Portugal is set to take off in 2016 as the next up-and-coming European river cruise destination

IT’S remained relatively under the radar, but now travel experts believe this one thing will launch this country onto the world stage.

Portugal has been named the hot spot for 2016 river cruising.

ITÂ’S remained relatively under the radar, but now travel experts are picking Portugal as the European country set to takeoff in 2016.

As river cruising surges in popularity and travellers look for new destinations, Portugal’s Douro River has emerged as Europe’s hidden gem.

“As a river cruise destination, Portugal has remained under the radar for far too long,” says Tom Walley, head of leisure travel at Flight Centre.

“The most popular route for Australians taking a European river cruise is the Budapest to Amsterdam route along the Main, Danube and Rhine rivers which offers the quintessential experience and has so far overshadowed the Douro River option”, he says.

But increased interest in the region has sparked reuvenation in the industry and Flight Centre believes that 2016 is Portugal’s year. Scenic is leading the charge with a new luxury vessel launching in April, while Uniworld and Viking also present a high standard of cruise accommodation.

“Because it is still developing, travellers can get an authentic taste of life in Portugal as they port in rural villages that are unaccustomed to tourists. Cruising during harvest season in September and October is a great option for wine lovers while spring is also a picturesque time to cruise,” says Walley.