Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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River Cruise
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 a...
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$4,859
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Highlights

    • Onboard welcome reception
    • Choice of guided sightseeing in Braga and Guimarães, or Romanesque tour
    • Choice of guided sightseeing Peso da Régua and Lamego or farm visit with tasting
    • Choice of guided sightseeing in Freixo de Numão or guided sightseeing in Vila Nova de Foz Côa
    • Choice of guided sightseeing in Salamanca or guided sightseeing in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
    • Guided sightseeing in Amarante
    • Choice of guided sightseeing or bike tour
    • 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

What's this trip about?

    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, family farms and fevered Fado music, and mouth-watering culinary creations in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Embark on your Suite Ship® in the city of Porto. Take a guided tour to Braga and Guimarães or explore ancient architecture, including a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque. Enjoy a guided tour in the charming towns of Peso da Régua and Lamego, where historical sights are mixed with delicious tastings, or meet the owner of one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley to sample the proud traditions of olive oil and wine. Take a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, where vineyards and granite houses dot the river shores. Consider a fascinating guided tour to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, home of the remarkable Côa Valley Palaeolithic discoveries – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a cozy village with narrow streets, flowered houses, and grand Gothic Manueline windows or choose a full-day experience in Spain with a guided sightseeing excursion to Salamanca. Immerse yourself in an emotionally stirring experience in Portugal’s city of Amarante. Your Douro River cruise returns to Porto to soak in the scenic mysteries of this city’s Historical Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These and countless other treasures await you on the River of Gold in Portugal’s dazzling Douro Valley.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPORTO, PORTUGAL (EMBARKATION)
End CityPORTO (DISEMBARKATION)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Portugal

Attractions

  • Porto
  • Salamanca

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Day 1: 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 an illumination sailing will show yo...

Day 2: PORTO-PORTO ANTIGO. EXCURSION BRAGA AND GUIMARÃES

Portuguese Panoramas Visit the Adventure Center 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 architectu...

Day 3: 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: CLASSIC Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua —with its re...

Day 4: POCINHO

Written in Stone

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

DISCOVERY 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 ...

Day 5: BARCA D’ALVA. EXCURSION TO SALAMANCA

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 à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural P...

Day 6: FERRADOSA-LEVERINHO. EXCURSION TO AMARANTE

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 onboar...

Day 7: 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 bicycle and accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide, OR; CLASSIC Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, ...

Day 8: PORTO (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

PORTO-DETAIL.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,799
Price per day$475
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
24 Apr 2024
01 May 2024
$4,099
Please Call
01 May 2024
08 May 2024
$4,299
Available
08 May 2024
15 May 2024
$4,299
Sold Out
15 May 2024
22 May 2024
$4,299
Please Call
22 May 2024
29 May 2024
$4,299
Please Call
29 May 2024
05 Jun 2024
$4,299
Please Call
05 Jun 2024
12 Jun 2024
$4,299
Sold Out
12 Jun 2024
19 Jun 2024
$4,299
Available
19 Jun 2024
26 Jun 2024
$4,299
Available
26 Jun 2024
03 Jul 2024
$4,299
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Porto GaiaHoused in a former port warehouse, this beautiful property is steeped in history and enjoys a privileged location in the historic center of Vila Nova de Gaia, close to the Gaia Cable Car and Port Wine Cellars, with the Famous Dom Luis bridge just 1 km away. Offering contemporary comfort and sophisticated design, this 194-room hotel has spacious guest rooms equipped with modern amenities such as Free Wi-Fi internet access, air conditioning, a coffee machine, minibar, flat-screen TV and complimentary toiletries in the bathroom. Guests can enjoy a drink at the panoramic bar or dine at the on-site restaurant with outdoor terrace which offers authentic local cuisine with a modern twist. A fitness centre and an indoor pool with sauna are available. PortoPortugalRua da Serpa Pinto 124,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
WCC|Vida Portugal Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro WCCQ|With 3 Nights in Lisbon
Trip ID
AVALON-WCC

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