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Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with a Taste of Madeira

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Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WCCE
Overview
Destination:
Portugal
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
March 2027 - November 2027
12 Days from Porto to Lisbon
Like a blue ribbon threading through the green Douro Valley, the River Douro carries you through some of Portugal’s most legendary landscapes. Meaning “River of Gold,” the Douro River lives up to its name by revealing priceless gems along sloping vineyards and sleepy villages where rugged landscapes have been tamed for centuries to produce a bounty of wines and cuisine. Welcome aboard the newest addition to our award-winning fleet of Suite Ships® – the Avalon AlegriaSM to be swept away by Douro’s timeless treasures and traditions in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Embark on your Portugal river cruise in the city of Porto as we set sail to share the proud traditions of winemaking, agriculture, architecture, artistry, and adventure. From the sweet life of farming legacies to the smooth sounds of passionate Fado music, Portugal comes to life in its artistry, architecture, and always welcoming locals who share the scenic mysteries and treasured moments awaiting you on this dazzling Douro River cruise vacation in Portugal.

Next, celebrate your Douro River cruise vacation with a three-night stay on the magical island of Madeira where crystalline waters, centuries of tradition, and culinary tastes await you. Visit Funchal and be inspired by the captivating charm of “Little Lisbon.” Relax in the quaint fishing villages and let your imagination wander amid quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus. Your Avalon Douro River cruise and vacation in Madeira serve up a feast for the senses and adventure for the soul on this unforgettable vacation in Portugal.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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PORTO, PORTUGAL (EMBARKATION)
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.

This evening, see Porto from a unique perspective on a scenic sailing.

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

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

(D)
PORTO–PORTO ANTIGO. EXCURSION BRAGA AND GUIMARÃES
Portuguese Panoramas

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:

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*.

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

*On March, second half of September, October & November departures this excursion will be offered on day 7 and replaced by bike tour or Porto wine tasting.

(B,L,D)
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 or visit Casa de Mateus.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PINHÃO

(B,L,D)
POCINHO
Kayaks 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).

ACTIVE Discover the Douro River by kayak on a guided adventure through Portugal’s stunning valley. Enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable moments*, OR:

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 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.

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

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA

*On March, second half of September, October & November a bike tour will be offered to replace this excursion.

(B,L,D)
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.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN FERRADOSA

(B,L,D)
FERRADOSA–LEVERINHO. EXCURSION TO AMARANTE
Mountains and Moving Music

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

DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration.

DISCOVERY Join us for an onboard Lecture to learn more about the wines of the region.

DISCOVERY Take a visit to a wine-producing property and taste the freshness and lightness of iconic Vinho Verde wine, considered one of the world’s unique white wines.

This evening, enjoy an onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LEVERINHO

(B,L,D)
PORTO*
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 guided bike tour, OR;

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.

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. 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

*On March, second half of September, October & November the Porto sightseeing excursion, the bike tour and the Porto wine tasting will be offered on day 2. The full-day excursion to Braga and Guimarães originally planned for day 2 will be offered on this day. As an alternative, enjoy a sailing morning and free time in the afternoon in Porto.

(B,L,D)
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)

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)

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)

FUNCHAL–LISBON
Portugal’s Mainland

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

(B)

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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$10,164*
per person twin share
11 nights
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