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Cruise along the scenic Douro river

Festive Season on the Douro

Porto to Porto - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Avalon Alegria
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Embark on an 8-day festive season cruise on the Avalon Alegria, sailing the Douro River round-trip from Porto. Travel through the world's oldest demarcated wine region as it glows with holiday cheer. In Porto, you explore ancient avenues, visit traditional Port wine cellars, and listen to soulful Fado music. As you cruise through the dramatic slopes of the Douro Valley, you experience authentic rural life at a historic vineyard estate and taste regional wines like Vinho Verde. Your stops include the majestic Lamego Cathedral, the medieval streets of Castelo Rodrigo, and the Romanesque architecture of Salamanca in Spain. Throughout the voyage, you participate in engaging workshops to craft Christmas ornaments, paint traditional azulejos, and learn Portuguese customs while enjoying the festive season.
Porto Cityscape, PortugalStroll through SalamancaExplore the vineyards of the Douro river valleySky Deck of Avalon AlegriaCruise along the scenic Douro river
Highlights
  • Explore traditional Port wine cellars and enjoy guided tastings in Porto
  • Taste iconic Vinho Verde wine at a historic wine-producing property
  • Visit Salamanca to experience its Spanish architecture and festive markets
  • Learn to paint traditional Portuguese azulejos with a professional painter
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Porto | Embark

Arrive in Portugal and board the Avalon Alegria. Your flight into Porto must arrive by 3:30 pm, allowing you to be on board the ship by 5:00 pm. Spend your day exploring Porto independently. This evening, take a scenic sailing to view the city from a different perspective. Afterward, enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board, followed by an overnight docking in Porto.

Day 2: Porto | Porto Antigo

Begin your day by choosing between a guided visit to a Port wine cellar to learn about the winemaking process and taste the wines, or a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. If you choose the sightseeing tour, you ride to Matosinhos and Avenida da Boavista to view ancient avenues and modern street art. Later, participate in an onboard workshop to craft traditional Christmas ornaments. You can also join an interactive onboard workshop to learn the Portuguese language and culture. In the evening, listen to Fado music performed by local musicians on the ship before your overnight docking in Porto Antigo.

Day 3: Peso Da Regua

Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
Discovery Excursion
Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including a wine tasting, OR:
Discovery Excursion
Join a wine painting class with the guidance of a resident artist for a unique and new experience to portray an image linked to the culture of wine through an innovative process, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Lamego. Enjoy a taste of the local bola de Lamego with sparkling wine and stroll past iconic landmarks like the majestic Lamego Cathedral.

Enjoy a short sailing to Pinhão.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the quaint riverside town of Pinhão or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill.
Overnight docking in Pinhão

Day 4: Pocinho

Bikes and Quintas in the Douro Valley

Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.
Discovery Excursion
Join a Workshop conducted by a professional painter to discover the process of painting azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile).
Discovery Excursion
Experience the charm of the Douro region with a visit to a historic vineyard estate. Enjoy a tasting of exquisite red, white, and port wines while soaking in stunning views and uncovering the rich heritage of this renowned winemaking region.
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy a Christmas Lecture on board.

This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists.
Overnight docking in Barca D'alva

Day 5: Barca D'alva | Excursion to Salamanca

The Reign in Spain
Classic Excursion
Join your guide for a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey, OR:
Classic Excursion
Enjoy a guided tour to the historical village of Castelo Rodrigo, which, from the top of a hill, dominates the plateau that stretches from Spain in the east to the deep valley of the Douro in the north. Stroll through its medieval streets and discover the small details that give it color, such as the Hebrew inscriptions and crosses carved on the doorposts and voussoirs, OR:
Classic Excursion
Get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and "Plateresque" architecture. Stroll through Christmas markets and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the city during festive time.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Overnight docking in Foz Do Sabor

Day 6: Foz Do Sabor | Porto Antigo

Mountains and Moving Music

This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River.
Discovery Excursion
Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration.
Discovery Excursion
Join to visit a wine-producing property and taste the freshness and lightness of iconic Vinho Verde wine, considered one of the world’s unique white wines, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a guided visit to Casa de Mateus, iconic symbol of the well-known "Mateus Rosé" wine and enjoy a tasting of locally produced wine.

This evening, enjoy an onboard live entertainment.
Overnight docking in Porto Antigo

Day 7: Porto

Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde

Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning to Porto or join an included excursion to Braga and Guimarães.
Classic Excursion
Enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a visit to family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production or a culinary tour experience. Spend free time browsing the exquisite Christmas Markets of Porto. Stroll through the lovingly decorated and illuminated stalls for ornaments and handmade pieces.
Overnight docking in Porto

Day 8: Porto | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Avalon Alegria

Avalon Alegria

Avalon Alegria

Avalon Waterways brings their luxury style of cruising to the Douro River. Avalon's award winning fleet offers guests the relaxation and luxury that is expected from Avalon, while still giving unforgettable experiences along the way. Featuring the famous Avalon Panorama suites with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows with an open air balcony that gives each suite the famous 'bed with a view' design.
Reception Area of Avalon Alegria
Club Lounge of Avalon Alegria

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,851 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Deluxe Stateroom of Avalon Alegria
Deluxe Stateroom
172 sq. ft. Indigo Deck (Category E)
Panorama Suite of Avalon Alegria
Panorama Suite
200 sq. ft. Sapphire, Royal Deck (Category A, B, P)
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Adventure Center with active gear, bikes, maps, canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary fresh fruit available daily
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Panoramic windows
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
  • Cruise taxes
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or on board your vessel
  • Porterage
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • Prices do not include airfare, taxes and other government-imposed fees

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