Discovering the Douro & Porto

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

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.

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

We continue to the Spanish port town of Vega de Terron, which lies on the Portuguese 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.

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.

There is the option to join a 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.

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 Leverinho, a charming port nestled in the Douro Valley.

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.

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.

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, with hidden gems waiting around every corner.

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