A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to explore Europe. Imagine unpacking once and seeing multiple cities, charming villages, and breathtaking riverside scenery from the comfort of a floating hotel. If you’re a food and wine traveler, a Douro Valley river cruise with Avalon Waterways should be at the top of your list.
Where is the Douro River Basin?
Often referred to as the “River of Gold,” the Douro is one of Europe’s most stunning waterways. From its origins in Spain, the Douro flows westward through northern Portugal before eventually emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, passing through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the European continent. Its banks are dotted with terraced vineyards that produce the region’s famous Port wine, and the waters of the Douro have been a lifeline of trade and culture for centuries.
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning scenery, steep hillsides and wineries dotting the landscape. This majestic river blends unique natural beauty, rich history and lush vineyards, making it an ideal destination for a river cruise.
Douro Valley River Cruise: Depart from Porto
We are invited to join Avalon Passage Join Avalon Alegria, the newest member of the Suite Ships® fleet, on its inaugural Douro cruise. Meaning “happiness” in Portuguese, Avalon Alegria fully captures the spirit of joy and celebration inherent in Portuguese culture.
I was delighted to discover that the interior of the boat was decorated with traditional azulejos (tiles) as well as contemporary design elements, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Our trip started in Porto, staying in a Panoramic Suite. If you’re not familiar with the Panoramic Suite, it’s a little different than other river cruises because instead of a balcony, it features floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows that open up to transform the entire room into an open-air balcony. It’s a beautiful way to cruise because you get an unobstructed view of the scenery along the way. And, the bathroom is also exceptionally large for a river cruise because of the extra space.
After leaving Porto on our first day of sailing, the Douro River offers a beautiful landscape. The terraced vineyards along the riverbank bear witness to the region’s winemaking tradition, while the small, quaint villages offer a glimpse into Portugal’s traditional way of life.
Partner Offer: Save an extra $100 per person on select Avalon Waterways cruises in 2024 and 2025: Ask and receive TRAVELBITE
Guimarães – Birthplace of the Portuguese Nation
The second day of our trip saw us visit Guimarães, a city often referred to as the ‘birthplace of the Portuguese nation.’ After a guided walking tour and some souvenir shopping, we drove to Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa.
Set on the hills of Guimarães with views over the city, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa is a stunning historic hotel housed in a 12th-century Augustinian monastery.
This architectural gem perfectly blends medieval charm and modern luxury, with lush gardens, cloisters and a gorgeous tiled staircase.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa offers a rich surprise for experiencing Portuguese history and culture.
Of course, we also had a port wine tasting before heading back to the boat, which was the perfect way to end the day.
Douro Valley Hiking
On day three, we took on a more exciting adventure with a stunning hike in the Douro Valley. This expedition took us through lush landscapes and terraced vineyards that spoke of Portugal’s ancient traditions and treasured flavors.
Even before we reached the vineyards, the terraced landscape was lush and green with citrus trees, towering cypresses and wisteria. Pinhao It offers stunning views of the Douro River and its surrounding vineyards.
After a relaxing hike, we tasted port wine exist Bonfim Estatesituated on the banks of the Douro River.
Quinta do Bomfim is renowned for producing the finest Port wines of the 20th century, continuing a tradition that spans five generations.
After the wine tasting, we walked to BomFim 1896 for an exquisite off-boat lunch while enjoying stunning views of the Douro River.
Here we tasted authentic cuisine designed by Michelin star chef Pedro Lemos. It was a day combining physical activity with good food, a truly unforgettable experience.
Explore Porto by bike and discover wine
Day four of our cruise was a mix of activity and exploration, so Pete and I each took different excursions based on our personal interests; I loved wine tasting, and he loved biking!
Accompanied by a professional biologist guide, Pete took a boat tour of the Douro River’s marina and Porto’s magnificent coastal scenery. During the trip, he breathed in the fresh sea air, admired the beautiful scenery on the beach, and gained an in-depth understanding of marine flora and fauna.
Through the visit, I got to know more about Portugal’s wine culture. WOW Cultural Zone Located in Vila Nova de Gaia. This area honors the history and achievements of Portuguese innovators and creators. WOW also has an amazing view of the city of Porto. After having a coffee and taking some photos of Porto, we visited the Cork Museum and learned about the interesting process of cork harvesting and production.
At the end of the day, we visited a famous wine cellar with a century-old history. Fonsecawhere I experienced the precious tradition of Port wine. The highlight was witnessing the subtlety of opening a bottle of vintage Port with fire. This sensory journey included stories and legends of the cellar and ended with time to taste the exquisite flavors passed down through generations of winemakers and masters.
Because there are too many Visit in PortoI recommend leaving a few extra days at the beginning or end of your Douro River cruise to allow more time to explore Portugal’s second largest city. (Be sure to check out our Porto Online Guide!
On board, Alegria
It was an absolute treat to be on board the Avalon Alegria. There is a swimming pool on board! This is the first swimming pool I have seen on a river cruise. I will have to bring my swimsuit next time.
Even if you don’t plan on swimming, the sky deck is a great spot to take in the view, and there’s plenty of seating.
One of the culinary highlights was watching the chef’s pastry demonstration where he shared his grandmother’s cherished almond tart recipe, filling the air with the sweet aroma of tradition. I have yet to try this recipe at home, but when I do, I will be sure to share it.
Passing through the Carrapatero Dam, the deepest lock in Europe, is also an impressive feat and a unique experience on a Douro Valley river cruise.
I was also impressed by the ship’s strong focus on sustainability – there were no single-use plastics on board, and instead we had access to water refill stations that even offered vitamin water with natural flavors like ginger and lime.
We loved frequenting the club lounge at the back of the ship where we would often visit the coffee station for coffee and a bite to eat.
Every moment aboard the Avalon Alegria was a blend of luxury, sustainability, and pure joy. We can’t wait to sail with them again! If you’re interested in a Douro Valley river cruise with Avalon Waterways, we have the following partnership promo codes for you:
Partner Offer: Save an extra $100 per person on select Avalon Waterways cruises in 2024 and 2025: Ask and receive TRAVELBITE
