in life when you can say you’re travelling like the Queen. However, this is one of them.
Lush landscapes
While Her Majesty never sat in this throne-like seat, she did enjoy exactly the same opulent surroundings that I, along with a group of her fellow subjects, are now enjoying as we set sail on a cruise along the Douro, said to have been dubbed the ‘River of Gold’ by the Romans who first settled along its banks.
The sinuous waterway rises in Spain, winding through the green landscapes of northern Portugal to the city of Porto on the Atlantic coast. It might not be as well known as some of its other European counterparts, such as the Rhine and Danube, but in keeping with its maritime past, when seafarers including Prince Henry the Navigator (born in Porto in 1394) set sail to explore the world, the river offers a fascinating modern-day voyage of discovery.
Sail away
This story is from the January 21, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 21, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg
Springtime IN VENICE
A weekend in this floating city is a feast for the senses
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Breathe EASY
Do you need an air purifier at home? We find out
Stress-free ENTERTAINING
Enjoy a seasonal prep-ahead spread with friends or family
Bonded FOR LIFE
As a new mother faced the most agonising of challenges, her best friend stepped in to hel
The easy way TO EXERCISE AND HEALTH
You don't need a gym to get fit, just mini bursts of activity throughout the day to get you in shape. Here's how
TESTED BY US!
Dry shampoo refreshes hair between washes - and lifts roots and boosts volume. Here are our favourites
'Coronation Street changed my life'
Actor Georgia Taylor on finding fun and lasting friendships on the cobbles
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY