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Festive Season on the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon and a Taste of Madeira

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Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WCCY-T0
Overview
Destination:
Portugal
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
November 2027 - December 2027
15 Days from Lisbon to Lisbon
Trade ordinary holidays for extraordinary moments along the Douro Valley this festive season. Kick off your adventure with three nights in Lisbon, where festive squares and iconic sights set the scene. Journey north through Coimbra’s medieval charm, before boarding our newest ship, the Avalon AlegriaSM, where you’ll cruise through the River of Gold’s dramatic slopes and famous vineyards just as the first Christmas lights begin to glow.

Embark on your river cruise in Porto, where the days are spent exploring Port wine cellars and ancient avenues, and the nights are filled with the soulful sound of Fado. As we sail toward the Spanish border, the scenery shifts to the medieval walls of Castelo Rodrigo and the golden stone of Salamanca. Whether you’re learning to bake Portuguese pastries, crafting traditional Christmas ornaments, tasting Vinho Verde at a historic estate, or wandering through the hilltop castle in Guimarães, with Avalon, you’re free to follow your curiosity and celebrate the season your way. Discover the world’s oldest demarcated wine region at its most magical, with festive traditions, seasonal flavors, and a glass of Port never out of reach.

Extend your journey with three nights on Madeira, where Funchal’s decorated squares and island traditions create a joyful finale. Explore scenic villages, sample Madeira wine, and soak in the celebratory spirit that makes this island escape the perfect ending to your festive adventure.

Notes:
  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Highlights:
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
Day 1 - LISBON, PORTUGAL
Welcome to Lisbon.

Your day in Lisbon is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 2 - LISBON
Portuguese Treasures

CLASSIC Explore Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, with a Local Guide. Do not miss the must-see sights, including Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

You might opt to join an optional gastronomic walking tour to learn about the authentic flavors, aromas, and traditions of Portugal Alternatively, be inspired by the charm of the city during festive season and don’t miss to visit the local Christmas markets with their stalls and festive decorations.

This evening you might join an optional excursion including a traditional Portuguese dinner, followed by a live concert of traditional Portuguese Fado music.

(B)

Day 3 - LISBON. EXCURSION TO SINTRA AND VISIT OF PALÁCIO NACIONAL
A Resplendent Royal Residence

CLASSIC Join us on a guided excursion to Sintra, where you will visit the National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, drive to Cabo da Roca and enjoy some free time in the Western most point of continental Europe.

(B)

Day 4 - LISBON–COIMBRA–PORTO (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

CLASSIC Stop in Coimbra for a guided city sightseeing tour. Accompanied by a Local Guide, you’ll explore the historical area of the city and learn all about the oldest university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in the world.

Enjoy free time to stroll through the city and discover the artisan products and local specialties typical of festive season.
Transfer to Porto to board your Avalon Suite Ship®

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

(B,D)

Day 5 - PORTO-PORTO ANTIGO
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde

DISCOVERY Enjoy a guided visit to one of the many Port wine cellars, where a guide will accompany you through the cellar's facilities, explaining where the grapes are harvested and how the wines are made. At the end of your explorations, taste some of the wines, 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.

DISCOVERY Join an onboard workshop and craft traditional Christmas ornaments.

DISCOVERY Join us for an onboard workshop to learn Portuguese language and culture. Discover essential words, charming stories, and clever tricks that bring this centuries-old language to life in an interactive and memorable way.

Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO ANTIGO

(B,L,D)

Day 6 - PESO DA RÉGUA
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 a wine tasting, OR:

DISCOVERY 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 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

(B,L,D)

Day 7 - POCINHO
Bikes and Quintas in the Douro Valley

Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.

DISCOVERY Join a Workshop conducted by a professional painter to discover the process of painting azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile).

DISCOVERY 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 Enjoy a Christmas Lecture on board.

This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA

(B,L,D)

Day 8 - BARCA D’ALVA. EXCURSION TO SALAMANCA
The Reign in Spain

CLASSIC 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 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 colour, such as the Hebrew inscriptions and crosses carved on the doorposts and voussoirs, 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. 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

(B,L,D)

Day 9 - FOZ DO SABOR-PORTO ANTIGO
Mountains and Moving Music

This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River.

DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration.

DISCOVERY Join us 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 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

(B,L,D)

Day 10 - PORTO
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde

Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning to Porto or join an included excursion to Braga and Guimarães.

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 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

(B,L,D)

Day 11 - PORTO (DISEMBARKATION)–FUNCHAL
Crystalline Waters & Waterfront Wonders

Disembark your Suite Ship® and leave the Portuguese mainland to fly to Funchal, capital of Madeira.

CLASSIC Join an orientation walk to admire the historic landmarks and attractive waterfront. Enjoy free time to explore more.

(B)

Day 12 - FUNCHAL
Traditions, Flora, and Fauna

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Tour of the northern part of the Island to discover amazing viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

(B)

Day 13 - FUNCHAL
Natural Landscapes, Vineyards and Traditional Cuisine

Enjoy a free day to enjoy the island at your pace. Enjoy the sea, immerse yourself in local nature, or simply take a stroll to discover historical monuments and museums or taste typical dishes and the famous Madeira wine. There are so many ways to enjoy this beautiful island!

(B)

Day 14 - FUNCHAL-LISBON
Portugal’s Mainland

Leave the island of Funchal with a flight to Lisbon. Enjoy free time to explore the city.

(B)

Day 15 - LISBON
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Dates

Select a date or submit general enquiry

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Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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14 nights
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