I hope you’re having a lovely summer. We’re certainly having an exciting one here at Uniworld as we prepare for the launch of our 2026—and soon, even 2027—offerings. You may want to keep an eye on your mailboxes in the upcoming weeks for more from Uniworld on what to expect in 2026. For a sneak peek, just look one page to the right!
As you flip through the rest of this issue of RiverViews, I hope you enjoy taking a deep dive into one of our favorite destinations with us: Portugal and the Douro River Valley. From a fantastic winemaking tradition to flavorful cuisine, rich history to vibrant modern culture, this destination has so much to offer.
Until next time,
ELLEN BETTRIDGE CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
INTRODUCING NEW EXTENSIONS
As we celebrate 50 years of unforgettable journeys in 2026, we’re thrilled to introduce new pre- and post-cruise optional extensions—featuring Dubrovnik and Vienna with the debut of S.S. Emilie’s Danube itineraries, plus Transylvania
Enjoy 5-star hotel stays, expertly guided tours, and seamless transfers for an effortless, enriching experience.
Adventure is just around the corner. See you back onboard soon!
DUBROVNIK
• 3 nights at the President Hotel, Valamar Collection Dubrovnik (or similar)
• Walking tour of Old Town
• Korcula with wine tasting
• Lokrum Island & Game of Thrones sites
• Croatian culinary tour
EXTENSION HIGHLIGHTS
TRANSYLVANIA
• 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Aurum (or similar)
• 1 night at the InterContinental Athénée Palace, Bucharest (or similar)
• Brasov walking tour
• Peles Castle visit
• Private tour at Bran Castle with dinner
VIENNA
• 2 nights at the Anantara Palais Hansen (or similar)
• Strauss Experience with Viennese coffee house visit
• Foodie tour of Vienna
• St. Stephen's Cathedral & the Crown Jewels
THE SLOW ROLL DOWN THE DOURO
WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
The Douro River stretches 550 miles, beginning in northern Spain and winding west through Portugal, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. For much of that stretch, the region offers a quiet, scenic escape. Only a few villages and small towns pepper the riversides, framed by towering mountains on either side of the Douro. Though the lush natural landscape may give the impression of being virtually untouched, it would be more accurate to say that the Douro River Valley and its communities evolved together, humanity and nature in harmony. The terraced mountainsides along the river, filled with the region's renowned vineyards, and the meandering flow of the river itself, are all a result of this interaction.
While you could visit parts of the Douro on a day trip from Porto, a week cruising the region offers you the chance to fully absorb its majesty, to slow down and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience of life in this storied destination. You’ll visit towns many travelers miss, sip Port and other fantastic wines with local vintners, and lose yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Douro River Valley’s sun-kissed landscape.
PORTUGAL’S HISTORIC GEMS
await along the Douro
Portugal is home to a unique collection of historic and enchanting towns. As you sail the Douro River, travel back through the centuries to find yourself immersed in these hidden locales. Walk the streets of Portugal’s oldest city, Braga. Explore Castelo Rodrigo, whose 13th-century remains continue to stand watch over the village. Surround yourself with beautiful architecture throughout Lamego. The history behind these cities is equally as enticing as the structures and culture that make them what they are today.
BRAGA: PORTUGAL’S OLDEST CITY
Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest and largest cities. Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago as Bracara Augusta, the city became the capital of Galécia, a Roman province. Through several kingdoms and empires, the city remained, blending ancient architecture with medieval streets and historic plazas.
Later, Braga became a major religious center during the Middle Ages, earning the nickname “Portuguese Rome.” Today, it’s known for its ornate baroque churches, Roman ruins, and lively culture.
CASTELO RODRIGO: MEDIEVAL HILLTOP TREASURE
Perched high above the surrounding countryside, Castelo Rodrigo is a walled medieval village that once stood at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. Castelo Rodrigo was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, and you can still find traces of mezuzah slots on doorframes. The Jewish community had its own synagogue and mikveh, which later became the town’s water reservoir, a structure you can still visit today.
The history of this village is deep, marked with the influences of Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians. You’ll find Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque elements down the well-preserved streets. Today, the town of Castelo Rodrigo keeps its medieval outlines, surrounded by walls reminding us of its history.
LAMEGO: PILGRIMAGE AND BAROQUE SPLENDOR
Lamego may be small, but it has a remarkable history. Its legacy shines through its ancient Moorish castle, Gothic cathedral, and a plethora of other cultural and religious sites.
Amidst the vineyards of the Douro River Valley region, the town of Lamego is home to impressive Baroque architecture and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, one of Portugal’s beautiful pilgrimage sites. Lamego’s claim to fame is the grand staircase leading up to the hilltop church, flanked by blue and white azulejos, an architectural masterpiece—and a spiritual journey for many pilgrims. If you brave the climb to the top, you are rewarded with one of the best views in the region.
AZULEJOS The Story Behind
Walk the streets of nearly any city in Portugal, and you’re likely to find yourself entranced by an architectural preoccupation with tilework. Colorful facades, and sometimes interiors as well, feature anything from abstract patterns to elaborate murals.
These tiles are known as azulejos. If you noticed a similarity between the word and the Portuguese and Spanish word for blue (azul), forget it! The word actually derives from an Arabic word for tiles: جيلزلا (pronounced: al zulaycha). It is from Arabic architecture that Spain, and eventually Portugal, gained inspiration for their decorative tilework. The prominent blue-and-white theme of Portugal’s iteration was inspired by Dutch ceramics, though tiles in other colors can still be commonly found throughout the country.
Many of the most famous azulejos murals in Portugal depict religious, cultural, or historical scenes, often with life-sized figures. Take, for example, the interior of the São Bento railway station in Porto. Across some 20,000 tiles, painted images tell stories of the Battle of Valdevez, the Conquest of Ceuta, and—fittingly for a railway station—the history of transportation in Portugal.
In true Uniworld fashion, our ship on the Douro pays homage to local heritage with some decorative tiles of her own. In spaces like the lobby, wine cave, Suite bathrooms, and more, azulejos bring a valued piece of local culture onboard to immerse you in the beauty of Portugal.
LISBON
City Guide
As Portugal’s capital and largest city, there is no shortage of fun to be had in Lisbon. Situated on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, the Tagus, Lisbon is known for great weather, scenic viewpoints, vibrant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and delicious food. It is no wonder why Lisbon is at the top of so many travel lists! On our Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley itinerary, we conclude a week on the relaxing Douro River and head to lively Lisbon.
A Few of Our Favorite Things
FAVORITE SPOT TO TRY FLAVORS OF LISBON IN ONE PLACE
In 2014, the media and hospitality group Time Out brought their food and culture magazine to life in Lisbon and opened their first market. With 26 restaurants, everyone can get exactly what they want and enjoy their dishes together at communal tables.
FAVORITE SHOPPING SPOTS
Rua Garrett is a well-known street with a mix of upscale shopping and historic stops like Bertrand bookshop (the oldest in the world) and the famo us Brasileira Café. Feeling trendy? Head to shop at LX Factory, built in a 19th-century textile factory. Feeling chic? Avenida de Liberdade is an area inspired by Parisian boulevards with specialty boutiques and high-end stores.
FAVORITE WAY TO GET AROUND TOWN
Tram 28 is the oft-photographed yellow historic streetcar that makes its way through some of the most scenic neighborhoods in Lisbon. Three famous funicular lines in the city also make for photo-worthy mobile attractions: Bica, Glória, and Lavra.
FAVORITE DAY TRIP
As part of our Masterpiece Collection of experiences, we like to spend a day living like the Portuguese nobility used to, escaping to Sintra and Cascais. Fairytale Sintra is known for beautiful landscapes and points of architectural interest such as the Royal Palace of Sintra. From Sintra, we make our way to Cascais, a fishing village turned seaside resort town for Portugal and Europe’s wealthiest. While we might not have a villa or estate, we enjoy the postcard-worthy views, colorful buildings, and charming streets with shops and restaurants.
The Must-Sees
MIRADOUROS
Lisbon is known for its many hills, allowing for one our favorite things about the city: endless beautiful viewpoints. Follow signs pointing to “miradouros” (viewpoints), and you'll be on a path to a scenic panorama.
BELÉM TOWER
The Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is an incredible structure over a small islet of the Tagus. Built as a fortification, it is from this area where explorers embarked on their journeys during the Portuguese “Age of Discovery.”
JERÓNIMOS MONASTERY
Jerónimos Monastery is cited as a prominent example of Manueline architecture , a Portuguese architectural style featuring detailed ornamentation, maritime elements, plant and animal motifs, and Christian symbols.
MONUMENT TO THE DISCOVERIES
Celebrating Portugal’s explorers, this monument is shaped as the bow of caravel—15th-century sailing vessel with Prince Henry the Navigator at the prow followed by sculptures of navigators and other prominent figures of Portugal’s seafaring history.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
TAKE YOUR JOURNEY BEYOND PORTUGAL
SALAMANCA
This medieval city in northwestern Spain is known as La Dorada—or “the Golden City”— in honor of the way its sandstone architecture gleams in the bright sunshine that lights up the city for an impressive average of 2,500 hours per year. An included daytrip destination on our Douro River Valley cruise, Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to Spain’s oldest university and two stunning cathedrals: the Gothic “New Cathedral” and the Romanesque “Old Cathedral.” Take that “New” with a grain of salt, as both structures are many centuries old, and provide examples of the architectural stylings of their eras.
MADEIRA
It may be called the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” the “Hawaii of Europe,” Portugal's "Garden Island,” and many other effusive nicknames, but we think you have to experience Madeira for yourself to truly understand how wonderland this destination is. Offered as a pre-cruise extension to our Douro itineraries, with a 3-night stay at the gorgeous Hotel Savoy Palace, Madeira beckons travelers with turquoise waters, lush nature, and towering volcanic mountains. Madeira is also known for its fortified wines and poncha, a citrusy mix of rum, fruit, and honey or sugar.
BORDEAUX
Our Wine Roads of France & Portugal itinerary debuted this year, inviting guests to indulge in the myriad delights of two legendary wine regions in one journey. As you explore Bordeaux aboard the S.S. Bon Voyage and the Douro aboard the S.S. São Gabriel, you'll enjoy private wine tastings and estate visits, engage with local winemakers, enjoy outdoor adventures in picturesque vineyards, and savor the regional gastronomy that pairs so seamlessly with decadent wines.
Chef Robert’s Corner: PASTEL DE NATA
The famous Portuguese egg custard tarts were invented by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. The original recipe is still used today at a pastry shop near the monastery and is a closely guarded secret—though you can try the original on our Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley itinerary. Our pastry chef in Portugal, a big fan of this national dessert, worked tirelessly to emulate the originals from Lisbon as closely as possible. And we think she did a fantastic job. Try out her recipe below to see for yourself.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole milk
¾ cup water
6 tbsp flour
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
12 egg yolks
Cinnamon stick
Lemon peel
1 sheet of frozen puff pastry
Secret ingredient: a dash of ruby port (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Put water, sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon peel, and port wine (optional) in a saucepan, boil for 6-8 minutes. If you have a kitchen thermometer, turn off the heat when the mixture reaches 225° F. Remove cinnamon stick and lemon peel, then set aside.
2. Mix egg yolks, flour, and milk in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the syrup while whisking constantly.
3. Roll the puff pastry into a log and cut into 12 even spirals. Place each one in a space on a muffin tin. Press to fit all the way up the sides. Fill the forms with the egg custard and bake for 10-12 minutes at 425° F.
4. Spray with cold water immediately after taking the tarts out of the oven to stop baking and remove from the tin.
OTHER PORTUGUESE FAVORITES
PETISCOS
Call them snacks, call them tapas, either way, you’ll fall in love with Portuguese petiscos. With popular varieties such as garlic shrimp, chorizo, and cheeses, these small dishes are the perfect bite to tide you over between meals. You also might enjoy ordering several and sharing them with friends, so that each of you can savor a taste of multiple local dishes.
CONSERVAS
The current international fervor for tinned fish can be said to have originated in Portugal, where conservas have a long history rooted in both economy and tradition. In recent years, gourmet takes on tinned fish have taken off, incorporating higher-quality fish, fine olive oils, unique flavoring, and artful packaging. Open a can and enjoy this specialty with crackers and a glass of Vinho Verde.
BACALHAU À BRÁS
Cod is somewhat of a Portuguese national symbol. Interestingly enough, the vast majority of the fish is imported, which is why dried, salted cod (bacalhau) is so prominent. Ask anyone in Portugal, and they’re liable to tell you that there are a thousand ways to prepare salt cod, but Bacalhau à Brás is the best. This dish takes shredded cod, onions, and thinly sliced fried potatoes, then binds them all together with scrambled eggs and tops it off with parsley and olives.
FRANCESINHA
Porto’s answer to croque-monsieur—hence the dish’s literal translation, “the little French woman”—consists of an indulgent sandwich that stacks layers of cured meats and steak between bread, which is then smothered with melted cheese and a rich, spicy tomato-beer sauce.
AN OUTSTANDING LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL GUESTS
To show our appreciation for our past guests, we automatically enroll you in our River Heritage Club loyalty program, so you can begin receiving exclusive benefits, savings, and rewards reserved exclusively for our loyal guests.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS ON ALL CRUISES, COMBINABLE WITH ALL PROMOTIONS
An exclusive WELCOME GIFT to commemorate your membership
Complimentary IN-ROOM TREAT waiting onboard upon arrival
Complimentary LAUNDRY service
Visit UNIWORLD.COM/RIVER-HERITAGE-CLUB for more information. plus
Members-only onboard COCKTAIL PARTY
PRIORITY NOTIFICATION on new cruises and programs
Dedicated PHONE NUMBER
Exclusive RiverViews E-NEWSLETTER
Special MEMBERS-ONLY OFFERS
Additional savings when you REFER FRIENDS OR FAMILY
*River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. Exclusive savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement) after other cash discounts are applied. Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. Restrictions may apply.
CAN YOU GUESS THE UNI WORD?
Have you tried your hand at our new game for River Heritage Club readers? The rules are simple: We’v e picked a word from each article in this issue of RiverViews, in order, and arranged them v ertically below. Complete all of the vertical words to guess the horizontal theme word in blue (hint: it will relate to our September theme, Portugal). The first reader to submit the correct theme word to rhc@uniworld.com will be featured in our next issue!
LAST ISSUE’S VICTOR
Congratulations to Leslie T. for being the first to solve the June 2025 UNIWORD: ODYSSEY
