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Continue Your Journey
8 Day Vida Portugal
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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.
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.
*14 nights in the same stateroom: + $100pp (double occupancy)
*14 nights in the same stateroom: +$200pp (single occupancy)
*There are only a limited amount of staterooms available on each sailing where moving is not going to be necessary.
Your Cruise
- 8 Day Vida Portugal Cruise
- Taxes
Avalon Waterways Booking Bonus
- FREE Airfare from select CAD gateways (book by October 12)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine and beer with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
- Complimentary soft drinks offered throughout the day
- Expert Cruise Director
- Friendly, English-speaking staff
- Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
- Adventure Center with active gear, bicycles and e-bikes, and fitness class information
- Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
- Complimentary AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise, including schedules, daily itineraries, dining and bar menus, and more!
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access on Europe Avalon Suite Ships®
- Updated Fitness Center with cardio, free weights, and Kinesis weight machines
- Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs
- Sky Deck whirlpool (plunge pool on Avalon Alegria)
- Sky Deck game area
- Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining
- Upscale bar serving premium spirits
- Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games
- Club Lounge 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies and snacks available throughout the day
- Fresh fruit available throughout the day
- Complimentary water stations
- Elevator
- Non-smoking interior
- Exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM
- Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door
- Premium personal amenities, including L’Occitane® bath products
- English-language TV channels with 50+ free movies
Priority Access
» Priority check-in
» Priority access to specialty restaurant reservations
» Priority line at the Guest Services desk
» Priority line at the Shore Excursions desk
» Priority access to tenders ashore in select ports
» Priority disembarkation
Premium Dining
» Expanded 24-hour room service breakfast menu
» Pinnacle Class ships: Private dining venue for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
» All other ships: Priority seating in the Dining Room for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu
Exclusive Amenities
» Complimentary stateroom upgrade
» Dedicated concierge service
» Welcome glass of sparkling wine on embarkation day
» Premium bathrobes
» Club Orange keycard
» Exclusive Club Orange tote bag (one per stateroom)
More information
Dom Luis I Bridge
The Dom Luís I Bridge, or Luís I Bridge, is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. At its construction, its 172 metres span was the longest of its type in the world.
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Ribeira
Ribeira is Porto’s biggest heart-stealer. Its UNESO World Heritage maze of medieval alleys zigzag down to the Douro River. A picturesque piazza where tourist and locals mingle, with taverns, restaurants, shops and the perfect place to see the iconic Luis I Bridge.
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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 by 5:00 PM.
- Free time to explore Porto at your leisure.
- Scenic sailing to see Porto from a unique perspective.
- Dinner on board and time to explore the ship.
Overnight: Docked in Porto
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 — Porto & Porto Antigo
Portuguese Panoramas
Choose from the following included excursions:
Porto Sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Continue to the riverside city of Matosinhos.
- Travel along Avenida da Boavista and see Porto’s modern side, including avant-garde graffiti and street art.
OR
Braga & Guimarães
- Full-day guided tour of Braga, exploring its Celtic history and Roman heritage.
- Visit Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- See the castle and San Miguel Church.
Evening
- Enjoy a performance of Portugal’s soulful Fado music with local musicians on board.
Overnight: Docked in Porto Antigo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seasonal note: On March, the second half of September, October, and November departures, the Braga & Guimarães excursion is offered on Day 7 instead. Day 2 may instead feature a bike tour or Porto wine tasting.
Day 3 — Peso da Régua & Pinhão
Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
Choose from the following included excursions:
Douro Valley Farm Visit
- Visit one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley.
- Meet the owner and tour the property.
- Enjoy a wine tasting.
OR
Wine Painting Class
- Join a resident artist for a unique painting experience inspired by the culture of wine.
OR
Lamego Walking Tour
- Guided walking tour of charming Lamego.
- Taste the local bola de Lamego with sparkling wine.
- See landmarks including Lamego Cathedral.
Later
- Short sailing to Pinhão.
- Free time to stroll through the riverside town.
Overnight: Docked in Pinhão
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Pocinho & Barca d’Alva
Kayaks and Quintas in the Douro Valley
- Relaxing cruise to Pocinho through the Terra Quente region.
Choose from the following included excursions:
Azulejo Painting Workshop
- Learn how to paint traditional Portuguese tiles (azulejos) with a professional artist.
OR
Douro River Kayaking
- Guided kayaking adventure through the Douro Valley.
- Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
OR
Quinta & Wine Tasting
- Visit a historic vineyard estate.
- Taste red, white, and Port wines.
- Learn about the region’s winemaking heritage.
OR
Portuguese Language & Culture Workshop
- Learn essential Portuguese words and phrases.
- Discover stories and cultural insights about the Portuguese language.
Evening
- Onboard Flamenco show with local artists.
Overnight: Docked in Barca d’Alva
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seasonal note: On March, April, the second half of September, October, and November departures, a bike tour replaces the kayaking excursion.
Day 5 — Barca d’Alva & Salamanca
The Reign in Spain
Choose from the following included excursions:
Freixo de Espada à Cinta
- Guided tour of one of Portugal’s most remote villages.
- Located within the Douro International Natural Park.
- See the area's spectacular birdlife and birds of prey.
OR
Castelo Rodrigo
- Explore the historic hilltop village.
- Walk its medieval streets.
- Discover Hebrew inscriptions and crosses carved into historic buildings.
OR
Salamanca, Spain
- Full-day excursion to historic Salamanca.
- Explore streets and squares featuring Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Plateresque architecture.
Evening
- Live entertainment on board.
Overnight: Docked in Ferradosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 — Ferradosa & Leverinho
Mountains and Moving Music
Morning
- Leisurely sailing through the Douro River.
Choose from the following included excursions and onboard experiences:
Pastry Demonstration
- Onboard pastry demonstration.
OR
Wine Lecture
- Learn more about the wines of the Douro region.
OR
Vinho Verde Experience
- Visit a wine-producing property.
- Taste Vinho Verde, a distinctive Portuguese white wine.
OR
Casa de Mateus
- Guided visit to Casa de Mateus.
- Explore this iconic estate associated with Mateus Rosé.
- Enjoy a tasting of locally produced wine.
Evening
- Live entertainment on board.
Overnight: Docked in Leverinho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 — Porto
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
Choose from the following included excursions:
Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia Bike Tour
- Guided bike tour along the Douro River waterfront.
- Enjoy views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
OR
Port Wine Cellars
- Guided visit to a Port wine cellar.
- Learn about grape harvesting and wine production.
- Finish with a wine tasting.
OR
Porto Sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit Matosinhos.
- Travel along Avenida da Boavista.
- Experience Porto’s blend of historic streets and modern street art.
Afternoon
- Free time to explore Porto independently.
- Stroll through cobblestone streets, shops, and tapas bars.
- Enjoy Porto’s nightlife.
Overnight: Docked in Porto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seasonal note: On March, the second half of September, October, and November departures, Porto sightseeing, the bike tour, and Porto wine tasting are offered on Day 2. The Braga & Guimarães excursion is offered on Day 7 instead. Alternatively, enjoy a morning of sailing and free time in Porto in the afternoon.
Day 8 — Porto | Disembarkation
Your cruise comes to an end.
- Breakfast on board.
- Disembarkation in Porto.
Meals: Breakfast
However, no representation or description of the protection made by CruisePlus Management Ltd to you, constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the protection. We (CruisePlus) are not an insurance company and we do not have the responsibility for ensuring adherence to the insurance terms & conditions, submission, payment or adjustment of claims.
We strongly suggest you read through the insurance information provided upon purchase and email us with any questions.
Covid-19 is considered a known event and exclusions apply for most, if not all policies.
