Douro River Cruise Review: Is Portugal BETTER Than the Rhine or Danube?

Thinking about a European river cruise? In this episode, travel expert Nanci Ott compares the Douro River to the Rhine and Danube while reviewing her recent sailing with Avalon Waterways and comparing top cruise lines including AmaWaterways, Scenic, and Viking. Thinking about booking a European river cruise but not sure whether to choose the Rhine, Danube, or Portugal’s beautiful Douro River? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, I’m joined by travel expert Nanci Ott of Tinker Travel, fresh off a sailing aboard Avalon Waterways on Portugal’s stunning Douro River. Together, we explore: ✔ What makes the Douro River unique ✔ Why the Douro is growing rapidly in popularity ✔ Whether it’s a good first river cruise ✔ The differences between the Douro, Rhine, and Danube ✔ Port wine experiences and Portuguese culture ✔ Avalon Waterways’ Panorama Suites ✔ Shore excursions and accessibility ✔ Scenic landscapes and smaller intimate ships PLUS… Nanci compares some of the top cruise lines sailing the Douro River including: 🚢 Avalon Waterways 🚢 AmaWaterways 🚢 Scenic 🚢 Viking We discuss: ✅ Pricing ✅ Shore excursions ✅ Luxury inclusions ✅ Transfers & gratuities ✅ Best value ✅ Best luxury experience ✅ Best for foodies ✅ Best for active travelers ✅ Best for first-time river cruisers If you’re considering a Douro River cruise — or any European river cruise — this episode is packed with helpful insights and firsthand experiences. #DouroRiver #RiverCruise #AvalonWaterways #AmaWaterways #ScenicCruises 👇 Have you done a river cruise before? Would you choose the Douro, Rhine, or Danube? Let us know in the comments below! CONNECT WITH NANCY OTT 📧 Nanci Ott – Tinker Travel 🌐 nanci@tinkertravel.me 805-202-4258 Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com https://realtravelexperts.com/​ https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/ https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/ RTE Travel Talk does not endorse any of their guests' products or services. The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect those of the host and RTE Travel Talk. Image & Video Credits: Images & Video Clips Courtesy of: Avalon Waterways TRAVEL PRODUCTS & SERVICES WE LOVE: Some of the products and services featured below are offered through affiliate partnerships. If you choose to make a purchase using our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating travel content and resources. ✈️ Stay connected wherever you travel with Holafly eSIMs and save 5% https://holafly.sjv.io/R02q22 🛒 Shop All LEVEL8 Products https://amzn.to/3QO1XmC 🧳 LEVEL8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On https://amzn.to/4vkxtaK 🧳 LEVEL8 Lightweight Luminous 20 in Carry-on https://amzn.to/4xG5hkf 🎒 LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack https://amzn.to/4aZTqUp Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Special Guest, Nanci Ott 01:31 Overview 02:20 Small ship - 102 pass. 02:38 No "traffic" 03:34 Impressions of Avalon Waterways 04:08 The Douro itself 04:42 Winery visits to remember 06:19 Braga excursion 06:43 Difference in Avalon touring to Viking and others 07:26 A different stop every day 08:38 Food and wine 08:59 What does Avalon do really well? 09:38 Why is the Douro gaining in popularity? 10:11 Who is this river cruise suited for? 10:52 Small number on excursions 12:02 Is it good for those with mobility issues? 12:56 PRICE COMPARISON & booking times 15:30 Douro ships do NOT stop in towns/villages 16:15 INCLUSION COMPARISON 18:24 Transfers 19:18 Gratuities 19:41 Lightening round of "Who is the Best at" questions 21:09 Final advice 22:27 Contacting Nanci 22:58 Nanci's future travel