Portugal River Cruise 03Nov-13Nov 2024!

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  Explore the dreamy Douro River and discover why its name translates to ‘River of Gold’ as you sail on our newest Suite ShipSM -- the Avalon AlegriaSM . With 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama SuitesSM, the Alegria carries a capacity of just 102 passengers, giving you the room to relax and the space to savour the spectacular panoramas of Portugal’s Douro River. Here, vineyards cling to steep slopes along the river where 2,000-year-old traditions of winemaking are cherished in the charming villages in one of Europe’s oldest countries. Cruise your way by choosing our Douro River cruise with extra nights in legendary Lisbon before your cruise. 

  DAY 1

• Welcome to Lisbon.
  
  Your day in Lisbon is free to explore at your leisure

 DAY 2

• Portuguese Treasures
• ClassicExplore Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, with a Local Guide. Do not miss the must-see sights, including Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
• This evening you might join an optional excursion including a traditional Portuguese dinner, followed by a live concert of traditional Portuguese Fado music.

Breakfast 

 DAY 3

• A Resplendent Royal Residence
• ClassicVisit the magnificent National Palace of Mafra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex, which includes the Royal Palace, basilica, and convent, is the most important monument to Baroque architecture in Portugal.
• You might opt to join an optional gastronomic walking tour to learn about the authentic flavors, aromas, and traditions of Portugal.

Breakfast 

 DAY 4

• Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
• ClassicStop 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.
• Transfer to Porto to board your Avalon Suite Ship®
  
  Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

 DAY 5

• Portuguese Panoramas
  
  Visit the Adventure Center on board for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
• DiscoveryStep back in time within the walls of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque with a fascinating introduction to its symbolism and architecture. Enjoy an excursion with an exclusive visit to one of the most iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era with entrance to a XIII century church and be enchanted by sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir, OR:
• ClassicEnter 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. Celebrate your experience with a stop at one of the area’s many wine farms and enjoy a tasting.
• Sample green wine and famous pastries with stops en route to Régua.
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO ANTIGO

Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

 DAY 6

• Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
• DiscoveryExperience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including an olive oil and wine tasting, OR:
• ClassicTake a guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua —with its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles, and stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral, followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego and sparkling wine in a local pastry shop.
• 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.
  
  This evening, consider an optional excursion to enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner hosted by the local farmers.
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PINHÃO

Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

 DAY 7

• Written in Stone
  
  Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.
• DiscoveryDiscover 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 where a wealth of remarkable prehistoric rock paintings and carvings were discovered as the most significant collection of open-air Palaeolithic figurations known today. Before returning to ship, enjoy a tasting of the unique wine of the region, OR:
• ClassicJoin a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains. Visit a local farm for a delightful wine tasting where sustainable farming practices have recovered some of the region’s 100 original grape varieties.
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

 DAY 8

• The Reign in Spain
  
  Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
• ClassicJoin 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:
• ClassicGet 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. Dive into a delicious dish of the traditional Spanish delicacy, tostón asado (traditional roast suckling pig).
• In the afternoon you might wish to join our optional excursion to enjoy a do-it-yourself workshop to learn how to bake traditional Florinhas (Portuguese pastries).
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN POCINHO

Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

 DAY 9

• 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 optional excursion to 18th-century Casa de Mateus – birthplace of Mateus Rosé wine and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
• ClassicJoin 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.
• Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.
  
  Enjoy a scenic sailing to Porto for a free evening to explore the city.
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

Breakfast Lunch Dinner 

 DAY 10

• Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
• ActiveEnjoy 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;
• ActiveCLASSIC 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:
  
• This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production. 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.
• OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

BreakfastLunchDinner 

 DAY 11

• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast 

Itinerary is subject to change!