Duration: 8 Days
Explore the Douro River on this delightful river cruise across Portugal! Discover why the river’s name translates to ‘River of Gold’ as you sail on its gleaming waters through Portugal’s breathtaking panoramic beauty. Marvel at the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, little towns, and charming villages, as you sail through one of the most stunning views of Portugal.
You’ll board your Avalon Suite Ship in Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. Begin your experience with a guided tour to Braga and Guimarães. Alternatively, you can choose a tour focused on the Romanesque architecture, including a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque. Enjoy a guided tour in the charming towns of Peso da Regua and Lamego, where historical sights are mixed with delicious tastings. As an alternative, meet the owner of one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley who will share with you the family history and let you taste some of the oil and wine made. Take a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a village well-known for its vineyards overlooking the horizon and its granite houses. Alternatively, join a guided tour to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, famous for its Côa Valley Paleolithic Art, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a cozy village with narrow streets and flowered houses with grand Gothic Manueline windows. Should you wish to opt for a full-day experience, take part in guided sightseeing in Salamanca. During a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante, you will immerse yourself in the rich history, the unforgettable places, and the emotionally stirring experience of the city.
Your Douro River cruise returns to Porto with more time to explore the captivating city. Feel Porto’s true essence along a pleasant guided walk through the scenic mysteries of this city’s Historical Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Welcome to Portugal. Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Porto must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day in Porto is free to explore at your leisure.
You may choose to join an afternoon guided optional culinary tour if arriving early today. Experience some of Porto's most famous sights and most delectable dishes with regional wine.
This evening an illumination sailing will show you Porto from a different prospective.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO (D)
Portuguese Panoramas
Visit the Adventure Centre on board for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
DISCOVERY Step back in time within the walls of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque with a fascinating introduction to its symbolism and architecture. Enjoy an excursion with an exclusive visit to one of the most iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era with entrance to a XIII century church and be enchanted by sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir, OR:
CLASSIC 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 Guimaraes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrate your experience with a stop at one of the area's many wine farms and enjoy a tasting.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO ANTIGO (B,L,D)
Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
DISCOVERY Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including an olive oil and wine tasting, OR:
CLASSIC Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Regua -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 and sparkling wine in a local pastry shop.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhao 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PINHAO (B,L,D)
Written in Stone
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.
DISCOVERY Discover Vila Nova de Foz Coa at the eastern terminal of the legendary Douro Railway line. Marvel at the amazing archaeological site along the River Coa where a wealth of remarkable prehistoric rock paintings and carvings were discovered as the most significant collection of Palaeolithic figurations known today. OR:
CLASSIC Join a guided tour of Freixo de Numao, 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D'ALVA (B,L,D)
The Reign in Spain
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
CLASSIC Join our guide for a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada a Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey, OR:
CLASSIC 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 delicacy, toston asado (traditional roast suckling pig).
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN FERRADOSA (B,L,D)
Painted Tiles & Passionate Tunes
During your morning sailing, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile) to take home a piece of Portugal's tradition. You may alternatively join an onboard pastry demonstration.
CLASSIC Join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante - poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marao mountain and the Tamega 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LEVERINHO (B,L,D)
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
ACTIVE 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 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, OR:
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. 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO (B,L,D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
