Ann Morin Yulee, FL Travel Agent | Vacation.com

Ann Morin

Yulee, FL Travel Agent

CALL ME
Ann Morin

Ann Morin

Yulee, FL Travel Agent

Ann C Morin-Your Dream Vacation LLC

CALL ME
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English
Secrets of the Douro River cruise Douro river Portugal

Secrets of the Douro River cruise

The Douro river is a photographers delight!

    It is a stunning itinerary, probably the most picturesque I have sailed. 

The grape vines cling to the side of the cliffs at an almost impossible angle, very similar to the Rhine gorge but even more challenging. Dramatic mountains are covered with vineyards are far as your eye could see, it was very relaxing after the stressful year of constant Covid conversations.

     The landscape changes constantly throughout the cruise, at the end of the river the lush mountains turn to barren stone walls.  The rocky cliffs are jagged and quite impressive reminding me of the Iron Gates gorge on the Danube as one enters Romania.   

I sailed with Emerald Waterways on the Radiance, the ship itself is laid out very nice with an enticing spa pool on the top deck and the staff could not be friendlier.  I could tell that they were a real "team".  All were from Portugal, had a true love of their country, and a fondness for each other, it was quite touching. The food was excellent and they were very accommodating with my allergy which is a priority for those of us who have limitations.    

There is a small gym and spa downstairs, I liked how they had it set up with a water bottle and towel already set up in cubbies for guests.  I had a massage and it was quite relaxing, I kept my mask on when I was faced up but then when I turned over I removed it- it worked out fine.

Part of traveling now is being flexible and accepting that just because things are not exactly the same does not mean they still can't be excellent!    

     We had several great included excursions such as a visit to a beautiful vineyard for a tasting and a dinner at another gorgeous wine estate.  On board they had some fun activities like a cocktail making lesson featuring port wine and a tile painting class.  I loved the nightly "game show" activities like trivia etc. it was fun proving yet again I know more than my husband.

The highlight for myself was an optional excursion to the Mateus Manor house, the mansion and gardens were something I will not long forget!    

     This is a cruise one takes for the scenery, it is jaw dropping gorgeous, a photographer's dream. It is also a trip for wine lovers with many included tastings and the wines served on board are very good.  The cruise is very relaxing and a great way to de-stress, it is important to note that it is not an itinerary for shoppers though.  The towns are small, no jewelry stores etc., that didn't bother me as I wasn't looking to shop on this trip, many husbands will be thrilled about that!

If you are looking to see some of the prettiest views in the world in a "laid back luxury" atmosphere Emerald Waterways Secrets of the Douro may be the perfect match for you.

Give me a call at 413-552-8941 we can chat about it.

Areas of Expertise

My Travel Specialties

Reviews

260 Reviews
Patient and doesn’t nickel and dime you
We originally booked a two week Italy tour with Ann for April 2020 to celebrate our 30th anniversary. The Covid virus came along so we cancelled that and booked a river cruise for July instead. Guess what? Covid still here and cancelled again. Ann patiently booked us a third time for April of 21 back to the Italy plan. Not once did she change us a change fee or complain about the extra work. Our friends agent charged them a $75 “service fee” each time to change theirs. We will always use Ann as she doesn’t nickel and dime you.
Paula - Omaha,NE - Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
30 of 35 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Tracing family roots in Italy
Ann custom built a two week trip for my son and I tracing our family roots in Italy. It was a great experience filled with history, great food, and even some days at the beach. It was really nice working with someone who understood what it meant to me to show my son where he came from. It is a trip I will never forget!
Gino - Walpole,MA - Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
31 of 37 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Best travel agent ever!
Ann has gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 crisis in keeping us informed about our cruise, which just canceled. She is the BEST travel agent we have ever worked with and are really upset that she is really taking a huge economic hit. When it is safe to travel we will definitely be using Ann again.
Mike - Acworth, GA - Traveled to Europe
30 of 38 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO

Certifications & Awards

asta awardbwC award
AMA Academy
AMA Academy
World Azamara Academy
World Azamara Academy
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Specialist
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Oceania Certified Travel Advisor
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruise Expert
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Seabourn Academy Graduate
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist

Additional Certifications

  • Certified Travel Counselor
  • Certified River Cruise Specialist
  • Certified Italy Specialist

My Travel Stories

The Most Beautiful Greek Isles

The Most Beautiful Greek Isles

     I was so excited when restrictions for Europe were lifted, I have been going through major travel withdrawals!      My first European adven...

Read More
Journey to Jordan, Petra, the Dead Sea and Jerash

Journey to Jordan, Petra, the Dead Sea and Jerash

This trip was an extension on my Avalon Waterways Egypt and the Nile tour. My husband and I were very spoiled to have a private tour for the four days...

Read More
Egypt and the Nile cruise

Egypt and the Nile cruise

This was an adventure of a lifetime! I booked our trip with Avalon Waterways, it was wonderful being met at the airport by their staff, we were whiske...

Read More
Secrets of the Douro River cruise

Secrets of the Douro River cruise

The Douro river is a photographers delight!     It is a stunning itinerary, probably the most picturesque I have sailed.  The grape vines cling to...

Read More
Golden Myanmar

Golden Myanmar

   Prior to planning my adventure all I knew of Myanmar was that it’s former name was Burma, a location that J Peterman of the tv show Seinfeld vi...

Read More
The Sicilian 10 day tour from Globus

The Sicilian 10 day tour from Globus

Sicily is my favorite place on earth!           For an island the size of the state of Vermont, Sicily is extremely diverse with varied micro c...

Read More
The Delightful Danube -river cruise with Avalon

The Delightful Danube -river cruise with Avalon

      I adore the Danube River!           I have sailed it four times and will probably sail it many more.  There is nothing like gliding ...

Read More
Italian Treasures, Tuscany, Cinque Terre

Italian Treasures, Tuscany, Cinque Terre

Italy is my favorite place in the world!           Each year I visit, exploring new areas and returning to others I especially enjoyed.I like ...

Read More
The Gems of Umbria and Tuscany

The Gems of Umbria and Tuscany

  I like going off the beaten path...                If you have been to Italy once you surely visited the “big three” Rome, Florence, a...

Read More
Meandering the Mekong River Angkor Wat to Thailand

Meandering the Mekong River Angkor Wat to Thailand

Asia is a fascinating place!       It is so different than the western world in a multitude of ways. When you visit places such as Cambodia, Viet...

Read More
Find Romance while cruising the Rhine River

Find Romance while cruising the Rhine River

     The Rhine River is considered one of the most romantic stretches of water in the world.  Cruising along past castles and vineyards is sure to...

Read More
Incredible India -gliding the Ganges with Avalon

Incredible India -gliding the Ganges with Avalon

"Why India?"       I was asked that question from half the people that I told I was heading there on my next adventure.  My answer was simple, I...

Read More
Down the Danube to Dracula with Avalon Waterways

Down the Danube to Dracula with Avalon Waterways

     I adore the Danube river!           I have sailed it several times and never grow tired of the cobblestone lined streets and quaint vill...

Read More

My Places.

___
Request a Quote
online partner of the year oceania award tauck certified elite diamond logo universal cert SYTA logo