Rabelo Boats on Douro River

Set against the charming historic district of Porto, traditional rabelo boats gently float on the Douro River. These flat-bottomed boats were once used to transport barrels of wine from the upstream vineyards of the Douro Valley down to warehouses near the river’s mouth. Though tankers have now taken over their role, rabelos still sail today as cruise and ferry boats, adding a nostalgic touch to Porto’s scenic landscape.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in the country, spread out along the Douro River in northwestern Portugal. The city's history dates back to the Celtic period, and the place name "Portus Cale" given by the ancient Romans is the origin of the country's name. The entire old town, filled with the charm of various eras, is designated as a World Heritage site. Walking around the beautiful streets and bridges over the Douro is a regular part of the trip, as is a glass of port wine served at a riverside restaurant with a specialty dish.