7-Night Luxury River Cruise on the Douro Valley, Portugal – Avalon

A Luxurious 7-Night Journey Through Portugal’s Wine Country

Price Per Person
Starting at TWD 175,000

Category

Category

Board the luxurious Avalon Alegria and cruise along the ribbon-like Douro River as it winds through northern Portugal—into the birthplace of Portuguese wine, timeless villages, and terraced vineyards carved into the hillsides. This journey along the “River of Gold” invites you to discover: - Portugal’s oldest wine regions and family-owned estates - The historic city of Salamanca and the UNESCO-listed historic center of Porto - Traditional Azulejos tile artistry and authentic Vinho Verde tastings - A thoughtfully balanced itinerary combining guided experiences with time for independent exploration

Transportation & Hotel
  • Gratuities included
  • Three meals daily onboard included
  • Seven nights’ accommodation aboard Avalon Alegria
  • Coffee, tea, and light snacks available throughout the day
  • Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with all meals
Sightseeing tour
  • Complimentary excursions include
    (Details will be provided upon embarkation. The following is for reference only.)
    • City tours of Braga & Guimarães
    • Visits to local farms and estates, including wine tasting and olive oil tasting
    • Kayaking along the river to admire the terraced vineyards
    • Wine tasting at a historic “Quinta” estate
    • Hands-on Azulejos (traditional blue tile) workshop
    • Vinho Verde wine tasting
  • Optional paid excursions are also available for purchase.
Insurance
  • Travel Consultation
  • Travel Insurance (Overseas Coverage)
    • NT$3,000,000 Overseas Travel Accident Insurance
    • NT$1,500,000 Accidental Medical Expense Reimbursement
    • NT$1,000,000 Emergency Rescue Coverage
      (Applicable only when traveling on flights departing from Taiwan.)
  • Travel Liability Insurance
    • NT$5,000,000 Personal Accident Liability Insurance
    • NT$200,000 Medical Insurance
      (Applicable only when traveling on flights departing from Taiwan.)
  • Mobile Internet/Data Plan

Trip Rules

  • Price per person (based on double occupancy):
  • Deluxe Stateroom: from TWD 175,000+
  • Panoramic Suite (highest category): from TWD 218,000+
  • Cruise fares are subject to change. Book early to secure the best available rates!
  • Unlike most river cruises, gratuities are already included in the cruise fare.
  • Departure Dates:
    Weekly departures every Wednesday from March 18 to November 4, 2026
    Excluding April 15, April 22, and May 27
  • Not Included:
    • International airfare
    • Personal onboard expenses
    • Optional activities or services not listed in the itinerary

Trip Map

Preview
Preview

Detailed Itinerary

Avalon Alegria – River Cruise Introduction
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AVALON Stateroom Facilities

Panorama Suite: 200 sq ft / 18.6 sqm Deluxe E: 172 sq ft / 16 sqm Deluxe D: 180 sq ft / 16.7 sqm Exclusive Comfort Collection Beds® with adjustable mattress firmness Egyptian cotton linens, bathrobes, slippers, and premium L’Occitane® bath amenities Individual climate control (heating and air conditioning) and a spacious glass-enclosed shower Complimentary TV channels (including English movies), in-room safe, minibar, and ample storage space

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AVALON Stateroom Facilities & Comfort Features

Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and Open-Air Balcony® staterooms Modern and elegant interior design, equipped with elevators; non-smoking throughout the ship English-speaking guided services, with a friendly captain and professional English-speaking crew Indoor panoramic lounge and an outdoor Sky Deck featuring a pool, sun loungers, and shaded areas

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AVALON Dining & Culinary Offerings

Avalon FlexDining® with flexible dining times Freshly prepared multi-course meals created daily by the onboard chef All-day coffee and tea service, with pastries and light snacks Outdoor Sky Deck barbecue (weather permitting) Complimentary in-room dining, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner Panorama Bistro offering relaxed, tasting-style menus Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with all meals Daily Happy Hour featuring complimentary selected spirits, cocktails, and beverages

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Panorama Suite – Premium All-View Stateroom
  • Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with an Open-Air Balcony®
  • Exclusive sofa seating and a coffee table
  • Choice of twin beds or one king-size bed
  • River-facing beds, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your bed
  • A more spacious layout featuring a dedicated seating area and comfortable living space

Deluxe Stateroom E – Standard Deluxe Category
  • Fixed windows (no Open-Air Balcony® and no floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows)
  • Well-appointed amenities, including a minibar, USB outlets, and L’Occitane® bath products
  • Comfortable beds with premium cotton linens and pillow options
  • Glass-enclosed shower in the bathroom, with a choice of twin beds or one king-size bed
  • Only four of these staterooms per ship—our most in-demand, limited-availability category
Deluxe Stateroom D – Standard Class
  • Fixed window (no private balcony and no floor-to-ceiling panoramic window)
  • Fully equipped with minibar, USB charging ports, and L’Occitane bath amenities
  • Comfortable bedding with premium cotton linens and a choice of pillows
  • Bathroom with glass-enclosed shower; available in double or twin bed configuration
  • Compared to the entry-level Stateroom E, this category offers an additional single seating area

Day 1: Arrival in Porto & Embarkation
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Arrive in Porto in the afternoon and enjoy time at leisure to explore this charming Portuguese city.
Embarkation takes place in the early evening (no later than 5:00 PM).
In the evening, enjoy a Porto by Night sailing, offering a unique perspective of the Douro River and the city illuminated after dark.

Dinner|Onboard dinner

Overnight in Porto

Day 2 Exploring the Historic Northern Cities of Braga & Guimarães
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Choose one of the following excursions:

[In-depth Porto Experience]
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic old town, the riverside district of Matosinhos, and the city’s contemporary art and street culture.

[Northern Portugal Historic Cities Tour]
A full-day excursion to Braga and Guimarães, tracing a journey through Roman and medieval history.
In certain seasons, this tour may be replaced with a cycling experience or a Port wine tasting.

Evening:
Enjoy a traditional Portuguese Fado music performance on board.

Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight:
Docked at Porto Antigo

Day 3 Peso da Régua
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Choose one of the following experiences:

[Estate Tour & Wine Tasting]
Visit one of the oldest wine estates in the Douro Valley, where the host personally leads the tour and hosts a guided tasting.

[Wine Painting Experience]
Under the guidance of a local artist, create a Portuguese cultural artwork using wine as the artistic medium.

[Lamego Historic Town Tour]
Stroll through the historic town of Lamego and enjoy local bola de Lamego pastries paired with sparkling wine.

Afternoon:
Cruise to Pinhão, with free time to explore the local market or join optional excursions at additional cost, such as:
– Visit to an olive oil estate
– Tour of the Casa de Mateus Palace
– Exploration of traditional Douro Valley villages

Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight:
Docked at Pinhão

Day 4 Pocinho
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Choose one of the following experiences:

[Azulejos Tile Painting Workshop]
Learn the centuries-old Portuguese art of decorative tiles from a master artisan.

[Kayaking or Cycling Experience]
Under guidance, kayak along the Douro River to enjoy the valley’s natural scenery.
This special activity may be replaced by a cycling experience depending on local weather conditions.

[Historic Winery Visit]
Admire the stunning vineyards and cellars while tasting red, white, and Port wines.

[Portuguese Language & Culture Workshop]
Join an onboard interactive session to learn practical Portuguese words and expressions, combined with stories and cultural insights that bring the language to life.

Evening:
Enjoy a Portuguese Flamenco-style performance on board.

Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight:
Docked at Barca d’Alva

Day 5: Spanish Border – Salamanca or Medieval Town
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Choose one of the following experiences:

[Salamanca Full-Day Tour]
Explore the Spanish university city and UNESCO World Heritage sites, featuring a rich variety of architectural styles.

[Freixo de Espada à Cinta Village]
Discover the natural reserve and observe local birdlife in this charming village.

[Castelo Rodrigo Hilltop Village]
Visit an ancient village with traces of Jewish heritage, offering expansive and breathtaking views.

Evening:
Return to the ship to enjoy live entertainment on board.

Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight:
Docked at Ferradosa

Day 6 Amarante
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Morning:
Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Douro River.

Then choose one of the following experiences:

[Vinho Verde Wine Tasting]
Visit a local winery at the production area and sample Portugal’s fresh and vibrant Vinho Verde.

[Amarante Town Visit]
Explore this picturesque medieval riverside town, known for its charming bridges and historic churches.

[Onboard Dessert Demonstration]
Learn how to prepare traditional Portuguese desserts during a live onboard demonstration.

Evening:
Enjoy onboard entertainment.

Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight:
Docked at Leverinho

Day 7 Porto
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Choose one of the following experiences:

[Guided Cycling Tour]
Cycle through Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, enjoying scenic riverside views along the way.

[Port Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting]
Gain insight into the winemaking process and sample classic Port wine styles.

[In-depth Porto City Tour]
Explore a cityscape where historic landmarks and modern architecture coexist.

Afternoon:
Free time to join optional excursions at additional cost, such as:
– Aveiro Canal Cruise (the “Venice of Portugal”)
– Visit to a family-run cork factory
– Porto culinary and food culture experience

Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Overnight:
Docked at Porto

Day 8: End of Journey
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After breakfast, disembarkation. Optional post-cruise extensions to Lisbon or other Portuguese cities can be arranged.

FAQs

Can I join if my English is not very good?

We recommend participants have a basic understanding of spoken English, as most shore excursions are conducted in English. If assistance is needed, Chinese-speaking group interpretation can be added, or a private guide can be arranged upon request.

I don’t like being tied to a fixed schedule. Can I explore freely?

Absolutely! Suggested shore excursions are offered daily, but participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to explore on your own at your own pace.

Will I experience seasickness?

The Douro River is calm and smooth, and seasickness is rare. The ship is highly stable and docks frequently, ensuring a comfortable journey.

What is included in the price?

The price includes accommodation, daily meals, onboard facilities, and most shore excursions. Airfare, pre- or post-tour extensions, and private transfers can be added upon request.

Can extended trips be arranged?

Of course! We recommend combining the cruise with a 3-day Lisbon extension or connecting to other Southern European cities. Please contact our travel consultant for personalized arrangements.
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