On this 8-day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages along the Douro Cruise roundtrip Porto aboard Avalon Alegria, embark on a trip through Portugal's Douro Valley. Experience the region’s landscapes, wines, and traditions. Begin in Porto with guided tours to Braga, Guimarães, and the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque. In Peso da Régua and Lamego, enjoy historical sights and tastings, or visit an ancient farm for olive oil and wine. Explore Freixo de Numão’s vineyards and granite houses, Vila Nova de Foz Côa’s Paleolithic art, and Freixo de Espada à Cinta’s Gothic Manueline windows. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salamanca, Spain, and experience Amarante. Conclude your cruise back in Porto, exploring the UNESCO-listed Historical Centre.
Highlights
Cruise the Douro River, passing through Portugal’s legendary landscapes
Start your trip in Porto with guided tours to Braga, Guimarães and more
Explore the towns of Peso da Régua and Lamego, historical sights and tastings
Discover Freixo de Numão’s vineyards, Paleolithic art, and more
Conclude the trip in Porto, UNESCO-listed Historical Centre & Douro Valley
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.
Welcome to Portugal, where your dhip is ready for boarding; please ensure flights into Porto arrive by 3:30 pm and be on board by 5 pm. Spend your day exploring Porto at your leisure, and in the evening, enjoy an illumination sailing, followed by dinner and time to explore the ship.
Visit the Adventure Center on board to check out today's activities with your Adventure Host.
Discovery Excursion: Explore the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque and learn about its symbolism and architecture. Enjoy an exclusive visit to an iconic Romanesque monastery, including entrance to a 13th-century church, and be enchanted by the sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir.
Classic Excursion: Dive into Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Visit the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and cap off your experience with a wine tasting at a local wine farm.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhão to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terra cotta creations, and culinary delights, or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill.
This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Casa de Mateus.
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
Classic Excursion: Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua —with its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles, and stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral, followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.
Discovery Excursion: Discover Vila Nova de Foz Côa at the eastern terminal of the legendary Douro Railway line. Marvel at the amazing archaeological site along the River Côa where a wealth of remarkable prehistoric rock paintings and carvings were discovered as the most significant collection of Palaeolithic figurations known today.
or
Classic Excursion: Join a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains filled with vast vineyards and granite houses. This little suburb is filled with Roman, Medieval, and modern ruins.
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Discovery Excursion: Join our 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: 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. Dive into a delicious dish of the traditional Spanish paella.
This morning enjoy a nice and relaxing sailing through the Douro River.
Classic Excursion: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante – poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marão mountain and the Tâmega River, which courses through the heart of the city and assortment of houses lining the riverbanks.
Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.
Active Excursion: Enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, on a bicycle and accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide
or
Classic Excursion: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto – from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art
This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production or a culinary tour experience. Perhaps simply spend time strolling through Porto’s cobblestone lanes, lovely shops, and tempting tapas bars this afternoon before experiencing the energy of Porto’s buzzing nightlife.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,3082-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Deluxe Stateroom
172 sq. ft.
Indigo Deck (Category E)
Panorama Suite
200 sq. ft.
Sapphire, Royal Deck (Category A, B, P)
Initial deposit is $250pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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
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
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
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.