Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
Portugal
Seven nights round-trip from Porto on the Douro aboard the Avalon Alegria, Avalon's newest Suite Ship: Porto and a full-day option to Braga and Guimarães, Régua and Lamego, Pinhão, Pocinho with a kayak or vineyard choice, a day into Spain at Salamanca or the border villages, Casa de Mateus, and back to Porto for the port wine cellars. A choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursion each day, Fado and flamenco evenings on board, all meals with wine and beer at lunch and dinner. Flights, transfers and hotel nights are extra.
From $4,651 pp
Per person, two sharing · lowest cabin, cruise only — flights from home not included · 8 days
- Next departure
- Mar 24, 2027 · $4,151
- Departures open
- 30
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Operator
- Avalon Waterways (Globus)
Or call / text 954-698-4438
Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.
Our take
The Douro is the river cruise for people who think they do not like river cruises: terraced vineyards on both banks the whole way, a small ship, and a route that goes up and back so you see the valley twice in different light. Avalon's Alegria is its newest ship on the river. Two things from Avalon's own notes: the Day 2 and Day 7 programs swap on March, October and November departures because of river restrictions, and the kayak excursion is replaced by a bike tour in the shoulder months.
Highlights
- Sails on the Avalon Alegria — 37 Panorama Suites and 14 staterooms, every cabin exterior-facing
- All meals on board with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, one included excursion a day, bikes and Wi-Fi
- 8 Days from Porto to Porto
- 30 departures currently open across 2027, from $4,651 per person (lowest cabin, cruise only, flights from home not included)
Who this trip suits
- Travelers who want a scenic, vineyard-lined river rather than a city-hopping one
- Wine and food travelers — port, Vinho Verde, Mateus, an olive-oil mill option, pastry and language workshops on board
- Couples who like a round-trip port with easy flights (Porto)
- Active travelers — kayaking, biking and hikes are on the Avalon Choice menu
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants a different city every day; this river is about landscape and villages
- Travelers who dislike full-day coach excursions — the Salamanca day is one
- People expecting a large ship; the Alegria carries about 100 guests
- Those set on a specific departure-month program; shoulder-season sailings run a revised order
Day by day
Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026
1Porto, Portugal (embarkation)Porto, Portugal (embarkation)Dinner
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 a scenic sailing will show you Porto from a different perspective. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
Meals: Dinner · Overnight docking in Porto
2Portuguese PanoramasPorto–Porto Antigo. excursion Braga and GuimarãesBreakfastLunchDinner
Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board. *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
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · 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*.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Porto Antigo
3Pastoral Pleasures of PortugalPeso Da RéguaBreakfastLunchDinner
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.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · 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 · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Pinhão
4Kayaks and Quintas in the Douro ValleyPocinhoBreakfastLunchDinner
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region. This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists. *On March, April, second half of September, October & November a bike tour will be offered to replace this excursion.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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* · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Barca d’alva
5The Reign in SpainBarca D’alva. excursion to SalamancaBreakfastLunchDinner
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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: 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 · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Ferradosa
6Mountains and Moving MusicFerradosa–LeverinhoBreakfastLunchDinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River. This evening, enjoy an onboard live entertainment.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Leverinho
7Ancient Charm Meets Avant-GardePorto*BreakfastLunchDinner
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. *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.
Your choice · Included Avalon Choice options — 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 · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Overnight docking in Porto
8Porto (disembarkation)Porto (disembarkation)Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & prices
Read from Avalon Waterways (Globus)'s departures feed · per person, two sharing · lowest cabin category, cruise only — flights from home not included
| Departs | Returns | Group | From pp | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 11 | Cruise | $4,430 | Please call |
| Mar 24, 2027 | Mar 31 | Cruise | $4,151$4,651 | Available |
| Mar 31, 2027 | Apr 7 | Cruise | $4,601$4,751 | Please call |
| Apr 7, 2027 | Apr 14 | Cruise | $5,300$5,550 | Available |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Apr 21 | Cruise | $4,901$5,151 | Available |
| Apr 21, 2027 | Apr 28 | Cruise | $5,151 | Please call |
| Apr 28, 2027 | May 5 | Cruise | $5,850 | Few seats left |
| May 5, 2027 | May 12 | Cruise | $5,850 | Available |
| May 19, 2027 | May 26 | Cruise | $5,451 | Please call |
| Jun 2, 2027 | Jun 9 | Cruise | $5,850 | Available |
| Jun 9, 2027 | Jun 16 | Cruise | $5,350$5,850 | Available |
| Jun 16, 2027 | Jun 23 | Cruise | $5,201$5,451 | Available |
| Jun 23, 2027 | Jun 30 | Cruise | $4,326$5,451 | Available |
| Jun 30, 2027 | Jul 7 | Cruise | $4,576$5,451 | Available |
21 more departures scheduled — ask us for the full calendar. Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.
Where you stay
Hotels as listed by Avalon Waterways (Globus), “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.
Porto — pre/post-cruise night option
Hilton Porto GaiaSuperior First-Class
Housed 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…
Porto — pre/post-cruise night option
Boeira Garden Porto Gaia,Curio Collection by HiltonFirst-Class
Centrally located and surrounded by gardens of Quinta da Boeir, the hotel offers 124 air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, desk and safe. The hotel's…
What's included
- 7 nights on the Avalon Alegria in the cabin category you choose (the 'from' price is the lowest category)
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners on board
- All meals on board — wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus a nightly happy hour (except the first night)
- One included Avalon Choice excursion each day — Classic, Active or Discovery — led by Local Guides or your Adventure Host
- Bikes and e-bikes to borrow in port, Adventure Host wellness classes, and complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Live entertainment and Avalon After Dark evenings on board
- Port charges and the services of the Cruise Director and Adventure Host
What's not included
- International airfare — prices are cruise only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
- Airport and port transfers unless booked with Avalon air
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights (optional add-ons — see the hotels listed below)
- Optional excursions marked as such in the day-by-day
- Gratuities for the Cruise Director, crew and Local Guides
- Travel protection, and a single supplement for solo travelers unless a waiver promotion applies
The real cost of this trip
The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.
| Flights from South Florida | Not included. We price them with your dates; the ship's boarding cutoff is mid-afternoon on Day 1, so arriving the day before is the safe play. |
| Transfers | Airport-to-ship transfers are included only when air is booked through Avalon; otherwise we arrange a car. |
| Optional excursions | The olive-oil mill, cork factory and culinary tour are optional and priced separately. |
| Pre- and post-cruise nights | Avalon offers Porto hotel nights as add-ons; arriving the day before the 3:30 pm boarding cutoff is wise. |
| Cabin category | The 'from' price is the lowest category. Panorama Suites with the open-air balcony cost more; we quote the exact deck and category. |
| Gratuities | Crew, Cruise Director and Local Guide tips are extra; Avalon publishes guidance we share before you sail. |
| Travel protection | Not included. We recommend it for a cruise at this price point and quote it with the fare. |
| Solo travelers | A single supplement applies unless a waiver promotion is running on your departure — the dates feed shows current promotions. |
Good to know
- Water levels
- 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.
- Schedules
- 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.
- Visas
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Seasonal changes
- On March, October, and November departures, the program on day 2 and day 7 will be slightly revised due to nautical restrictions.
- 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.
- Price basis
- Per person, based on two sharing the lowest cabin category, cruise only — flights from home not included. Higher categories and suites are quoted on request.
- Start and finish
- 8 Days from Porto to Porto.
Group minimums
Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.
| Tier | What you get |
|---|---|
| 8+ cruisers | Group discounts begin at 8 travelers. |
| 10+ cruisers | Avalon's published group terms include a free traveler at 10+ — we'll confirm exact terms when we quote. |
| 20+ cruisers | Custom pre- or post-cruise itinerary; larger groups can explore partial or full ship charters. |
Gallery
Questions we get about this trip
Is airfare included?
No. Prices on this page are cruise-only (plus the Cairo hotel nights on the Egypt itinerary). We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Avalon can bundle air with transfers.
What changes in the shoulder months?
Avalon notes that on March, second-half-of-September, October and November departures the Day 2 and Day 7 programs are revised because of nautical restrictions, and the Pocinho kayak excursion is replaced with a bike tour. The sites are the same; the order moves.
Which cabin is the 'from' price?
The lowest category on the Alegria. Most cabins are Panorama Suites; we quote the exact category and deck with your dates.
How much walking is there?
Excursions are guided walks in old towns, on cobbles and steps; the ship itself is easy to move around. Active options add bike rides and hikes; Classic options are the gentlest. Tell us if mobility is a concern and we will match the choices to it.
Which dates are cheapest?
Prices vary by departure and cabin — the dates table on this page reads Avalon's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season sailings are usually the lower-priced ones.
What if we need to cancel?
Avalon's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.
Cancellation policy
Avalon Waterways' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by cruise, cabin category and departure date; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: avalonwaterways.com/terms
