Discovering The Douro & Porto

Itinerary

Description

Discover the wonderful Alto-Douro Valley and join us for an immersive seven-night cruise of gastronomic delights, culture and history surrounded by truly spectacular vistas! Beginning in Porto, famed for its colourful merchant houses and splendid Old Town, we follow the famous River Douro as our cruise laces its way across the border between Portugal and Spain; its banks peppered with enchanting vineyards, unspoilt walled villages, peaceful hillsides and sun-drenched terraces crammed with olive groves. This is an enchanting tour of sleepy villages and charming towns, with sumptuous dining experiences and a few culinary and cultural evenings of entertainment thrown in for good measure! There’s also the opportunity to visit the ancient Spanish city of Salamanca on an optional tour.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Flight to Porto, Portugal & embarkation in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)

Fly to Porto in Portugal and transfer to the A-ROSAALVA in Vila Nova de Gaia for the start of our seven-night Douro cruise. We enjoy a welcome dinner on board this evening.

Das 2 – Régua & Pinhão

We depart the city after breakfast and sail to Régua; the largest town on the banks of the Douro in this wine-growing valley. Being such a beautiful place it’s no wonder the Alto Douro region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The town played a fundamental role in the production and marketing of port wine, which was transported away by sailing boat from as early as the 18^th century. Take the opportunity to join an excursion to Lamego available from Régua and spend the day visiting one of Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage sites.

Our next stop is the peaceful town of Pinhão. Located in the famous port wine region, in an area where the Douro and its surrounding landscape are at their most picturesque, the town is encircled by enchanting vineyards and the quintas that produce the wine. The town is also famed for its train station covered in blue and white azulejo tiles depicting various scenes of Portuguese life. From Pinhão, visit the nearby Quinta da Avessada for an included tour, wine tasting and local evening dinner at the Quinta.

Day 3 – Vega de Terron

This morning, we enjoy an included port tasting at Quinta da Roeda, famed for its unusual ‘pink port’.

Continue to the Spanish port town of Vega de Terron lies on thePortuguese border, surrounded by lush landscapes. Beautifully unspoiled, the town has a charming laid-back atmosphere and boasts a mix of Portuguese and Spanish influences. The beautiful Chafariz dos Pretos fountain, set in the market square, is the ideal place to relax with a glass of port.

The town also serves as a gateway for excursions to the ancient city of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to the 13^th century. The city is full of intricately carved golden sandstone churches, palaces and plazas, giving it the nickname La Dorada, the golden city, while its historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4 – Barca d'Alva

Beginning our journey back west, we moor up in Barca d’Alva, a quaint Portuguese river port near the Spanish border. This tranquil town is shadowed by mountains and bordered by terraced vineyards and attractive olive and almond groves. While we are here, take the opportunity to discover Salamanca – nicknamed ‘The Golden City,’ for its ornate pinky-gold sandstone in the sunshine; it is considered one of one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

Day 5 – Pocinho & Pinhão

Leaving Barca d’Alva, we make a short stop in the small village of Pocinho, close to Pocinho Dam. Don’t miss the wonderful excursion to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo; surrounded by almond trees, whose blossom brightens the landscapes, this village is known as the ‘white city’. Visit the ruins of the castle and explore the pretty, narrow streets before we continue our scenic journey, arriving back in Pinhão in the late afternoon.

Day 6 – Régua & Bitetos

We moor up back in Régua in the morning, with free time to explore at leisure. Why not visit one of the area’s iconic wine-making institutions, take a stroll along the pretty riverside or explore the Douro Museum to learn more about the valley’s wine-producing history. The optional excursion to Lamego is definitely recommended; this charming little town is also one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites.

In the evening we arrive in Bitetos, a tiny port nestled in the Douro Valley built over the ruins of a Roman settlement. As well as Roman ruins, the most popular attraction of Bitetos is Alpendurada, an 11^th-century Benedictine monastery.

Day 7 – Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)

We arrive back in Vila Nova de Gaia. The day is left free to explore at leisure. Perhaps visit one of the famous port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia or head across to the north bank of the river to Porto. The gleaming azulejo tiles adorning church walls and townhouse façades are one of the typical sights of Portugal’s second-largest city, with plenty of mesmerising landmarks at every turn. We enjoy a farewell dinner on board this evening.

Day 8 – Disembarkation in Vila Nova de Gaia& Porto

We disembark in Vila Nova de Gaia and transfer to our hotel in Porto, where we stay for two nights with breakfast included. The rest of the day is free to discover more of the city’s treasures.

Day 9 – Day at leisure

Enjoy a relaxing day at the hotel or why not venture into Porto’s Old Town? This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is plaited with atmospheric alleyways and historical buildings. 

Day 10 – Flight home from Porto

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Porto airport for our return flight home.

Optional Excursions

With A-ROSA, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring the local sights at your leisure or choosing from a range of optional excursions, which are bookable on board. From tours through ancient cities and trips through impressive landscapes to action-packed and fun-filled experiences, there is so much choice! In many cities, you have the opportunity to visit the country and its people with a guide and driver. Your on-board host will happily provide you with more information.

Coach Bullets

• Return flights to Porto
• Return transfers between the airport, ship & hotel
• 7-night round-trip cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto), Portugal on a premium all-inclusive basis:
• Breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet or à la carte dining
• Special welcome & farewell dinners
• Regional specialties
• Afternoon tea & snacks
• Free room service
• Tea, coffee & water available all day & evening
• High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine & a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks (exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges & champagne)
• 15% discount on spa treatments
• Bottled water, bathroom products, bathrobe & slippers in the cabin
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna & fitness room
• On-board entertainment (includes up to two cultural performances)
• Guided tour of Quinta da Avessada (includes tasting & dinner)
• Excursion to Quintada Roeda (includes tastings)
• Free A-ROSA app to help you explore
• Services of an on-board Guest Relations Manager
• Port taxes
• 2 nights at the Eurostars Heroismo Hotel, Porto (JG4 rating) with breakfast
• Free time in Porto

Please note: there is no seating or dress code on the ship; free table times ensure a relaxed atmosphere among guests.

Search Bullets

• 7-night round-trip cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto), Portugal on a premium all-inclusive basis:
• Breakfast, lunch & gourmet buffet or à la carte dining
• Special welcome & farewell dinners
• Regional specialties
• Afternoon tea & snacks
• Free room service
• Tea, coffee & water available all day & evening
• High-quality drinks (11am-11pm): soft drinks, beers, sparkling wine & a selection of wines, cocktails and long drinks (exceptions are specialities subject to surcharges & champagne)
• 15% discount on spa treatments
• Bottled water, bathroom products, bathrobe & slippers in the cabin
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free use of all on-board facilities such as sauna & fitness room
• On-board entertainment (includes up to two cultural performances)
• Guided tour of Quinta da Avessada (includes tasting & dinner)
• Excursion to Quintada Roeda (includes tastings)
• Free A-ROSA app to help you explore
• Services of an on-board Guest Relations Manager
• Port taxes
• 2 nights at the Eurostars Heroismo Hotel, Porto (JG4 rating) with breakfast
• Free time in Porto

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Cabins

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Accommodation

A-ROSA ALVA

With a maximum of 126 passengers, well-appointed cabins and a casual dress code throughout, A-ROSA ALVA offers a spacious sun deck with a heated outdoor pool, plenty of recliners, sunshades and even a putting green. The comfortable outside-facing cabins feature a shower/WC, safe, air-conditioning, TV, hairdryer, telephone and free Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant, plus a panoramic lounge with bar and dance floor. We can also make the most of the spa, gym and relaxation areas during our time on board (spa treatments at extra cost).

Price shown is based on two people sharing an outside cabin with picture windows. Single cabins on request.

Cabin upgrades available (situated on higher decks and complete with Juliette balconies to enjoy watching the delightful riverscapes pass by). Subject to availability.

We spend the last two nights at the Eurostars Heroismo Hotel, Porto (JG4 rating) located just 2km from the Romanesque Porto Cathedra. This sleek and stylish hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Other amenities include a contemporary restaurant with a cocktail bar, a garden patio and free Wi-Fi.