Latest news with #Estrela
Times
10-08-2025
- Times
On board the chic new sailing through Portugal's Douro Valley
'Nine months of winter and three months of hell' is the traditional definition of the harsh climate in Portugal's Douro Valley. Short bursts of intense summer heat are followed by long, cold and rainy winters. And, oh dear, so it proves when I arrive in Porto on an April morning to a mixture of hail, torrential rain and the chilliest of breezes. But who cares when I'm heading for a short taster cruise down the fabulously winding, port-packed Douro River on a swish new ship with a difference. The Estrela is the first vessel on the river operated by the Australian company APT and it switches between itineraries, offering both all-inclusive luxury cruises and more budget-friendly journeys under its four-star Travelmarvel brand. The latter are designed to appeal to those who want to enjoy all the Douro's attractions but aren't looking for door-to-door cosseting. On a five-star APT trip it's a hedonistic whirl of oysters, champagne, sorbet palate cleansers between delicious four-course dinners, espresso martinis on tap, and 'insider' experiences, including lunches in barrel-lined port house cellars. On a Travelmarvel cruise the menu is simpler — but still includes Portuguese specialities such as caçoila, a hearty beef stew and, of course, flaky pasteis de nata custard tarts. There are soft drinks, beers and local wine during lunch and dinner, and while there's an excursion each day, some trips have to be paid for. But the ship and the terrific crew, mainly from Vietnam and Myanmar, are the same and the itineraries only slightly different. The sleek Estrela, painted matt taupe rather than the traditional gleaming white to blend in with its surroundings, is the usual giant floating shoebox because there's only so much you can do to customise a river cruise ship sailing through the narrow locks and under the low bridges of European rivers. This one can accommodate 116, has a laid-back, airy feel and decor that's a pleasing riff on a Mediterranean beach house, with lots of pale stone, wicker furniture, blond wood and natural linens; I love the elongated raffia lampshade and sawn-off tree trunk bedside tables in my stateroom, as well as the picture window whose top half glides down to the halfway point at the push of a button to create a French balcony. Having just one restaurant keeps things simple and there's a small lounge at the front of the ship for late breakfasts and light lunches. There's no spa or gym on board, so I have a great excuse to just unwind on sailing days. When the sun finally shows I hang out on the top deck, home to a pool that's the largest on the Douro (although it's still pretty dinky) and, true to its Aussie heritage, a sunken barbecue and bar. • 10 of the best cruise lines for first-timers Golfers desperately missing their tee times can take aim on a mini three-hole putting green, but I'm happy just to get comfortable on one of the many squishy sunloungers, perfectly positioned to take in the view of endless sheer-sided gorges and 50-shades-of-green terraced hillsides planted with vineyards, as well as the succession of dams and locks en route. These were built on the orders of the Portuguese dictator Antonio Salazar in the late 1960s, designed to tame the river and generate hydroelectric power for northern Portugal, and to my mind they're just as impressive as the landscape. On our way to Regua we pass through the big daddy of them all, the cathedral-like Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe, lifting boats a whopping 35 metres. It's an incredible feat of engineering and it's enormous fun to watch the whole process, boggling at what a tight fit our ship is as we squeeze through. • 17 of the best river cruises in Europe for 2025 From Regua we board a coach to Quinta da Pacheca, an 18th-century estate that's a minnow in port production terms, producing 600,000 bottles a year compared with 12 million at the more well-known Sandeman, but brilliantly innovative: guests can stay overlooking the vineyards in glamping pods designed to look like huge wine barrels, take jeep tours through the vines and wallow in a red grape bath in the spa. Our guide for the morning is more sanguine than me about another downpour: 'It's fine if it rains now, we just need good weather for the vines from the end of May.' We're ushered indoors to see the lagares, huge stone vats in which grapes are still crushed by foot. At the tasting afterwards, there's an introduction to fresh and fruity pink port, the great hope of the port industry and designed for cocktails, although my pick is the luscious, chilled 30-year-old tawny, perfect with cheese. (I'm also alarmed to be told that the bottle of young vintage ruby port I bought last year and has been languishing in my fridge needs to be chucked away: it should have been drunk within three days.) • Read our full guide to cruise holidays Sadly I'm not able to experience the whole itinerary; the Estrela will usually sail across the border into Vega de Terron for a day trip to golden sandstone Salamanca, Spain's most famous university town, and a flamenco show before heading back via the village of Barca d'Alva, followed by a visit to the baroque Mateus Palace and its glamorous garden. I'm gutted not to have a nostalgic sip of the slightly fizzy pink staple of 1970s dinner parties (and Saddam Hussein's favourite wine), but apparently although the palace provided the classic image that adorns Mateus Rosé bottles, the wine wasn't actually produced there. Instead, the highlight of our return trip is a night-time cruise through Porto when the bridges, including the city's main landmark, the extraordinary iron double-deck arch Dom Luís I, built by a student of Gustave Eiffel, are extravagantly lit up and the weather plays ball. Up on the top deck, the scenery stuns and the port flows. Life on board the Estrela is as smooth as the Douro Brookes was a guest of APT Touring, which has eight nights — seven all-inclusive on board and one B&B in Madrid — from £4,795pp, including flights and transfers on a Madrid to Porto sailing (
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zamalek sign Angolan winger Chico Banza from Estrela Amadora - Egyptian Football
Egyptian side Zamalek have signed Angolan winger Francisco Gonçalves Sacalumbo, known as Chico Banza, from Portuguese club Estrela Amadora on a four-year deal, the club announced on Sunday. The 26-year-old spent last season at Estrela, making 13 appearances and scoring once. He previously played in Cyprus for clubs including Nea Salamina, PO Xylotymbou and Anorthosis. Chico Banza has earned eight caps for Angola since making his international debut in September 2023. He becomes Zamalek's second signing of the summer following goalkeeper El-Mahdi Soliman, who also joined the Cairo club on Sunday. The Egyptian Premier League's new season is set to kick off in August. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic 2 Estrela da Amadora 3 – Hoops lose 5-goal thriller despite Idah and Hatate goals as Nygren and Tierney play
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KIERAN TIERNEY'S six-year wait to pull a Celtic jersey back on is over. The Scotland star was back in the hoops in a 45 minute cameo appearance in Lisbon. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 6 The view from the Benfica Sports Complex 6 Kieran Tierney during a Celtic training session Credit: SNS 6 Celtic and Estrela stars in action KT strolled through the first-half against Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Estrela de Amadora as he made his second debut for the club. Brendan Rodgers' side lost the behind closed doors friendly at Benfica's training complex. Estrela didn't even wear their first-team kit as they played in training gear which didn't have numbers. But it was the sight of Celtic's No63 that would have excited Celts supporters back home. Reo Hatate and Adam Idah scored their goals. But Rodgers' side were guilty of three lapses in defence with the Portuguese top-flight outfit earning the victory. What the Hoops boss would have been happy with, though, was the workrate of his squad. Rodgers gave game-time to as many players as possible and they all put a shift in. As well as Tierney, there was a return to Celtic action for winger Marco Tilio. The 23 year-old Aussie signed a five-year contract back in the summer of 2023. But after just two top team appearances under Rodgers in his first spell as manager he was sent back Down Under to Melbourne City. Lisbon training camp latest as Hoops close in on sixth summer signing Tilio will be hoping for more opportunities. But it was hard to judge him on this 45 minute run-out. He can claim an assist for the opening goal with his low delivery from the right fired into the net by fit again Hatate. But in truth it was a cross meant for striker Callum Osmand. Hatate was one of the most impressive players on the park in the first-half with the Japanese international showing real quality on the ball. Daizen Maeda was also full of running and energy as he led the team's press. Rodgers would also have been happy with what he got from young right-back Ben McPherson and rookie centre-back Colby Donovan. McPherson, 21, was confident on the ball and defended solidly. While Donovan, 18, didn't look out of place alongside Auston Trusty. It was unfortunate for him that he conceded a penalty when he handled a cross that was delivered into the box. That allowed Estrela to level the game with Alan Godoy scoring from the spot. 6 The Celtic line-up against Estrela da Amadora for the FIRST HALF 6 Here's Celtic's team for the second half Donovan was then out-muscled by powerful 19 year-old Brazilian Otavio as the Portuguese side went into the break with a 2-1 lead. Despite the those two moments, though, Donovan looked the part. Rodgers changed his line-up for the start of the second-half with skipper Callum McGregor the only player who stayed on. Summer signing Benjamin Nygren made his debut. Japanese left-back Hayato Inamura also replaced Tierney and impressed again after his debut in Cork last midweek. 6 The 23 year-old may yet be sent out on loan for the first-half of the season. But his willingness and ability to step infield was completely different to how KT performed in the first-half. Celtic made it 2-2 in 53 minutes with Idah scoring from inside the six-yard box. It was an easy finish for the Irish striker after good set-up play from Nygren. Rodgers' side were caught out on the break, though, with Estrela regaining their lead after 65 minutes with striker Jovane Cabral slotting past Ross Doohan. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The National
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Rodgers names Celtic starting XI for closed-doors friendly
The Scottish Premiership champions are in Portugal for a pre-season training camp as preparations ramp up for the new 2025/26 campaign. They take on Estrela today before facing the might of Sporting CP on Wednesday evening. Read more: Celtic have already played out two friendlies this summer, beating Queen's Park 1-0 last Friday before Colby Donovan's late header sealed a 2-1 victory over Cork City in Ireland on Tuesday. For today's match, which kicks off at 11am, several senior players have returned to the ranks and are available for selection. From midweek at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Rodgers has made five changes to his lineup this morning. The action will be streamed on CelticTV, but you can keep up to date with proceedings by following our dedicated live blog HERE. Starting XI: Sinisalo, Donovan, McPherson, Trusty, Tierney, McGregor, McCowan, Hatate, Tilio, Maeda, Osmand. Subs: Doohan, Clarke, Rice, Scales, Nygren, Idah, Yang, Kenny, Inamura, Engels, Summers, Montgomery, Ure, Murray, Forrest, McArdle, Ralston, Isiguzo.
The Age
03-05-2025
- The Age
On board the new, Aussie-owned luxury ship cruising Europe
The spaces With just 114 passengers, Estrela never feels crowded; the ship's public spaces foster a sense of ease and relaxation. Getting around is a breeze, with the four decks connected by one main staircase and (except for the top deck) an elevator. The Sun Deck has one of the largest swimming pools on the Douro, with a barbecue, sun lounges and alfresco tables. The absence of pool towels is a surprising oversight. One deck below, the True North lounge and bar is the place to gather for afternoon tea, pre-dinner cocktails, 'port talks' and evening entertainment. Down one more level to Constellations restaurant, which has a casual, yet elegant feel with lots of space and light. Seating configurations offer enough options, so no one need play musical chairs. The suite The relaxed style continues across the 57 staterooms and suites, which range from Window Staterooms (13.4-15.6 square metres), French Balcony Suites (14.6-18 square metres) and two Owner's Suites (23.2 square metres). I'm on level three in a French Balcony Suite, so named for the electric slide-down window that opens to a 'French-style' balcony. It's a bit of a stretch to call it a balcony, but by lowering the expansive window halfway down it lends a delightful indoor/outdoor feel to the whole cabin. A TV, two small armchairs, safe, mini-fridge and personal climate control complete the picture. A thoughtful addition is the wall of wooden hooks near the cabin door for hanging jackets, hats, handbags and lanyards. Having only one bedside table instead of the standard two is a missed detail. The food Port wines, olive oils, zesty-citrus, market-fresh fish – the best of the Douro Valley is within plucking distance for chef Andrei Tirca. Meals are a mix of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours, plus an 'always available' selection of favourites. There's an early-riser or late-riser breakfast in the lounge or a full buffet in Constellations restaurant. Lunches and dinners are a stand-out, featuring four-course menus with highlights such as pan-seared grouper with caviar beurre blanc or chicken ballotine with ruby port wine jus. Don't fancy a formal midday meal? There's always a buffet option or a light lunch in the lounge. Each menu is paired with recommended wines from the Douro region, enhancing the dining experience while offering an introduction to the local vineyards and grape varietals. Tip: if you're not normally a fan of port, try a portico tonico – Portugal's answer to the G&T, a refreshing blend of dry white port served with tonic water, plenty of ice and garnished with lemon. Best served while sailing. Wellness Let's face it, a cruise through one of the world's premier wine regions is more about indulging in the food and wine than wellness. The pool invites a token swim, but it's better suited for socialising than getting in a workout. For those inclined, there's a three-hole putting green. Daily excursions will keep your step count up. Entertainment Days fill easily with excursions or tailored sightseeing through the Freedom of Choice experiences. During stretches of sailing there's often a fun quiz, documentary screening or lecture about Portuguese history in the main lounge. Evening entertainment offers anything from a traditional harp performance to a Portuguese folk band to a disco night. A highlight of the trip is an exclusive Signature Experience at Porto's stunning Palacio da Bolsa featuring a guided tour, a cocktail reception and traditional Fado performance in the Arabian Hall. The crew Only six cruises in, this new ship's crew already work together like a well-oiled team. Service is not only efficient, smooth and professional, but marked by a genuine warmth and friendliness that makes every guest feel valued. Nothing is too much trouble. The verdict The MS Estrela, purpose-built for the Douro River, offers an intimate cruise experience with a fresh, contemporary design and personalised attention. If you're looking for all-inclusive luxury on one of Europe's lesser-visited rivers this is the cruise for you. Loading The details APT's nine-day Douro Delights tour from Madrid to Porto (also operates in reverse) costs from $7295 a person April-September (flights not included). The itinerary is inclusive of one night's land accommodation and seven nights onboard the MS Estrela. All meals, a wide range of onboard beverages, Wi-Fi, comprehensive sightseeing tours, Freedom of Choice experiences and Signature Experiences are all included. Rating out of five ★★★★
