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Cruise Information

Explore the dreamy Douro River and discover why its name translates to ‘River of Gold’ as you sail on its gleaming waters through Portugal’s breathtaking panoramic beauty. Marvel at the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, cozy towns, and charming villages while sailing through some of the most spectacular views of Portugal. Before sailing, begin your vacation your way with a three-night stay in beautiful Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Enjoy guided sightseeing to see the city highlights, including Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Join an excursion to magnificent Palacio Nacional de Sintra. Stop in Coimbra for a city sightseeing tour before reaching Porto where you will board your Avalon Suite Ship® to start a delightful river cruise across Portugal!
 

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 start exploring the city joining a guided sightseeing. Enjoy a guided tour in the charming town of Lamego or meet the owner of one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley to sample the proud traditions of olive oil and wine. Enjoy a wine tasting in a local quinta or join a kayak adventure on the Douro River. 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. Discover the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile) following the guide of a professional painter. Immerse yourself in an emotionally stirring experience in Portugal’s city of Amarante or taste the unique Vinho Verde.
 

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.
 

What’s included:
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with pool, shade awnings 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 Center
Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:
Active shore excursions, both included and optional
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
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
 

Pricing per person based on double occupancy:
Deluxe Staterooms  – prices starting at $5,799 based on August 16th date
 

 

Available dates for 2026: March 15th, 22nd, and 29th, April 5th, 12th, and 26th, May 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 31st, June 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th, September 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, October 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, and November 1st.
 

Rates are cruise only and per person based on double occupancy. Airfare, insurance, and transfers are at an additional cost. Travel insurance is highly recommended, ask your travel agent for details. 
 

Passports are required and must be valid for six months after return date. Check CIBT.com for Visa Requirements
 

MEMBERSHIP CREDITS CANNOT BE USED FOR THIS VACATION
Itineraries are subject to change; port sequence, scheduled time, and/or day.  For the most updated cruise information, please visit www.avalonwaterways.com.
 

Travel specials are subject to availability and rates are subject to change.  Global Connections is not responsible for publishing/printing errors.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – LISBON, PORTUGAL
Your day in Lisbon is free to explore at your leisure.
DAY 2 – LISBON, PORTUGAL
Portuguese Treasures
You might opt to join an optional gastronomic walking tour to learn about the authentic flavors, aromas, and traditions of Portugal.
This evening you might join an optional excursion including a traditional Portuguese dinner, followed by a live concert of traditional Portuguese Fado music.
CLASSIC EXCURSION: 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.
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DAY 3 –LISBON- EXCRUSION TO SINTRA AND VISIT OF PALACIO NACIONAL
A Resplendent Royal Residence
In the morning you might join an optional excursion to learn how to bake the most well-known Portuguese tart, known as Pastel de Nata.
CLASSIC EXCURSION: This afternoon, 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.
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DAY 4 – LISBON- COIMBRA-PORTO (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Transfer to Porto to board your Avalon Suite Ship®
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
CLASSIC EXCURSION: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.
Overnight Docking in Porto
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DAY 5 – LISBON- PORTO ANTIGO- EXCURSION BRAGA AND GUIMARAES
Portuguese Panoramas
Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.
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.
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*.
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.
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DAY 6 – PESO DE REGUA
Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
Enjoy a short sailing to Pinhão.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhão to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terra cotta creations, and culinary delights, or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill or to visit Casa de Mateus.
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.
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.
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.
Overnight Docking in Pinhao
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DAY 7 – POCINHO
Kayaks and Quintas in the Douro Valley
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.
This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists.
Discovery Excursion: Join a Workshop conducted by a professional painter to discover the process of painting azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile).
Active ExcursionL Discover the Douro River by kayak on a guided adventure through Portugal’s stunning valley. Enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.*
Discovery Excursion: 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 Excursion: 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.
Overnight Docking in Barca D'Alva
*On March, second half of September, October & November a bike tour will be offered to replace this excursion.
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DAY 8 – BARCA D'ALVA- EXCURSION TO SALAMANCA
The Reign in Spain
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
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:
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 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.
Overnight Docking in Ferradosa
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DAY 9- FERRADOSA- LEVERINHO- EXCURSION TO AMARANTE
Mountains and Moving Music
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River.
This evening, enjoy an onboard live entertainment.
Discovery Excursion: Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration.
Discovery Excursion: 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 Excursion: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante – poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marão mountain and the Tâmega River, which courses through the heart of the city and assortment of houses lining the riverbanks.
Overnight Docking in Leverinho
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DAY 10- PORTO
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
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.
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.
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.
Classic Excursionl 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.
*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.
Overnight Docking in Porto
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DAY 11- PORTO (DISEMBARKATION)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
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Ship Information

Ship: Alegria

The Avalon Alegria delights river cruisers with exceptional experiences and the elegant yet relaxed luxury you've come to expect from Avalon Waterways. As the newest addition to our fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Alegria certainly lives up to its name, meaning happiness, which flows from stem to stern on this 262-foot ship. Choose from 14 deluxe staterooms or 37 Panorama Suites® with a spacious capacity of just 102 passengers. Choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's signature window-facing "Beds with a View." Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an Adventure Center with complimentary active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and on board fitness classes and activities. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh® menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Make yourself at home in the Club lounge with a variety of coffees, teas, cold beverages, and pastries while settling in with your pick of books, cards, and board games.


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