Travel Conception LLC

FESTIVE SEASON ON THE DOURO

Nov 24 - Dec 1, 2027

Full ItineraryDaily OverviewPricing
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Diane Pajak

Travel Conception LLC

Overview

Trade ordinary holidays for extraordinary moments along the Douro Valley this festive season. Onboard our newest ship, the Avalon AlegriaSM, you’ll cruise through the River of Gold’s dramatic slopes and famous vineyards just as the first Christmas lights begin to glow. Embark on your river cruise in Porto, where the days are spent exploring Port wine cellars and ancient avenues, and the nights are filled with the soulful sound of Fado. As we sail toward the Spanish border, the scenery shifts to the medieval walls of Castelo Rodrigo and the golden stone of Salamanca. Whether you’re learning to bake Portuguese pastries, crafting traditional Christmas ornaments, tasting Vinho Verde at a historic estate, or wandering through the hilltop castle in Guimarães, with Avalon, you’re free to follow your curiosity and celebrate the season your way. Discover the world’s oldest demarcated wine region at its most magical, with festive traditions, seasonal flavors, and a glass of Port never out of reach.

Day 1 · Wed, Nov 24 · Porto, Portugal

About Your Cruise Line - Avalon Waterways

Face it. We’ve redefined River Cruising. No other fleet of river cruise ships offers you a view of the world like Avalon. Relax in spacious Panorama Suites, where beds actually face the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows - so you can fall in love with every heart-melting view. Aboard our award-winning Suite Ships - awarded Best River Cruise Line and Best Cabins by Cruise Critic – you’ll enjoy bigger experiences and smaller crowds. From your choice of daily excursions to complimentary Happy...

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About Your Ship - Avalon Alegria

Explore Portugal's dazzling Douro River on Avalon's newest addition to our award-winning fleet of Suite Ships®. The Avalon Alegria delights river cruisers with exceptional experiences and the elegant yet relaxed luxury you've come to expect from Avalon Waterways.

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Porto

12:00AM

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, see Por...

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Day 2 · Thu, Nov 25 · Porto, Portugal

Porto

12:00AM

PORTO-CALDAS DE AREGOS Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde ACTIVE Discover a different side of Porto on a guided festive hike through historic quarters, panoramic viewpoints, Christmas celebrations, and centuries of local history, OR: DISCOVERY Enjoy ...

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Day 3 · Fri, Nov 26 · Régua, Portugal

Régua

12:00AM

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: DISCOVERY Join a wine painting class with the guida...

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Day 4 · Sat, Nov 27 · Pocinho, Portugal

Pocinho

12:00AM

POCINHO Bikes and Quintas in the Douro Valley Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region. DISCOVERY Join a Workshop conducted by a professional painter to discover the process of painting azulejos (traditional Portugue...

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Day 5 · Sun, Nov 28 · Barca d’Alva, Portugal

Barca d’Alva

12:00AM

BARCA D’ALVA. EXCURSION TO SALAMANCA The Reign in Spain 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 m...

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Day 6 · Mon, Nov 29 · Foz do Sabor, Portugal

Foz do Sabor

12:00AM

FOZ DO SABOR-PORTO ANTIGO Mountains and Moving Music This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River. DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration. DISCOVERY Join us to visit a wine-producing property and taste the freshness and...

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Day 7 · Tue, Nov 30 · Porto, Portugal

Porto

12:00AM

PORTO Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde Enjoy a leisurely sailing morning to Porto or join an included excursion to Braga and Guimarães. CLASSIC Enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an emp...

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Day 8 · Wed, Dec 1 · Porto, Portugal

Porto

12:00AM

PORTO (DISEMBARKATION) Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port w...

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