Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

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.

This evening an illumination sailing will show you Porto from a different prospective.

Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

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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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO ANTIGO

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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 a 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.

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 afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Casa de Mateus.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PINHÃO

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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 Palaeolithic figurations known today. OR:

CLASSIC Join a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains filled with vast vineyards and granite houses. This little suburb is filled with Roman, Medieval, and modern ruins.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA

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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 paella.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN FERRADOSA

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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 onboard pastry demonstration .

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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LEVERINHO

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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 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.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO

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PORTO (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

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• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favourites
• 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 appetisers, 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 fibre, 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 flavoured and infused water available throughout each day

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FOR THE MOVER.

Whether you enjoy sightseeing by kayak, on two wheels, or on your own two feet, you’ll relish the energy of Avalon’s Active excursion collection. Biking, hiking, and boating tours pack real get-up-and-go for those who like to do the same.

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FOR THE DOER.

An awakening for the senses, Avalon’s Discovery excursions present heartwarming, brain-tingling, hands-on adventure. Pull up a chair to hear a Viennese waltz, roll up your sleeves to paint like Van Gogh, or grab an apron to whip up a local delicacy.

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FOR THE DREAMER.

Nothing beats the classics! Avalon’s Classic excursions put you in the story with timeless tales on guided tours in iconic cities, capitals, and castles. Skip the lines while your heart skips a beat in the rooms where history happened. 

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Adventure Center with gear and guidance to explore your way. Avalon Adventure Host℠ to direct or accompany you on active pursuits. Also included? Freedom. The freedom to enjoy river cruising your way. You’re not like everyone else.

• Bikes
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Fitbits®
• Walking Sticks
• Binoculars
• Daypacks
• Yoga Mats
• Fitness bands

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The Club Lounge can be found on the Royal Deck, 

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The Panorama Lounge can be found on the Royal Deck.

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You can find the Sky Lounge, Sky Grill, and Pool on the Sky Deck.

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Guest Services can be found on the Royal Deck, next to the Adventure Center.

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Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon SuiteShip features a state-of-the-art fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation.

Yoga on board

Before you set out to discover the lives of kings, queens and conquerors, you can easily find your inner warrior, cobra or happy baby. Avalon Adventure Hosts kick-start each day with a combination of yoga poses, Pilates exercises and gentle stretches in the fresh morning air on the Sky Deck or with panoramic views in the Panorama Lounge. Downward dogs welcome.

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ROOM FEATURES

• Elegant, contemporary design
• Fixed window
• Comfort Collection Beds
• Luxurious mattress toppers
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Soft & firm pillows
• Extra blankets
• Choice of bed configuration
• One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Full-length mirror
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Direct-dial telephone
• Well-stocked minibar
• Complimentary filtered water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Full shower with glass door
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Lighted makeup mirror
• Hairdryer
• Writing desk and chair
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• USB Ports

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ROOM FEATURES

• Elegant, contemporary design
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
• Comfort Collection Beds
• Luxurious mattress toppers
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Soft & firm pillows
• Extra blankets
• Choice of bed configuration
• One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Full-length mirror
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
• Direct-dial telephone
• Well-stocked minibar
• Complimentary filtered water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Full shower with glass door
• Lighted makeup mirror
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Hairdryer
• L'Occitane bath products
• 6-person sitting area
• Writing desk and chair
• Sofa
• Coffee table
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• USB Ports