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.
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 Mafra. Stop in Coimbra for a city sightseeing tour before reaching Porto where you will board Alegria, the newest ship from Avalon Cruises, to start a delightful river cruise across Portugal!
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. Relax and watch the world go by in our Observation Lounge for the perfect vantage point to peruse Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley and vineyards. Stretch out on the Sky Deck with a swimming pool, premium lounge chairs, and shade system to relax while sailing through Portugal’s most spectacular views!
Inclusions
- 7 night deluxe cruise aboard the BRAND NEW Avalon Alegria
- Meals on board: Daily breakfast buffet; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel
- Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise
- Book by Apr 30: Save up to $1500 per cabin! (price reflects discount)
| Cruise Only | Riverview | Balcony | Taxes & Fees |
| Jul 10, 2024 | $303 | ||
| Jul 24, 2024 | $303 | ||
| Nov 20 or 27, 2024 | $303 | ||
| Apr 16, 2025 | sold out | $310 | |
| Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2025 | $310 | ||
| July 9-Aug 13, 2025 | $310 | ||
| Sep 2, 2025 | $310 | ||
| Oct 22, 2025 | $310 | ||
| Nov 4 or 12, 2025 | |
$310 | |
| Pre Paid Gratuity add from $163 per person | |||
Promotions can be withdrawn at anytime without notice.
Other dates are available.
Extend your stay with 3 nights in Lisbon! Please call for more information!
Vacation Highlights
Day 1 Porto (Embarkation):
Onboard welcome reception
Day 2 Entre Os Rios. Excursion to Braga and Guimarães:
Choice of guided sightseeing in Braga and Guimarães, or Romanesque tour
Day 3 Peso da Régua:
Choice of guided sightseeing Peso da Régua and Lamego or farm visit with tasting
Day 4 Pocinho:
Choice of guided sightseeing in Freixo de Numão or guided sightseeing in Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Day 5 Barca d’Alva. Excursion to Salamanca:
Choice of guided sightseeing in Salamanca or guided sightseeing in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Day 6 Ferradosa-Leverinho. Excursion to Amarante:
Onboard tile painting workshop or pastry demonstration; guided sightseeing in Amarante
Day 7 Porto:
Choice of guided sightseeing or bike tour
Day 8 Porto (Disembarkation):
Your cruise ends this morning
Itinerary
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 ship by 5 pm.
Your day in Porto is free to explore at your leisure.
You may choose to join an afternoon guided optional culinary tour if arriving early today. Experience some of Porto’s most famous sights and most delectable dishes with regional wine.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO
Dinner
Day 2: PORTO–PORTO ANTIGO. EXCURSION BRAGA AND GUIMARÃES
Portuguese Panoramas
Visit the Adventure Center on board for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
DISCOVERY: Step 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: 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. 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 3: PESO DA RÉGUA
Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
DISCOVERY: Experience 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: CLASSIC: Take 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 4: POCINHO
Written in Stone
Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.
DISCOVERY: Discover 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: CLASSIC: Join 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 5: BARCA D’ALVA. EXCURSION TO SALAMANCA
The Reign in Spain
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
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: 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. 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 6: FERRADOSA–LEVERINHO. EXCURSION TO AMARANTE
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.
CLASSIC: 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.
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 7: PORTO
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde
ACTIVE: Enjoy 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;
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, 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
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast- 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.
- 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.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Included for Every Avalon Guests
You’ve always forged your own path… with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind – offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you’ll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.
Throughout the Ship
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Panoramic windows
- Elegant, contemporary design & décor
- 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
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
- New in 2023 – 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
Health and Fitness
- Bikes
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Canoe and kayak excursions
- Fitbits®
- Walking Sticks
- Binoculars
- Daypacks
- Yoga Mats
- Fitness bands
Suites & Staterooms
- Open–Air BalconiesSM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
- Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L’Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked mini-bar
Avalon Choice
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.
CLASSIC Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
DISCOVERY We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests – from cooking classes, to painting workshops – to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
ACTIVE Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go – from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
