8-Night Avalon Waterways Douro River Cruise
Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
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.
What is it like cruising the Douro River?
“Sailing the Douro Valley is much different than sailing the Rhine or Danube rivers. This river is much smaller, so the ships are smaller. The Douro Valley is known for their Portuguese wine, but most importantly, the Port wines. While you are cruising down the river, you see beautiful vines on the hillsides next to wine estates in between small quaint villages.”
Not only is their grape vines going up the slopes, but also olive and almond groves around the river banks. Porto is a great little community, which is actually on both sides of the river which can be accessed by walking across one of the numerous bridges or taking the computer train. Porto has shopping, sightseeing and Port wine tasting.”
Exclusive Amenity: Receive a complimentary pre or post night on European 2027 sailings!
Save between $1,000 to $3,000 per double occupancy on select European river cruises when you book by October 12, 2026*
Ship: Avalon Alegria| Cruise Line: Avalon River Cruise | Sail Date: August 25, 2027 | From/To: Roundtrip Porto, Portugal| Length: 8-Nights
Deluxe window stateroom From
$4,576
Per person including taxes and fees
Panorama Suite From
$6,775
Per person including taxes and fees
A Journey That Changes with the Seasons.
Each season along the Douro brings its own character – from sun-warmed summer days to the quieter beauty of spring and fall. Depending on when you sail, you can take part in a cozy harvest experience with grape picking and stunning views of grape laden vineyards. As the seasons change, so do the colors of the terraced hillsides, the rhythm of riverside life, and the feel of Portugal’s celebrated wine country. Sail this iconic river when it speaks most to you, with every season offering a distinct point-of-view.
Avalon Suite Fleet:
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- 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
- Elevator
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Fitness & Wellness:
- Active shore excursions, both included and optional
- Fitness Center
- Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:
- Bikes
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Canoe and kayak excursions
- Fitbits®
- Walking Sticks
- Binoculars
- Daypacks
- Yoga Mats
- Fitness bands
*Personal-use bikes and watercraft not available on Avalon AlegriaSM
Dining:
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
- Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
- Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
- Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
- Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
| Date | Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 25, 2027 | Wed. | Porto, Portugal (Embarkation) | 5:00pm | |
| August 26, 2027 | Thurs. |
Porto-Caldas de Aregos. Excursion to Braga and Guimaraes.
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, OR:
Classic Excursion
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*.
|
Morning | Evening |
| August 27, 2027 | Friday | Peso Da Regua
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:
Discovery Excursion 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 Excursion
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.
|
Morning | Evening |
| August 28, 2027 | Sat. | Pocinho
|
Morning | Evening |
| August 29, 2027 | Sun. |
Barca D'Alva. Excursion to Salamanca.
The Reign in Spain
Classic 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 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 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.
|
Morning | Evening |
| August 30, 2027 | Mon. |
Ferradosa - Leverinho Mountains and Moving Music This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River. Discovery Excursion
Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration.
Discovery Excursion
Join us for an onboard Lecture to learn more about the wines of the region.
Discovery Excursion
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, OR:
Classic Excursion
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.
|
Morning | Evening |
| August 31, 2027 | Tues. |
Porto Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
Active Excursion
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 Excursion 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 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.
|
Morning | Evening |
| September 1, 2027 | Wed. | Porto
|
7:00am |
Avalon Alegria
*Prices are in USD, per person based on double occupancy, availability and subject to change without notice. All pricing includes cruise taxes, fees and port expenses. All promotions are capacity controlled by Avalon and can be pulled at any time without notice. Treasures of Belgium & Holland is Cruise WXA; Departure #70411.Vida Portugal – Vineyards & Villages is Cruise WCC; Departure #70825. Other restrictions may apply. Ships’ registry: Switzerland, Germany and Vietnam
